ORLEANS- In 1944, the Orleans Chamber of Commerce was created by a group of local citizens seeking to advance their community’s commercial, industrial, economic, and civic interests. Today, the organization has progressed and broadened its scope, involving community representatives with varying interests but a common focus on future growth and development of the Orleans community in the areas of education, health, environment, and overall quality of life—all in addition to the Chamber’s original intent.
With one of its main areas of focus being the downtown business district, the Chamber has been instrumental in revitalization efforts. The group has spearheaded many beautification projects, such as welcome signs, street banners, holiday decorations, floral displays, and the enhancement of downtown storefronts. Semi-annual beautification awards are presented to encourage businesses and residents throughout the community to create a more appealing and attractive local environment.
Perhaps the Chamber’s efforts toward advocacy and tourism are further reaching. Hosting legislative forums two to three times annually, the organization gives local citizens the chance to meet and converse with their state officials, hear their views on current issues, and offer support and/or opposition to those views.
From the downtown visitors’ center, the Orleans Chamber of Commerce also offers informational materials about Orleans, including maps, directories, brochures, resource materials, and internet information. This makes it easy for visitors and locals to access the events, attractions, and local flavor of Orleans and the surrounding area.
The Chamber also sponsors the town’s signature event, the Orleans Dogwood Festival, the annual Fall Festival, and Christmas on the Square. The group also sponsored its popular Summer Concert in the Park series for several years. Its Business After Hours events allow local business owners and leaders, their customers, and the general public alike to network and learn more about the local commercial structure and the types of businesses and services available in the area.
More than 90 members strong, the Orleans Chamber of Commerce is governed by a 12-member board of directors representing a broad range of local interests. As staunch supporters of local business and commercial efforts, the Chamber meets several times throughout the year to give and receive insight and information that will encourage its mission of enhancing our community.
Today, the Orleans Chamber of Commerce’s directors and officers include Board Chair Thomas Lamb of Mid-Southern Savings, Vice-President Randy Clark of the Town of Orleans, Secretary Vicki Gross of The Progress Examiner, Treasurer Janelle Springer of Springer Insurance and Sunny’s Naturals, Greta Lewellyn of Freestyle Salon & Boutique, Curtis Ralston of Jasper Group, Bonnie Bolinger of Feminine Mystique, Angie Clark of Hoosier Hills Credit Union, Mr. Jimmy Ellis of Orleans Community Schools, Michele Hardman of Hardman Promotions and Pat Hall of Pat’s Plants and Gift Shop, After serving for several years as the group’s president/CEO, Robert Henderson now fills the position of the Chamber’s first-ever Executive Director, where he maintains the day-to-day affairs of the organization.
For more information about your local Chamber of Commerce, visit us on the Internet at www.historicorleans.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Orleans-Chamber-of-Commerce.
