The Adrian Chamber of Commerce was formed in 2001
with a very enthusiastic group of business people. The first
meetings to plan the formation of the “new” Chamber were held in the
Adrian Bank. We took great advantage of the Adrian Bank’s generosity
and wonderful refreshments. It was evident by the second
gathering that a Chamber would be formed.
Randy Pike
was elected to be our first president with Phyllis Bunch, Julie
Gilman, Steve Hubbard, and Don Arndt serving as board members.
We
incorporated 4/25/2001 and started off with several plans to promote
business in Adrian.
Almost
immediately we decided to have a special gathering of business
owners come to different businesses once a month taking turns for
the locations. These meetings would basically consist of
refreshments and trading ideas. Always starting early before opening
times and ending so everyone could get to their business. These were
known as “Business About Town” or BAT meetings.
By 2003
membership had grown to over 80 members and we were held our 2nd
Annual Spring Banquette. A new Chamber Web site was designed
and put into use. The new Adrian Community Library had been the
brain child of the Chamber of Commerce and had become a reality. The
new library board was formed/appointed by the C of C board and
became a true success to be proud of.
By 2007 the Chamber was sponsoring many new events around the community too numerous to mention. The chamber has been a tremendous shot in the arm for the small town of Adrian Missouri and the future looks bright for both the town and the Chamber.