TROY CHAMBER CELEBRATES 90 YEARS
CO-OPERATION WINS FOR TROY!
This headline ran on the May 1, 1925 front page of the Troy Free Press announcing the progress made by the Troy Chamber of Commerce in its first three months of existence. Factories were choosing to make Troy their home and gravel roads were the newest form of progress. In 1957 the Chamber named its inaugural Man of the Year recipients – Claude Brown and Ed Hopkins. Betty Hunter became the organizations first female president in 1969.
Over the years the Chamber played an active role in bringing jobs and industry to Troy. From jobs to road improvements, the community betterment program and more, the Chamber has been blessed by many individuals stepping up for the good of Troy.
The early 1990’s saw a new opportunity for the organization. Led by Bud Creech, Creech Brothers Trucking, and Donald Thompson, Sr., Peoples Bank & Trust, the Chamber was successful in obtaining the contract with the State of Missouri to run the Troy License Office. Carolyn Mooney served as office manager throughout the duration of the Chamber’s operation of the office. This contract was held until May of 2014 and
instrumental in achieving our goal of owning our own facility enhancing the benefits and services of the Chamber not only for our members but for the Troy community. This facility opened in August 2010.
In 1997 the Chamber hired its first Executive Director. Charla Whalen-Mueller came on board to further the work of the Chamber thanks to a community development block grant and the fundraising efforts of many individuals wanting to move our community forward. Leah Boessen-Wand followed Charla as executive director from 1999-2000. Executive Director Kerry (Lenk) Klump has worked for the Chamber since January 2001. Administrative Assistant Mikayla Tillman joined us in May 2013.
With the addition of full-time staff the Chamber has been able to introduce the community to programs such as Leadership Troy, the Newcomer’s Guide/Troy on the Move publication, Taste of Lincoln County, better relationships/communication with our elected officials at all levels of government, Career programming in the Troy School District, the new Troy Young Professionals Network, business expos and more.
Much has changed in 90 years, but the dedication of the Chamber’s Board and this community to move Troy forward is much the same. Today the Chamber proudly represents 370 members with over 7,000 employees through advocacy, business development and connections. Since 2005, the Chamber has served as the
contracted economic development and tourism entity for the City of Troy.
We are Troy on the move.
We celebrate this milestone thanks to the support of our membership and the Troy community.
Indeed, cooperation wins for Troy!
Ron Mills, President
2015 Chamber Board of Directors
