Belpre Area Chamber was formed in 1929 and chartered in 1934. Through its over 90 years, the Chamber of Commerce has served its community by providing a forum for business leaders to gather and plan for growth both in physical expansion and economic development. 

 

The Chamber’s mission evolved as the times changed, and was honed into the current “Mission and Vision “developed by the 2014 Board of Directors. These guidelines are still utilized as each board’s direction today.  

 

Mission:  “Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce supports and advances business and economic growth by providing educational and networking opportunities that promote cooperative partnerships.”

 

Vision: “Create stronger communities by creating stronger businesses.

 

Throughout the years, necessary changes in the city and region seemed to match economic growth, and attempts were made by chamber leaders throughout the decades to lure retail and industrial enterprises to the growing city. New neighborhoods housing workers’ and administrators’ families needed to be built. The heyday of economic growth came when Shell Chemical located a major plastics manufacturing facility in 1961, followed by several expansions, resulting in today’s Kraton facility.

 

The Chamber itself continued to grow, transforming a picnic shelter and concession stand into the current offices bordering Howe’s Grove Park. With a current role of over 236 members, our history has led the Chamber to today’s position: a growing membership, an expanded influence in economic and business growth, and acting as a facilitator of or partner in many economic development efforts in the region.

 

Partnerships with other groups have led to the actualizing of BACC Mission and Vision. Currently, BACC Economic Development Committee is partnering with the City of Belpre and on the enacting of economic development strategic plan, with funding coming from community partners plus Belpre Area Community Development Foundation.

 

BACC currently partners with many organizations and agencies for the benefit of membership as well as community members. Small Business Development Center at Marietta provides a full menu of services to start-ups as well as evolving businesses. Belpre Church of Christ and Belpre Senior Center serves as host sites for our events.

 

Neighboring chambers of commerce are our partners in many events and activities that benefit common members or the municipalities we serve in our adjoining footprints.

 

Belpre Area Chamber hosts ribbon-cuttings and grand openings, partnering with our members in these exciting landmark events.

 

Chamber Ambassadors conduct visits to members, thanking them for their strength and resilience in these challenging months..

 

Belpre Area Chamber hosts or partners with business or non-profit sponsors to provide monthly networking  breakfasts, luncheons and “lunch and learns” to share information about businesses and services.

 

Our Annual Dinner held in October each year attracts over 175 guests to celebrate accomplishments of the Chamber, its members and the community.

 

Expanding and retaining business, community service, partnering with groups and community leaders, and pushing out information to members and citizens keeps the Chamber and its board of directors “laser-focused” on its role to “create stronger communities and stronger businesses”.

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