A Story of Action

“The story of the Hickory Chamber of Commerce* is a story of action. A story of people working together to get things done for the good of their community.”  I proudly smiled as I read these opening lines of a true gem that I discovered this week contained in a book that was published to commemorate the City of Hickory’s Centennial in the year 1970. The title of the article, “Chamber of Commerce Contributes to Growth” contains remarkable history, of not only this organization, but of our community through decades of both progress and set-backs. As I studied the words it was as if I flew back in time almost hovering over the very conversations and heated debates that took place amongst the early businessmen who led the organization, whose names are only recorded by their first and second initial and last name. 

If there was an issue impacting business or community prosperity, they tackled it. From discussions regarding the location of the railroad depot to filling the need of bringing a daily newspaper to town, which resulted in the Hickory Daily Record. From war mobilization plans during both World Wars to lobbying for an airport and later Piedmont Airlines for regional travel. From introducing bills to allow a natural gas authority to pursuing efforts to locate an educational institution in Hickory which resulted in the Catawba Valley Technical Institute, presently known as Catawba Valley Community College. From hiring a professional consultant to analyze community health needs which resulted in the building of Catawba Valley Memorial Hospital, presently known as Catawba Valley Health System, to efforts which resulted in the establishment of the first post office and the construction of Interstate 40. From the first economic development deals which relocated legacy businesses such as Surry Chair Company, known as Hickory Chair Company of present day, to seeing the need for a roller mill to make flour in Hickory, to the recruitment of companies such as Pacific Mills and Gaylord Container Corporation in 1945 and Hyalyn Porcelain Company in 1946, just to name a few. The Chamber sought bus transportation for students and successfully acquired funds from the state legislature for this purpose. They sought minimum housing standards which paved the way for federal housing assistance in Hickory. They developed industrial sites, revitalized downtown, addressed critical infrastructure needs and even turned insolvent community events profitable. 

It was also amazing to see how many of the community issues we are addressing today that have come full circle. In 1968, the Chamber began Careers Unlimited Day to show local students the many career opportunities that exist in the Hickory area. In addition, they cooperated with Catawba Valley Technical Institute in establishing curriculum for furniture manufacturing. A critical housing shortage was noted in 1919 and members of the Chamber tried several different approaches to encourage builders to build more houses. 

There are many aspects of the organization of 1908 that are vastly different today, but the core and very purpose of our existence has not changed. If there’s an issue impacting business, our Chamber acts and leads to address and tackle it on behalf of our Shareholders, Investors and the greater community. It’s incredibly humbling to play a role in the history of this organization and this community, alongside the talented and influential business and community leaders that I have the privilege of serving with. I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for those professional men of long ago who engaged around those board room tables with like-minded dedication driven by passion for building a community that would continue to grow and sustain itself over a century later. 

The end of the article stated, “There is no end to a Chamber of Commerce history. It will continue for as long as the businesses which support it survive.” As I asked myself, my team and my Board of Directors during our meeting this week – What will be written 50 years from now? It will be a story of action. A story of people working together to get things done for the good of their community. 

(*It’s important to note that the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce was formed after the merger of the Hickory Chamber and the Newton-Conover Chamber in 1972. The history of this article is specific to one of the organizations. I covet the any records of history of the Newton-Conover Chamber of Commerce – if you have any records or know where I can find them, please contact me at 828-328-6111 or lkeisler@catawbachamber.org.)