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Nine decades in the making

Anderson County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 90 years: ‘Working for business’ since 1932

  • Motorists driving U.S. 25W were welcomed to Clinton by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. As the chamber grew, the welcome signs were extended to the edges of Anderson County as the organzation became the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce.

  • In 1932 R.C. “Dudley” Hoskins, owner of Hoskins Drug Store, was first president of the Clinton Chamber.

The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce announces the milestone of “working for business” for 90 years.

A small group of 10 businessmen gathered to start a Clinton Businessmen’s Association, and named it “The Clinton Chamber.” The first president was R.C. “Dudley” Hoskins, owner of Hoskins Drug Stores, and meetings were held at Hoskins Drug Store.

During the presidency of Hazel Carden of Carden Realty in 1971 (first female president), the name was changed to the Greater Clinton Chamber of Commerce.

To reflect countywide service, the name was changed to the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce in 1984 after it was suggested by President Frank Carmichael of Clinton Home Center.

The chamber has served the community through its community partners and membership investments, which promote strategic initiatives that support existing business, encourage new business growth, and make a difference in all aspects of the community.

Working with chamber members, community partners, volunteers and civic leaders, the chamber has achieved tremendous growth during the past 90 years and has celebrated an abundance of successes.

From 10 businessmen to more than 630 members today, the chamber looks forward to continuing its mission to encourage economic development and community partnerships for an improved quality of life for its community and citizens.

The chamber invites people to join as it celebrates 90 years of “working for business.”

Multiple events are scheduled throughout the year to celebrate this milestone.

The chamber’s annual Business and Awards Luncheon is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at Faith Promise-Anderson Campus.

To learn more, visit andersoncountychamber.org, or call the chamber at 865-457-2559.