Changes

| predecessor      = [[Wooster Board of Trade]]; [[Wooster Chamber of Commerce]]

| predecessor      = [[Wooster Board of Trade]]; [[Wooster Chamber of Commerce]]

| successor        =  

| successor        =  

| foundation      = [[Wooster, Ohio]] ({{Start date|1908}})

| foundation      = [[Wooster, Ohio]] ({{Start date|1893|06|10}})

| founder          =  

| founder          =  

| defunct          = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} Please KEEP this total field-->

| defunct          = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} Please KEEP this total field-->

====1970====

====1970====

*  Members were appointed to five standing committees: Executive, Finance & Budget, Ambassador & Public Relations, Keep Pace with Tomorrow, and Industrial. Other committees were appointed as needed.

*  Members were appointed to five standing committees: Executive, Finance & Budget, Ambassador & Public Relations, Keep Pace with Tomorrow, and Industrial. Other committees were appointed as needed.

*  The old airport was closed and the land sold to a group of investors. Mr. Perrone estimated it would take 10 years to fully develop the area as an industrial park.

*  The old airport was closed and the land sold to a group of investors. Mr. {{Surname|Perrone}} estimated it would take 10 years to fully develop the area as an industrial park.

*  Costs relating to the dedication ceremony at the new airport were underwritten by the Wayne County Community Improvement Corporation.

*  Costs relating to the dedication ceremony at the new airport were underwritten by the Wayne County Community Improvement Corporation.

*  The city reviewed and revamped sections of the zoning ordinance at the request of a Chamber committee.

*  The city reviewed and revamped sections of the zoning ordinance at the request of a Chamber committee.

*  Merchants discussed the advisability of a change in retail store hours.

*  Merchants discussed the advisability of a change in retail store hours.

====1971====

====1971====

*  Recruitment of new industry was hindered by the natural gas shortage.

*  Recruitment of new industry was hindered by the natural gas shortage.

*  [[Walter Jones Construction, Incorporated]] offered to buy the 24-acre parcel south of the Route 30 by-pass. The board accepted his offer.

*  [[Walter Jones Construction, Incorporated]] offered to buy the 24-acre parcel south of the Route 30 by-pass. The board accepted his offer.

*  Members of the winning College of Wooster basketball team and their coaches were feted at the February board meeting. Ernie Infield was thanked for the liaison he was providing between college and community.

*  Members of the winning College of Wooster basketball team and their coaches were feted at the February board meeting. Ernie {{Surname|Infield}} was thanked for the liaison he was providing between college and community.

*  Councilman Stype reported that 31 people had filed for the Charter Commission.

*  Councilman {{Surname|Stype}} reported that 31 people had filed for the Charter Commission.

*  Ed Myers recommended organizing two retail divisions, one to serve downtown, the other to serve uptown.

*  Ed {{Surname|Myers}} recommended organizing two retail divisions, one to serve downtown, the other to serve uptown.

*  Mr. Sklorman commended the Chamber for its role in making the new bus station possible.

*  Mr. {{Surname|Sklorman}} commended the Chamber for its role in making the new bus station possible.

 

====1972====

====1972====

*  The board reviewed the City Charter which would take effect January 1, 1973.

*  The board reviewed the City Charter which would take effect January 1, 1973.

*  The sum of $5,000 was earmarked for industrial development.

*  The sum of $5,000 was earmarked for industrial development.

*  Farmaster, Inc., Wooster's newest industry, was welcomed.

*  [[Farmaster, Inc.]], Wooster's newest industry, was welcomed.

*  Negotiations proceeded with Mr. Hock of Wooster Sportswear who was interested in constructing a new plant on Old Airport Road.

*  Negotiations proceeded with Mr. {{Surname|Hock}} of Wooster Sportswear who was interested in constructing a new plant on Old Airport Road.

*  Mayor Stype spoke on the downtown mall proposal, outlined the problems, and repeated his assertion that it was mandatory to preserve the core of the city.

*  Mayor {{Surname|Stype}} spoke on the downtown mall proposal, outlined the problems, and repeated his assertion that it was mandatory to preserve the core of the city.

 

====1973====

====1973====

*  A huge crowd attended the grand opening of the new Grant Store in Portage Plaza.

*  A huge crowd attended the grand opening of the new Grant Store in Portage Plaza.

*  Ray Dix was elected to the board of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

*  Ray {{Surname|Dix}} was elected to the board of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

*  President Nixon's wage price freeze applied to Chamber dues, allowing no dues increase after June 8.

*  President Nixon's wage price freeze applied to Chamber dues, allowing no dues increase after June 8.

*  The Retail Division hired Mr. Alexander, a New York planning consultant, to give advice on the proposed downtown mall. He determined, during his initial visit, that Wooster had all of the elements of a good downtown business area, but felt Wooster's 9-year-old Master Plan was out of date, did not really take the downtown into consideration, and recommended a 4-month in-depth study of the downtown business district.

*  The Retail Division hired Mr. {{Surname|Alexander}}, a New York planning consultant, to give advice on the proposed downtown mall. He determined, during his initial visit, that Wooster had all of the elements of a good downtown business area, but felt Wooster's 9-year-old Master Plan was out of date, did not really take the downtown into consideration, and recommended a 4-month in-depth study of the downtown business district.

*  Board approval was given to the suggestion by downtown business people that a downtown association be formed within the Retail Division.

*  Board approval was given to the suggestion by downtown business people that a downtown association be formed within the Retail Division.

*  The proposed parking token system would encounter further delay since it was discovered that the tokens fit car washes, laundromats, and telephones.

*  The proposed parking token system would encounter further delay since it was discovered that the tokens fit car washes, laundromats, and telephones.

====1974====

====1974====

*  Eighty-five people listened as the Lawrence Alexander Company presented their plan for downtown rejuvenation, more popularly known as the mini-mall plan.

*  Eighty-five people listened as the [[Lawrence Alexander Company]] presented their plan for downtown rejuvenation, more popularly known as the mini-mall plan.

*  City Council was exploring the feasibility of building a parking garage on S. Buckeye Street including commercial space at street level.

*  City Council was exploring the feasibility of building a parking garage on S. Buckeye Street including commercial space at street level.

*  The board endorsed the Walnut Street location for the new justice center.

*  The board endorsed the Walnut Street location for the new justice center.

*  The grand opening of [[Hawkins Cafeteria]] caused Earl Hawkins's absence from the May board meeting.

*  The grand opening of [[Hawkins Cafeteria]] caused Earl {{Surname|Hawkins}}'s absence from the May board meeting.

*  Mayor Stype's report regarding Wooster's All-American City nomination prompted a motion by the board to send Russ Lugenbeal to San Diego to assist in the effort to win this award.

*  Mayor Stype's report regarding Wooster's All-American City nomination prompted a motion by the board to send Russ {{Surname|Lugenbeal}} to San Diego to assist in the effort to win this award.

 

====1975====

====1975====

*  Lapel badges, decals, bumper stickers, and window banners were designed to be sold by the Retail Division during the week-long schedule of activities celebrating Wooster's selection as All-America City.

*  Lapel badges, decals, bumper stickers, and window banners were designed to be sold by the Retail Division during the week-long schedule of activities celebrating Wooster's selection as All-America City.

*  The Chamber strongly opposed the city's flood way zoning ordinance and, additionally, requested repeal of the 1974 flood plain zoning ordinance, citing that this legislation could cause the loss of vital industrial and commercial investments. The city ordinances were amended.

*  The Chamber strongly opposed the city's flood way zoning ordinance and, additionally, requested repeal of the 1974 flood plain zoning ordinance, citing that this legislation could cause the loss of vital industrial and commercial investments. The city ordinances were amended.

*  The Chamber also opposed the recently enacted Wooster sign ordinance.

*  The Chamber also opposed the recently enacted Wooster sign ordinance.

*  Through the efforts of Les Gigax and the Chamber, [[LuK Incorporated]] was located on Old Airport Road. Funds were raised for site improvement.

*  Through the efforts of Les {{Surname|Gigax}} and the Chamber, [[LuK Incorporated]] was located on Old Airport Road. Funds were raised for site improvement.

 

====1978====

====1978====

*  A 78-year precedent was broken with the election of the first women ever to serve on the Chamber's Board of Directors. Beginning their terms in January were Sherry Weyer of Sherry's Card Shop and Alice Horn of [[Horn Convalescent and Nursing Home]].

*  A 78-year precedent was broken with the election of the first women ever to serve on the Chamber's Board of Directors. Beginning their terms in January were Sherry {{Surname|Weyer}} of [[Sherry's Card Shop]] and Alice {{Surname|Horn}} of [[Horn Convalescent and Nursing Home]].

*  A steering committee was appointed to study the creation of a [[Wayne County Community Foundation]]. Following its establishment, the foundation was housed in the Chamber office until it could become self-sustaining.

*  A steering committee was appointed to study the creation of a [[Wayne County Community Foundation]]. Following its establishment, the foundation was housed in the Chamber office until it could become self-sustaining.

*  The Chamber urged the county commissioners to allocate more funding for the airport, and supported the establishment of an Ohio Agricultural Museum.

*  The Chamber urged the county commissioners to allocate more funding for the airport, and supported the establishment of an Ohio Agricultural Museum.

====1979====

====1979====

*  A financing package, through the Wayne County Community Improvement Corporation, was completed to help Stitz, Inc., acquire the property of [[Astro Metallurgical Inc]], guaranteeing that this company would remain in Wooster, preserving over 250 jobs.

*  A financing package, through the Wayne County Community Improvement Corporation, was completed to help [[Stitz, Inc.]], acquire the property of [[Astro Metallurgical Inc]], guaranteeing that this company would remain in Wooster, preserving over 250 jobs.

*  Chairman Wepler informed the board that a new group had been formed to improve downtown both physically and operationally. The threat of a mall was being used as the motivational force to energize and impel those with investments downtown to review the situation and to improve the downtown to the extent that a mall would not seriously impinge upon or injure the economics of the downtown.

*  Chairman {{Surname|Wepler}} informed the board that a new group had been formed to improve downtown both physically and operationally. The threat of a mall was being used as the motivational force to energize and impel those with investments downtown to review the situation and to improve the downtown to the extent that a mall would not seriously impinge upon or injure the economics of the downtown.

*  Four new downtown businesses opened: Gringos, Francavilla's Restaurant, Newberrys, and the Twin Cinema.

*  Four new downtown businesses opened: [[Gringos]], [[Francavilla's Restaurant]], [[Newberrys]], and the [[Twin Cinema]].

*  The Chamber offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for downtown vandalism.

*  The Chamber offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for downtown vandalism.

*  The Downtown Merchants Association discussed opening on Sundays during the Christmas season.

*  The Downtown Merchants Association discussed opening on Sundays during the Christmas season.

*  Following a slide presentation "A Look at Wooster" by the Wooster Community Design Commission, Chairman Wepler summed up stating we had an obligation to accentuate the positive by preserving those things which were good. Little agreement was reached on "what is beautiful."

*  Following a slide presentation "A Look at Wooster" by the Wooster Community Design Commission, Chairman {{Surname|Wepler}} summed up stating we had an obligation to accentuate the positive by preserving those things which were good. Little agreement was reached on "what is beautiful."

 

====1980====

====1980====

*  Concerns surrounding a proposed mall to be built on the outskirts of the city led to an extensive evaluation of four major areas of impact the Mohican Mall might have: environmental, legal, economic, and population growth. Because the Chamber's purpose clearly states it is to support economic growth in the entire city, the Chamber took no position on this issue.

*  Concerns surrounding a proposed mall to be built on the outskirts of the city led to an extensive evaluation of four major areas of impact the Mohican Mall might have: environmental, legal, economic, and population growth. Because the Chamber's purpose clearly states it is to support economic growth in the entire city, the Chamber took no position on this issue.

*  The Board of Directors communicated to the Ohio Assistant Chief of the Division of Oil & Gas, their concern on the effect to Wooster's water supply of the oil and gas wells being drilled in the Killbuck Valley.

*  The Board of Directors communicated to the Ohio Assistant Chief of the Division of Oil & Gas, their concern on the effect to Wooster's water supply of the oil and gas wells being drilled in the Killbuck Valley.

*  The many Amish families who shop in Wooster enjoyed the convenience provided by a small barn and parking area for their horses and buggies built for them one block south of the square.

*  The many Amish families who shop in Wooster enjoyed the convenience provided by a small barn and parking area for their horses and buggies built for them one block south of the square.

*  Expansion assistance was given to Astro-Fab, Wayne Door, and United Titanium.

*  Expansion assistance was given to [[Astro-Fab]], [[Wayne Door]], and [[United Titanium]].

*  American Augers constructed a new plant on S. R. 3.

*  [[American Augers]] constructed a new plant on S. R. 3.

*  The Chamber recommended changes in the city's zoning code making it easier to bring new businesses to Wooster.

*  The Chamber recommended changes in the city's zoning code making it easier to bring new businesses to Wooster.

*  A $1,000 donation to the Shade Tree Commission continued the Chamber's ongoing support of this project.

*  A $1,000 donation to the Shade Tree Commission continued the Chamber's ongoing support of this project.

====1981====

====1981====

*  Technology Unlimited was assisted by the Chamber with their plans to locate in Wooster.  

*  [[Technology Unlimited]] was assisted by the Chamber with their plans to locate in Wooster.  

*  Following completion of 16 years as Chamber president, Russ Lugenbeal announced his retirement.

*  Following completion of 16 years as Chamber president, Russ {{Surname|Lugenbeal}} announced his retirement.

*  In November, Charles E. Manges, CCE, was hired as President by the Board of Directors, bringing 15 years of chamber experience to his new position.

*  In November, Charles E. {{Surname|Manges}}, CCE, was hired as President by the Board of Directors, bringing 15 years of chamber experience to his new position.

*  In preparation for 1982, the Directors approved the creation of 11 new committees: Ambassador, Legislative Affairs, Community Relations, Enrichment, Education, Communications, Small Business, Commercial & Retail Development, Retention & Expansion, Economic Expansion, and Economic Development.

*  In preparation for 1982, the Directors approved the creation of 11 new committees: Ambassador, Legislative Affairs, Community Relations, Enrichment, Education, Communications, Small Business, Commercial & Retail Development, Retention & Expansion, Economic Expansion, and Economic Development.

====1982====

====1982====

*  The scope of activities now being initiated by the Chamber necessitated the change in name from the Wooster Chamber of Commerce to the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce to better identify the increased involvement and range of projects being undertaken. Inquiries, averaging 75-100 per year, from potential new businesses and industries expressing interest in the Wooster area required extensive, up-to-date statistical information. Receipt of a P.I.C. grant enabled the Chamber to produce a 125-page economic study of Wooster and Wayne County to supply this vital information.

*  The scope of activities now being initiated by the Chamber necessitated the change in name from the Wooster Chamber of Commerce to the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce to better identify the increased involvement and range of projects being undertaken. Inquiries, averaging 75-100 per year, from potential new businesses and industries expressing interest in the Wooster area required extensive, up-to-date statistical information. Receipt of a P.I.C. grant enabled the Chamber to produce a 125-page economic study of Wooster and Wayne County to supply this vital information.

*  Chamber members actively assisted with plans for celebrating the city's 175th anniversary, and OARDC's 100th anniversary.

*  Chamber members actively assisted with plans for celebrating the city's 175th anniversary, and [[Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center|OARDC's]] 100th anniversary.

*  A tradition of 46 years was altered when the Chamber encouraged the city's retail and commercial businesses to stay open on Wednesday afternoon.

*  A tradition of 46 years was altered when the Chamber encouraged the city's retail and commercial businesses to stay open on Wednesday afternoon.

====1983====

====1983====

*  Realizing the potential economic impact of the tourism industry, the Chamber played a major role in the creation of the Wayne County Visitor & Convention Bureau to provide ongoing promotion of Wayne County as a tourist destination.

*  Realizing the potential economic impact of the tourism industry, the Chamber played a major role in the creation of the Wayne County Visitor & Convention Bureau to provide ongoing promotion of Wayne County as a tourist destination.

*  The giant Christmas tree atop Madison Hill was lit for the first time. Now an annual event, as the community gathers on the square to sing Christmas carols and officially open the Christmas season, this celebration of [[August Imgard]]'s first Wooster tree was made possible by a special Chamber committee whose original members included Jody Tyler, Dr. Burney Huff, and Al Burger.

*  The giant Christmas tree atop Madison Hill was lit for the first time. Now an annual event, as the community gathers on the square to sing Christmas carols and officially open the Christmas season, this celebration of [[August Imgard]]'s first Wooster tree was made possible by a special Chamber committee whose original members included Jody {{Surname|Tyler{{Surname|, Dr. Burney {{Surname|Huff}}, and Al {{Surname|Burger}}.

*  Economically, the Chamber continued to work with Premier Corp. to gain a right of way, now known as Venture Blvd., which opened the way to a new industrial park.

*  Economically, the Chamber continued to work with [[Premier Corp.]] to gain a right of way, now known as Venture Blvd., which opened the way to a new industrial park.

*  A distinctive new logo was designed for the Chamber.

*  A distinctive new logo was designed for the Chamber.

*  Pedestrians no longer "scrambled" in all directions at once across the square, after the Chamber recommended the elimination of this hazardous situation downtown.

*  Pedestrians no longer "scrambled" in all directions at once across the square, after the Chamber recommended the elimination of this hazardous situation downtown.

====1984====

====1984====

*  Ted Evan's melodious voice, followed by, the time is ---, the current temperature is ---, has been heard over 10 million times by area residents since the Chamber began providing the community with the time and temperature service in 1984.

*  Ted {{Surname|Evan}}'s melodious voice, followed by, the time is ---, the current temperature is ---, has been heard over 10 million times by area residents since the Chamber began providing the community with the time and temperature service in 1984.

*  Responding to requests for additional Chamber membership activities led to sponsorship of the first Chamber Golf Outing.

*  Responding to requests for additional Chamber membership activities led to sponsorship of the first Chamber Golf Outing.

*  Public relations activity accelerated with the publication of a city/county map. To date, over 50,000 copies have been distributed.

*  Public relations activity accelerated with the publication of a city/county map. To date, over 50,000 copies have been distributed.

*  Late in 1984, the Chamber sponsored a 5 1/2 hour video conference on downtown revitalization which resulted in the Chamber's Directors naming a Downtown Revitalization Committee to address downtown concerns. These committee members ultimately became the first board members of what is now known as [[Main Street Wooster Inc]].

*  Late in 1984, the Chamber sponsored a 5 1/2 hour video conference on downtown revitalization which resulted in the Chamber's Directors naming a Downtown Revitalization Committee to address downtown concerns. These committee members ultimately became the first board members of what is now known as [[Main Street Wooster Inc]].

*  At the suggestion of a local manufacturer, I Waski Kogyo, Inc., of Nara, Japan, was presented an honorary membership in the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, a membership they display with pride.

*  At the suggestion of a local manufacturer, I Waski Kogyo, Inc., of Nara, Japan, was presented an honorary membership in the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, a membership they display with pride.

====1985====

====1985====

*  After 29 years on the square, growing pains prompted the Chamber's move to larger offices in the Central Trust Bank building. These expanded facilities provided space for the addition of new Chamber services. One important new service was the Small Business Resource Center which provides the wide array of information requested by beginning and existing small businesses in our community.

*  After 29 years on the square, growing pains prompted the Chamber's move to larger offices in the Central Trust Bank building. These expanded facilities provided space for the addition of new Chamber services. One important new service was the Small Business Resource Center which provides the wide array of information requested by beginning and existing small businesses in our community.

*  Planning Assistance was given to the city when Wooster was selected as the state capital for a day.

*  Planning Assistance was given to the city when Wooster was selected as the state capital for a day.

*  It rained a lot on the 2nd annual Oktoberfest. A thunderstorm accompanied the Christmas Parade.

*  It rained a lot on the 2nd annual Oktoberfest. A thunderstorm accompanied the Christmas Parade.

====1987====

====1987====

*  At a special meeting, the Chamber and its Manufacturers Association hosted guest speaker, J. Peter Grace.

*  At a special meeting, the Chamber and its Manufacturers Association hosted guest speaker, J. Peter {{Surname|Grace}}.

*  A cooperative effort among the Chamber, City Administration, and Clear Picture, Inc. brought "TV 5's Morning Exchange Live at OARDC'S Fisher Auditorium" to Wooster.

*  A cooperative effort among the Chamber, City Administration, and [[Clear Picture, Inc.]] brought "TV 5's Morning Exchange Live at OARDC'S Fisher Auditorium" to Wooster.

*  Work began toward the publication of a Wooster Community Booklet, the first in 12 years. This booklet was completed in 1989.

*  Work began toward the publication of a Wooster Community Booklet, the first in 12 years. This booklet was completed in 1989.

*  A fifth division, Administration/Financial, was added to the plan of action during the Directors fall retreat.

*  A fifth division, Administration/Financial, was added to the plan of action during the Directors fall retreat.

*  Economically, the Chamber began working with [[Scot Industries]] of Lone Star, Texas, as they considered the Wooster area for a new plant location. Final approval of plans in May 1989 led to the beginning of construction on a 105,000 sq.ft. building for their new facility.

*  Economically, the Chamber began working with [[Scot Industries]] of Lone Star, Texas, as they considered the Wooster area for a new plant location. Final approval of plans in May 1989 led to the beginning of construction on a 105,000 sq.ft. building for their new facility.

*  The Chamber also assisted with TRING's expansion, and the location of a Drug Mart in Wooster.

*  The Chamber also assisted with TRING's expansion, and the location of a [[Drug Mart]] in Wooster.

====1988====

====1988====

*  Through the efforts of the Communications Committee, a 15-minute videotape visually promoting the Wooster area and titled "A City of Magnificent Constrasts" was completed.

*  Through the efforts of the Communications Committee, a 15-minute videotape visually promoting the Wooster area and titled "A City of Magnificent Constrasts" was completed.

*  Legislative issues at all levels of government continued to be monitored, with Chamber endorsement given to those benefitting its members and the Wooster area.

*  Legislative issues at all levels of government continued to be monitored, with Chamber endorsement given to those benefitting its members and the Wooster area.

====1989====

====1989====

*  To serve the needs of all the Chamber's retail and service members, a 6th division, Retail/Service was added to the Plan of Action.

*  To serve the needs of all the Chamber's retail and service members, a 6th division, Retail/Service was added to the Plan of Action.

*  The Small Business Committee named its first small business person of the year, honoring Faline Fry Jones.

*  The Small Business Committee named its first small business person of the year, honoring Faline Fry {{Surname|Jones}}.

*  The Cleveland Road Business Association actively encouraged ODOT to complete the Dix Highway interchange at Cleveland Road.

*  The Cleveland Road Business Association actively encouraged ODOT to complete the Dix Highway interchange at Cleveland Road.

*  The Economic Expansion Committee emphasized the need for industrially zoned land to be addressed in the city's 10-year comprehensive plan. This committee also played a major role in getting 72 acres in the Long Road/Geyers Chapel Road area annexed and zoned M2.

*  The Economic Expansion Committee emphasized the need for industrially zoned land to be addressed in the city's 10-year comprehensive plan. This committee also played a major role in getting 72 acres in the Long Road/Geyers Chapel Road area annexed and zoned M2.

*  Prentke Romich was assisted by the Chamber with their expansion plans.

*  [[Prentke Romich]] was assisted by the Chamber with their expansion plans.

*  The Board of Directors went on record opposing the granting of regulatory powers to the Wooster Design Commission, citing the extra layer of bureaucracy as being detrimental to future downtown development.

*  The Board of Directors went on record opposing the granting of regulatory powers to the Wooster Design Commission, citing the extra layer of bureaucracy as being detrimental to future downtown development.

*  The sun beamed brightly on Oktoberfest number five.

*  The sun beamed brightly on Oktoberfest number five.

*  1991 - Chamber led leadership recognized the important of continual and concentrated Economic Development efforts, by founding the [[Wayne County Economic Development Council]], a county wide ED agency for Wayne County.

*  1991 - Chamber led leadership recognized the important of continual and concentrated Economic Development efforts, by founding the [[Wayne County Economic Development Council]], a county wide ED agency for Wayne County.

*  1992 - Developer Jerry Baker's northend development (now Wooster's large retail area) receives strong public support from the Chamber Board and Membership.

*  1992 - Developer Jerry Baker's northend development (now Wooster's large retail area) receives strong public support from the Chamber Board and Membership.