by Christy K. Truitt
She looks good for 75. Grown up through the years. Expanded as we all tend to do as we get older. Yet she continues to work. And work hard for the business community of Auburn.
Happy 75th birthday to the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. First officially recognized in 1949, the organization was formed on the knowledge that to strengthen the business community would do nothing but improve the quality of life for us all.
“A true spirit of collaboration and service has always been fundamental to our organization, and while we want to elevate the types of ways we serve our members and the community, we will remain true to who we have always been with the desire to help our members thrive which will make our community thrive,” says Anna Hovey, current president and CEO of the chamber. “The Auburn Chamber has served the community in various ways over the last 75 years, including the planning of community events like Christmas Parades, Village Fairs, Toomer’s 2000 and many more collaborations with community partners.”
Donna Young, owner of Behind The Glass in downtown Auburn, says her business has greatly benefitted from the chamber partnership. “I’m obsessed with the wonderful women who make our Chamber of Commerce so fabulous! They truly are the most wonderful partners and cheerleaders for our business community.”
The first membership list included 90 members in 1953 of which nine original members remain today. The first annual meeting was recorded in 1966 with then Auburn University President Harry Philpott as the guest speaker.
Over the last 75 years, membership has swelled to more than 1,200 members. Offices have moved from the humble origins on the first floor of the Central Bank Building on College St., to Tichenor Ave. then to Glenn Ave. after a capital drive raised the necessary funds to purchase the Central Bank branch. Today the building houses both the chamber and Auburn-Opelika Tourism in additional to a community room open to member reservation. The chamber not only promotes and supports retail establishments, but also industrial and educational endeavors.
In 1969, J.E. “Eddie” Webster assumed duties as the chamber manager. In 1977, Marianne Roney of Central Bank became the first female board of directors’ president. In 1983, Jackie Norman became the first full-time executive director and served until an unexpected death in 1984 upon which Gail Alsobrook assumed leadership.
Lolly Steiner joined the chamber as membership director in 1997, becoming president in 2001. Prior to joining the staff, Steiner served as a chamber board member as well as a diplomat. As president, Steiner facilitated not only growth, but wise growth. Under her leadership, the chamber navigated businesses through The American Disabilities Act compliance, the Opelika Road renewal project, the 2008 recession as well as the global pandemic of COVID-19. She resigned after almost 25 years with the organization, passing the gavel to Hovey in 2021.
“The 24-year ride has been full of change, celebrations, establishing lifelong relationships and so much more,” Steiner said upon retirement. “I’m eternally grateful for all of these experiences and know the chamber staff and members are in excellent hands under Anna’s leadership.”
No milestone birthday is complete without a party, and the Auburn Chamber is no exception. A Gala is planned for Nov. 14, 2024, at The Graduate Hotel. “This will give us the opportunity to acknowledge the history of service in the community and set the stage for how we want to elevate our services to move forward into the future,” says Hovey.
