About Us - Your Chamber, Your Voice Meadville - Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce
Mission & Vision Mission Statement The Chamber works collectively for the region in the areas of economic, social, educational and political progress. Vision Statement Business advocacy for a vital community. Chamber CommitteesMembership Development The Membership Development Committee is a Board appointed committee whose key objectives are the recruitment and retention of Chamber members. This newly formed committee also sees to the generation of revenues through the expansion of the Chamber’s membership and services supporting the members. The members of Membership Development Committee also serve as Chamber Ambassadors, working with current and prospective members to facilitate prosperous networking at Chamber events and in the community. The Personnel Committee is responsible for staff employment benefits, reviews and other items that pertain to the Chamber staff. Golf Committee The Chamber Golf Committee organizes a successful Golf Outing each year. The outing take place at a local golf course and offer golf enthusiasts unprecedented networking opportunities in an exciting outdoor environment. The committee is responsible for collecting door prizes, selecting the menu, gathering sponsorships and ensuring a full day of fun. This committee meets on an as needed basis. The Chamber Finance and Audit Committee is a Board appointed committee responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the Chamber including, but not limited to, collection and disbursement of funds, management of assets, budgeting, investments, and fiscal policies. The Finance and Audit Committee meets monthly and prepares recommendations and a report for the regular Board meetings. The Chairman of this committee is the current Chamber Board of Director’s Treasurer. The Board Development Committee is a Board appointed committee responsible for oversight of the Board and the governance of the Chamber including, but not limited to, the structure, composition, and conduct of the Board, assessment of the Board’s performance, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies. The Board Development Committee is also responsible for the nomination of directors and officers as well as review of the Chamber bylaws. The Political Advocacy Team's key objectives are the facilitation of communication and education between the business community, local, state and federal government and further, to engage in regular communication with regional, state and national Chambers of Commerce regarding business policies and laws, and further to provide comprehensive information to protect and ensure a favorable climate for conducting business and living in the community. Leadership Meadville The Mission of Leadership Meadville: To identify and develop current and future leaders through a comprehensive program designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the issues and challenges facing our community. Our Vision: is to be a highly valued and respected program recognized for the quality and diversity of its members, who remain committed to improving our region through ongoing education, awareness, and involvement. Leadership Meadville is a 9 month Leadership Training Program facilitated by Marlene Jenkins. The class starts in August and runs through May, meeting on the 2nd Friday of each month the class learns Leadership Styles & Theories, along with site visits to local leading businesses and hearing from the leaders in the various industries. To be considered for Leadership Meadville please see the attached application LM3%20application Chamber's Foundation oversees the K-12 Education Program,Foundation Board of DirectorsChairman Duane Koller Meadville Area Federal Credit Union Chris Anderson Hill, Barth & King LLC
HistoryOur Chamber History... Meadville was a leading town in the "Old Northwest", the first frontier of the new United States in 1807. Meadville was the home to the third such organization (Chamber) in the United States, preceded only by Charleston, SC and New Haven, Conn. Talon Zipper was a company founded in 1893, originally as the Universal Fastener Company, in Chicago. They later moved to Hoboken, New Jersey and finally to Meadville, Pennsylvania. Here, the zipper was mass produced beginning in the 1920s. The high demand for zippers created favorable conditions for the Talon Company, and so became Meadville's most crucial industry. The company encountered significant difficulties after it was sold to a different owner in the 1970's, eventually ending up bankrupt. Many locals believe YKK Group played behind the scenes roles to ruin the company so they could recoup the business to Japan. That rumor has never been proven but none the less many people's lives were ruined by the downfall of Talon in Meadville. Sadly, today, nothing remains of Talon in Meadville except for a few run down buildings. Other early names included the Automatic Hook and Eye Company, and the Hookless Fastener Company. They were the first zipper manufacturing company. The brand is now part of TagitPacific The Chamber is honored to again housed in the "Original" chamber location. In 2008, Allegheny College purchased the building and rennovated the beautiful building (pictured above) to be used for a cooperative building for both the Chamber and the College. |
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