Chamber celebrates 100 years at banquet

The Cameron Chamber of Commerce gathered to celebrate its 100 years of serving the community at its annual banquet on Feb. 22.

The highlight of the evening was guest speaker Chet Garner with PBS’s “The Daytripper.” Garner spoke to the crowd of over 200 gathered at the Williams Civic Center about his adventures traveling Texas with his show and about how Cameron and Milam County have special attractions that no one else has.

“You guys have a beautiful town and community,” Garner said. 

Several community members were also honored during the evening’s events with awards: Volunteer of the Year went to Bob Yates. Organization of the Year went to the Milam Community Theater. Business of the Year went to Courtney and Jeremy Renaud with the Bling Box. Chamber Members of the Year were Micah Holcombe and Lindy Sanders. Citizens of the Year went to the members of Feeders of the Lambs.

Cameron Tourism and Chamber Director Melanie Reed spoke about the organization’s 100th anniversary during her welcome.

She said that 100 years ago a group of businesses and citizens joined together to form the Cameron Commercial Club.

“These people began this club to assist the city and bring trade and better health services and retail services to the town,” she said. “They had many county fairs, activities, and band concerts. There were many organizations that were committed to Cameron.”

In 1935 the group decided to change the name of the club to the Cameron Chamber of Commerce with a constitution and bylaws. 

“It is interesting to know that there was such a viable group of business leaders that wanted to make an impact and a difference in our town,” she said. “There are many businesses that have been here for 100-plus years. They have been a foundation for growth in the community.”

“It is with these successes from these businesses and entrepreneurs that came here and moved here from various states that have given us the foundation we have today,” Reed said.

Reed said that since May when she came on board as director the Chamber has increased its membership by 34 members and they are working on website coverage and social media outreach. 

She said there have been several successful events over the year including the first-ever Steaktoberfest and the Christmas Parade – the most successful one in recent years – that have been organized by the Chamber.