EDITORIAL

The Advocate-Messenger

You only turn 100 once. For the Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce, that one time is this year.

The chamber kicked off this past weekend with a celebration of its centennial at Chowan Hall on Centre College’s campus. Centre, incidentally, is turning 200 this year, as well.

The huge event was packed with hundreds of the most influential and successful businesspeople from Boyle County and surrounding counties — an important aspect to note, because while county lines may determine local government, they don’t mean much to local business.

Danville serves as an economic hub not just for Boyle County, but for parts of most surrounding counties as well, which means the Boyle County Chamber of Commerce’s reach goes well beyond its footprint.

The chamber was formed this month in 1919, by a group of business leaders who wanted to “work in earnest for the good of the town.” Over the years, the chamber has supported many community programs and wielded considerable influence. In recent decades, the chamber has notably helped provide high-schoolers with innovative programs that develop their entrepreneurial abilities; led community-wide efforts on workforce development; and began offering specialized programs for chamber members such as health insurance.

Many worthy people with incredible legacies were honored by the chamber with awards Friday, including Joey Harris, Hugh Hines III, Denise Henderson, Erin Tipton, Angela Frisby, Lisa Knetsche and the 2019 “Outstanding Citizen,” Richard Trollinger, among many others.

We like the newest “Historically Bold” award, which was given out for the first time this year. The award was given to two organizations that help preserve our history and move the community forward with “imagination and creativity.”

Main Street Perryville and Ambrabev, which recently opened The Still restaurant at its new distillery on Techwood Drive. 

The chamber’s centennial was an ideal year to introduce such an award that recognizes the value of the past and looks to the future at the same time.

Another new creation ideal for 100 years is “The Centennial,” the special chamber magazine being assembled right now. The Advocate-Messenger is partnering with the chamber to produce The Centennial, which will feature stories about Boyle County’s past, present and future; highlight unique chamber businesses and people; and serve as a directory of all chamber members so you can find what you’re looking for quickly and easily.

Watch for The Centennial to publish a little later this year; here’s to another successful 100 years.