Our mission of the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce is to take a leadership role in improving the economic environment and enhancing the quality of life in the Bonne Terre area, through the development and achievement of both short and long term goals.
The date of incorporation from the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce was February 13, 1939. The first officers were: George Spain – President, Charles W. Chandler – Vice President, and Kenneth Adams – Secretary/Treasurer.
The chamber was incorporated for the purpose of promoting the civic, economic, and social welfare of the people of Bonne Terre and for the purpose of involving itself in City, County, State and National Programs in so far as they influence the growth, development, and prosperity of Bonne Terre and the territory it serves. Until 1992 the chamber did not have a permanent office. During the Presidency of Wayne Weber the chamber achieved it’s goals of hiring a secretary and opening an office in the Shepard House, where it is currently located.
The current chamber board consist of President – John Owings, Vice President – Carolyn Simily, Treasurer – Tamara Baranovic, and Immediate Past President- Brian Boyer. Board of Directors are: Kevin Andres, Brandon Hubbard, Carolyn Kaeser, Tina Miller, Marty Umfleet, Dan Ward and Amber Young. Each Director is either elected or appointed and serves a two year term. Currently the chamber has 139 members.
Membership dues structure is based on the number of employees you employ and there are rates for inpiduals and non-profit groups. Additional Corporate memberships are also available: Gold Membership is $2000, Silver $1000, and Lead is $500. These members recieve special plaques to be displayed and they recieve special recognition through out the year. When you join the chamber you are investing in your community. You help to maintain the face of Bonne Terre through the beautification projects, which helps Bonne Terre make a positive presentation to visitors and potential new businesses. The chamber maintains a network between businesses through weekly emailed newsletters and other informational mediums.The chamber provides free access to bulk postage for your business use. The chamber manages two apartments behind the Shepard house. The chamber sponsors several annual events including The Christmas Parade, Blood Drive, Kids Fishing Derby, The Fourth of July Fireworks Display and our Annual Auction Fundraiser.
