Chamber History
The Chamber has a rich tradition and heritage of which to boast. Officially founded in January, 1968 with 27 members, this organization began as a small group of business leaders with the vision and dedication to mold the future of the Chamber and the area.
The Mason Chamber of Commerce, as it was originally named, started projects like Clean-up, Paint-up, Fix-up Week each spring, and Community Unity Day later known as the Mason Bicycle Festival and present day, The Mason Heritage Festival.
The Chamber of Commerce has always been committed to helping area youth. In November, 1969, the Chamber started Youth in Government Week. Students held elections to fill all elected city offices and appointments were made to several other positions as well. Students that were elected spent time during the week shadowing our local community leaders and learning about their jobs. This project continued until 1978. Every year the Chamber awards the Lou Eves Scholarship of $1,000 to a student residing in our area.
The Christmas Light Fund started with just over $26 and became an annual event known as Christmas In Mason in 1979. Today, Christmas In Mason is a huge success complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, caricature artists, stage entertainment, strolling carolers, a light show, food court and children’s story time. Of course, don’t forget about Santa!
In 1981, the Chamber established an office located at 202 W. Second St. in the People’s Building, Loan & Savings next to the former Post Office. After experiencing tremendous growth, the Chamber moved in the fall of 1991 to 110 W. Main St. The Chamber realized the need to move forward with a proactive approach to regionalize and the name Mason, Landen, Kings was adopted as a DBA. The Chamber membership stood at 141 paid members. Continued growth demanded another move in 1995 to the current location at 316 W. Main Street. In 2003, The Chamber purchased the building. In 1996, The Chamber Board of Directors determined the organization required a full-time President and Director of Operations. Today the Chamber’s first paid president CEO, John W. Harris, continues to lead the group.
In 1983, the Chamber of Commerce funded MAC – Mason Against Crime. This program offered a reward for information that could aid the police in solving crime against area businesses. The program expanded in 1984 to provide financial support for community watch programs, McGruff and educational programs. The Chamber was also instrumental in gaining toll-free service between Mason and Cincinnati and in 2002 to Northern Kentucky.
In March of 2007 the Chamber took a new, bold initiative to reflect a membership of over 900 members in 62 zip codes and a new DBA was born: Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. This is an example of the progressive leadership of this organization. The name strategically reflects a broader viewpoint and better represents the membership as the Chamber strives for one voice for local business.