Staff Reports
The Marion County Chamber of Commerce will start off 2025 with a new home.
They will be moving their offices to 205 N Walnut Street in January, vacating the former police station, which is owned by the City of Jefferson, on Austin Street.
The Chamber gave the City official notice during Tuesday nights City Council meeting as Chamber President Seth Buckner read a letter during the public comment section of the meeting.
“The Marion County Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank the City of Jefferson for the years it has provided office space for the Chamber,” Buckner read. “It is very much appreciated, and the Chamber recognizes that this is a value of at least Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) per year, probably more.”
While the City decided to not support the Chamber in any way beyond the rent-free space in the 2024-25 Fiscal Year, the Chamber Board, opted to provide the City with a “Level 5 Chamber Membership for 2025, valued at $1,000, as a token of our thanks.”
The letter ended with the Board wishing the City well and the hope for a better future together.
“We love Jefferson and want nothing but the best for all of us,” the letter read.
Recent issues at the City’s building had left the Chamber with no running water for almost a month in the building and whether or not the City would restore that service had yet to be determined. The Chamber also did not have a current rental agreement with the City. It was set to last be renewed in January 2024.
The Chamber had made upgrades to the building during their time there including new flooring, and adding the covered porch area to the front.
The Chamber will continue to have a “virtual” office until the move is completed. They can be reached via email at info@marioncountychamber.org, or telephone, 903-665-2672.