Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce Records

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-172

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Director's material includes minutes, agendas, reports, financial records, correspondence, and membership information. The records of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce are arranged into two series that partially document the Chamber's activities from 1956 to the present. Series I, Administrative Records, contains historical pamphlets, annual meeting information, newsletters, and Board of Directors' records. The Director's material includes minutes, agendas, reports, financial records, correspondence, and membership information. The second series consists of newsclippings pertaining to Chamber activities and area events 1960-1974.

Dates

created: 1956+
Other: Date acquired: 05/03/1984

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Early in 1956, a small group of Rock Falls business people met to form a Chamber of Commerce separate from the Sterling-Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce. There was sufficient interest in creating a separate organization and the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce was incorporated by the State of Illinois on March 15, 1956, with Dwaine Tompkins serving as the first President. Later in 1956, the Rock Falls Chamber affiliated with state national Chamber organizations. By the end of 1956, membership in the Chamber had grown to 45 and a part-time secretary was employed. During the next ten years, the Rock Falls Chamber expanded its involvement in the community, hired a full-time manager, and saw its membership grow to a total of 225 in 1966. The Chamber's involvement in a wide spectrum of community activities is reflected in its current organizational divisions: Agriculture Community Relations, Public Affairs, Organizational Affairs and Community Development. Specific activities include Rock Fall Days, political forums, and business seminars. Although Rock Falls separated from its twin city chamber in 1956, the two organizations frequently combine their resources. The Sterling-Rock Falls Joint Economic Development Council is but one example of this cooperation.

Note written by

Extent

2.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The records of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce are arranged into two series Series I, Administrative Records and the second series consists of newsclippings .

Source of Acquisition

The Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce

Method of Acquisition

The Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce donated the its records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on May 3, 1984.

Related Materials

Researchers should refer to RC 171, Sterling Chamber of Commerce, for additional information. Prior to 1956, one organization, The Sterling-Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, served both communities.