A HOUSE RESOLUTION to honor the 100th Anniversary
of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.
Whereas, the name of the organization changed in 1929
to the Chamber of Commerce of Auburn, Indiana;
Whereas, in 1957 the corporate structure was reorganized
and the name was changed to the Auburn Chamber of
Commerce, Inc.;
Whereas, in 1903 the organization may have been the successor, to the Auburn Improvement Association which was incorporated December 5, 1895;
Whereas, in 1919 the Auburn Commercial Club built the
building at the northeast corner of East Eighth and South
Cedar streets for its headquarters. The building was sold in
the early 1960's and the proceeds from the sale of the
building have been held as an endowment for ongoing
chamber activities;
Whereas, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce has also
been the nucleus of other organizations that have been
beneficial to the community. The Auburn-Cord-Dusenberg
Festival that started as a committee of the Auburn Chamber
of Commerce under the leadership of Del Mar Johnson. This
committee was split into two separate not-for-profit
corporations in 1972;
Whereas, the Auburn-Cord-Dusenberg Festival, Inc.
continues to shape the festival and the Auburn Automotive
Heritage, Inc., which operated the Auburn-Cord-Dusenberg
Museum;
Whereas, there were six organizations which began
under the Auburn Chamber of Commerce; the Auburn
Improvement Industrial Development Corporation, Inc., the
Auburn Cordial Bed and Breakfast, the Downtown Auburn
Business Association (DABA), the DeKalb County Visitors
Bureau and the Auburn Network of Enterprising Women;
Whereas, the Auburn Improvement Association, Inc. has been active in beautification and historic preservation and is an affiliate of Historic Landmark Foundation of Indiana, Inc., and was instrumental in having the Auburn downtown area listed as an historic district on the National Register of Historic Places; sponsors Pride Week Annually; and promotes an annual decorator showcase which is open during
the Auburn-Cord-Dusenberg Festival;
Whereas, in 1981, as in 1904 when the Auburn
Commercial Club reacted to a recession, the Auburn
Industrial Development Corporation, Inc. (AIDCO) was
formed to assist in recruiting industry to Auburn;
Whereas, under the leadership of Allen Graber and other
businessmen, AIDCO has been successful in recruiting
several major industries to Auburn and DeKalb County. The
Auburn industries included: Sealed Power Corporation,
Auburn Packaging, Inc., R. J. Tower, Auburn Hardwood
Moulding, Inc. and Guardian Industries;
Whereas, the Downtown Auburn Business Association
was organized to promote and support businesses in the
downtown area. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce along
with the DABA is a member of the National Main Street
Program. Together they host events that highlight the
historic downtown district;
Whereas, during the 1980's the industrial development in
northern Indiana has been successful due to the favorable tax
and business climate provided by Indiana. DeKalb County's
location with the state, the presence of I-69, railroads and
abundant supplies of electricity and gas have all been assets
that have led to the development of additional industry;
Whereas, beginning in 1998, the Auburn Chamber of
Commerce paired with the Bureau of Safety Education and
Training to host industrial training seminars. The Auburn
Chamber also facilitates the DeKalb County Personnel Group
which meets monthly as a networking and educational tool
for human resource professionals;
Whereas, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce was the
catalyst for the development of the DeKalb County Visitor's
Bureau. This program encourages visitors to spend money in
Auburn, supporting the local economy; Therefore,
SECTION 1. That the Indiana House of Representatives
honors the 100th Anniversary of the Auburn Chamber of
Commerce and their continued success.
SECTION 2. The Principal Clerk of the House of
Representatives is directed to transmit a copy of this
resolution to Ms. Jill Clark at the Auburn Chamber of
Commerce.
RR 4527/DI cmf