As any organization would, the San Benito County Chamber of
Commerce
&
amp; Visitors Bureau has gone through many changes during its
100 years serving local businesses.
As any organization would, the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau has gone through many changes during its 100 years serving local businesses.
The nonprofit organization, which promotes local business growth and takes part in numerous philanthropic efforts, is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. The group was established on Sept. 5, 1911.
The organization called itself the Hollister Chamber of Commerce at the time. Ten years later, it reorganized as the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, a name that stuck for nearly 90 years before the group in 2010 added the “Visitors Bureau” tag to coincide with its added focuses on tourism and the San Juan Bautista area.
It wasn’t just the name changes and expanded services that marked the chamber’s evolution, though. The organization has moved many times, most recently about four years ago to its current home at 650 San Benito St # 130. It also has made headway in developing its political voice in the county.
The chamber’s present-day activism in politics – the organization frequently takes stances on important government issues – is a long way from its early days. The organization actually got started with the help of a $300,000 bond approved by the county.
Pat Richardson, who ran the chamber under the “executive manager” title for 15 years starting in 1975, recalled one of the achievements during her tenure – gaining financial independence from the local governments, so that the chamber could get involved with politics.
“We went from being partially funded by the city and county to standing on our own two feet,” said Richardson, who resides in Hollister. “The goal of every chamber is to be self-sufficient, so you can make political decisions and not be worried about losing your money.”
Her leadership with the chamber also signaled headway against challenges at the time for women in general.
“It was a great part of my life,” she said. “I beat out 17 men for the job …”
Richardson prides herself on achievements during that time such as supporting a widening on Highway 152, establishing an agriculture tour and bringing back mixer events.
“There was a lot of support,” she said. “Everybody knew everybody.”
The chamber has carried on many of those traditions today. Although it didn’t hold an official event for the anniversary, the group chose to simply recognize the achievement throughout the year, starting at the Dinner Dance last January.
Chamber President Jessica French emphasized that she is proud to work for the long-running organization.
“Especially since my family has been here so long,” she said, regarding five generations of family history in the county, “it makes it that much more special.”
Chamber history
In May of 1921 the first meeting of the newly reorganized San Benito County Chamber of Commerce was held. The Chamber was launched with a $100 donation from Dr. J. M. O’Donnell who served as the new organization’s first president. Elected Directors included F. L. Barnhisel, B. W. Barrett, A. J. Mayfield, Dr. J. M. O’Donnell, Waldo Rohnert, A. E. Weller, J. H. Garner, C. N. Hawkins, E. E. Holbrook, Sr., A. J. McKay, R. L. Townsend, and W. H. Walker. Membership dues were $1 a month or $11 a year and the Chamber’s first secretary, Minnie Jane Blewett Kemp received a salary of $70 a month, providing service to 253 members.
Source: Chamber website, sanbenitocountychamber.com/
