May 9, 1924 – 2024
Rep. Blaine Wilhour congratulates the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. House Resolution 539 commends the Chamber and its employees, members, and partners for their achievements and invaluable contributions to the local community and the State of Illinois over the first 100 years. The resolution extends best wishes to the Chamber’s employees, members, and partners.
On May 9, 1924, the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) was founded by a group of community members under the leadership of Reverend F.O. Fannon, who served as its first president, during a period of economic growth as a result of Centralia’s successful railroad and coal mine industries; the organization was originally formed with the aim of promoting business, tourism, and commerce to benefit the community of Centralia.
The resolution points out that the Chamber has expanded beyond Centralia to encompass the counties of Marion, Clinton, Jefferson, and Washington and including the cities of Centralia, Central City, Wamac, Carlyle, Dix, Greenville, Highland, Hoffman, Irvington, Mt. Vernon, Odin, Salem, Sandoval, and Walnut Hill, among others. Read the full text of House Resolution 539 HERE.
