Ribbon cutting held at Visitors Center; annual banquet set for May 28
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, May 15 — On May 17, 1926, President J.R. Mims hosted the first meeting of the Luray Chamber of Commerce at the Mimslyn Inn. Formed from the Luray Board of Trade, the first order of business focused on building a float to represent the new Chamber in Winchester’s Apple Blossom Festival.
The main concerns of that year were to make improvements in the telephone service, roads, bridges near Luray, publicity for the area, a post office for Luray, education and condition of the schools, new business for the area, and to install lights for the town that would be on all night.
Ambitious indeed, especially in 1926…just 14 years after the Town of Luray’s centennial celebration.
In just over a week, many of the current 398 members of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce will return to the Mimslyn Inn with many of the same basic concerns — except Luray now has a Post Office and lights that stay on all night.
“Prepare for a memorable evening dedicated to honoring the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership and service strengthen the foundation of our community of Page County,” reads a flyer for the 100th annual Banquet and Awards hosted by the Chamber on Thursday, May 28. The event is sold out.
“Building on a Century” is the theme.
“For nearly a century, the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce has been built by generations of local business owners who share a collective commitment to the success of our community,” reads a letter to Chamber members this spring from Board Chairman Bill Huffman and President Regina Hilliard. “Since our founding in 1926, our Chamber has worked to provide a strong foundation and meaningful resources that help businesses start, grow, and thrive. As we proudly continue ‘Building on a Century,’ we remain deeply grateful for the support and engagement of members…”
Several dozen Chamber members, supporters and local officials gathered at the Luray-Page County Visitors Center at the old depot in Downtown Luray on Friday, May 15 to cut a ribbon marking a century of “supporting local businesses, fostering meaningful connections, and strengthening the communities of Luray, Stanley, Shenandoah and Page County.”
Chairman Huffman commented on the fact that while the Chamber’s focus is on business and the local economy, its ability “to build relationships helped shape the community by bringing people together…for all of Page County.”
“I don’t see this occasion as much about looking back, but more about where we are headed,” Huffman said. “The Chamber is dedicated to delivering a real value to our members and building a sustainable future for the Chamber itself.”
Delegate Dustin Pence made an appearance at Friday’s ribbon cutting, noting that Page County shares many of the same values that his friends and neighbors in Shenandoah County hold dear.
“Hopefully, we can keep the place like we like it, and how we like to live,” Pence told the crowd. “And how we like to grow. We can grow, but grow responsibly, and your Chamber is leading in a responsible way.”
Luray Mayor Stephanie Lillard recalled her time on the Chamber board as a time of building long-lasting friendships, and she encouraged others to get involved as well.
“When I think about the Chamber, it’s more than a community organization…it’s a vital connector,” the mayor said. “My time on the Board was a meaningful time frame for me, and those of you out there should step up and be involved. I encourage you to embrace change and be there for our businesses and support our visitors. I wish you another 100 years of success.”
Stanley Mayor Michael Knight offered his congratulations and thanked the Chamber for promoting Stanley events. District 2 Supervisor Allen Louderback noted the other portion of the Chamber’s duties — operating the Luray-Page County Visitors Center. Louderback stated it was a “great facility” that “made an impression on tourists as well.”
Luray Downtown Initiative Program Director Jackie Wood, who shares space in the Visitors Center, completed the dedicated staff at the Chamber.
“If you were wondering if your business is being talked about…it is,” Wood said. “They do an amazing job.”
Hilliard wrapped up the ribbon cutting by thanking those in attendance — the businesses who supported the Chamber through the years, the Town of Luray (especially Parks and Rec) for all of their support at events, and the county for allowing them to continue operating the Visitors Center in the former train depot.
“We honor our past, but we are excited about our future,” Chamber President Regina Hilliard said at the closing of Friday’s ribbon cutting.
“Celebrating this century would not be possible without all of you,” Hilliard said, “and the Chamber will work diligently to help Page County thrive for the next 100 years.”
For more information on the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce,
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