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Rowan Chamber Celebrates 100 Years of Building Community

Feb. 27, 2025

“It is up to us to turn our faces forward with determination that we, as members of the Chamber of Commerce, will play our parts individually, collectively more intelligently, more wholesome, and in a better spirit of cooperation than has ever been done before in the history of Salisbury.”

Over 10 decades ago, Sam Carter, the first Chamber President, spoke those exact words to a group of committed Rowan County citizens who were interested in officially organizing a Chamber of Commerce.

Less than a month later, on February 25, 1925, the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce — now known as the Rowan Chamber of Commerce to better represent all citizens of Rowan — was officially incorporated, marking the beginning of a legacy that continues to shape and strengthen our community today.

Although officially established in 1925, the concept of a Chamber of Commerce in Rowan County has a longer history. In 1915, the Salisbury Industrial Club merged with The Merchants association to become an unofficial Chamber of Commerce. However, it was not until 1923 that a group of interested individuals met in the offices of The Post Publishing Company to outline the plans for reorganization of the Chamber. The group assembled teams to canvass the city and assess whether local business owners were interested in becoming members. They were.

This group of visionaries swiftly took action, forming committees, launching a membership campaign, and setting the foundation for what would become the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce.

They elected their first Board of Directors, who were as follows:

  • Sam Carter, Carter & Trotter Drug Co., Chamber President
  • F. Hurley Sr., The Salisbury Evening Post, Chamber Vice President
  • Ross M. Sigmon, Salisbury Realty and Insurance Co., Chamber Finance Committee
  • E. McWhirter, Salisbury Bank and Trust Co., Chamber Treasurer
  • M. Hines, Catawba Ice & Fuel Co.
  • Charles Coggin, attorney
  • Stahle Linn, attorney
  • F. Somers, The Yadkin Hotel
  • O. Craige, Salisbury Waterworks
  • James L. Fisher, Wachovia Bank and Trust Co.
  • V. Wallace, V. Wallace and Sons
  • H. Snider, Snider and Co.
  • A. Wallenborn, Central Contracting Co.
  • S. Moody, Chamber Secretary

The first Chamber office was located in what is now the Rowan Museum, and the first order of business were to create leaflets that were titled, “Why Salisbury is the Most Logical Distributing Point in North Carolina” and distribute to bond buyers. For the next year, the Chamber continued to advocate for businesses and work on the constitution and by-laws for the official organization of the Chamber.

On February 25, 1925, the Chamber received its certificate of incorporation and was officially named “The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, Incorporated.”

The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce held their first Annual Meeting in March of 1925, where 275 business members gathered to celebrate the Chamber’s incorporation.

In its first year, the Chamber has several notable accomplishments, including:

  • Started the discussion that led to the contract of system of light posts throughout the town.
  • Advocated for the building of the West Innes Street Extension Underpass.
  • Established a Dairy Creamery in Salisbury.
  • Advocated for better roads for Rowan County and worked to have highways routed through Salisbury.
  • Publicized Salisbury in papers, magazines, and trade journals.
  • Brought the Piedmont League Baseball to Salisbury.
  • Created road information for tourists.
  • Campaigned to raise $150,000 to complete the $500,000 endowment fund of Catawba College.
  • Convinced the hosiery mill, Wallace Wilson Company, from Pennsylvania to bring a plant to Salisbury.
  • Created a Community Chest for charitable causes.

100 Years of Growth and Advocacy
As Rowan County evolved, so did the Chamber. It expanded its reach beyond Salisbury, becoming the Salisbury-Rowan Chamber in 1960 and later adopting its current name, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, in 1995.

The Chamber has had 92 Board Chairs and has been led by 10 Chamber Presidents, with Elaine Spalding being the current President. The Chamber now has a dedicated staff of four and two contract positions.

Over the years, the Chamber has championed major projects and initiatives, including:

  • Supporting bond measures and funding for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Rowan-Salisbury Schools.
  • Advocating for infrastructure improvements such as the I-85 expansion, the Yadkin River Bridge, and enhancements to the Rowan County Airport.
  • Leading business development efforts, including the creation of the Paul E. Fisher Gateway Building.
  • Providing leadership programs and resources to help businesses and entrepreneurs succeed.

Through every challenge and triumph, one thing has remained constant—the Chamber's steadfast dedication to its members and the community. With nearly 800 members today, the Chamber will continue to grow, evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

A Celebration of the Past and Future
The Chamber’s 100th anniversary is not just about looking back. It’s about celebrating the people and businesses that continue to make Rowan County a great place to live and work.

This milestone is being marked with special recognitions of long-standing businesses that are the heart and soul of not only the Chamber, but our community as well. The celebration will kick-off at the Chamber’s 100th Birthday Celebration on March 18, and culminate with the 100th Annual Gala in January 2026, bringing together business leaders, community members, and partners to honor the past and embrace the future.

As the Chamber steps into its next century, its mission remains the same: to support businesses, foster connections, and drive progress for Rowan County.

“We appreciate all the business leaders that have helped the Chamber in the past 100 years. Our current Board and staff stand ready to help build strong businesses and the community for the next 100 years,” said Chamber President, Elaine Spalding.

Be a Part of the Celebration
As the Chamber marks its 100th Anniversary, they are honoring long-term businesses all year long. Is your business 50+ years old? Head to rowanchamber.com/100-years-rcc and fill out the form to be recognized throughout the year.