If you have noticed the construction panels along the sidewalk on the south side of the Sulphur Springs downtown square, you’ll be glad to know that the work in progress is almost complete and the move-in date is fast approaching for the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce. Remember back in 2018, when the Chamber vacated their 300 Connally Street building and moved into temporary quarters with a Jefferson Street address, it was with intention of getting into their permanent quarters fairly quickly. However, due to weather delays, that move has taken longer than was anticipated. District Attorney’s offices and others which had been housed in the old downtown annex on the south side of the square also experienced delays in getting into their new building on Rosemont Street. But now the move-in date for the Chamber is tentatively set for early August.
To create a new home for the Chamber, the old annex building was basically cut in half, creating two separate addresses. The west half belongs to a local retailer whose opening date is also expected in the near future. The east half belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and will permanently house Chamber offices as well as the new ‘incubator’ offices. The incubators are being made available to start-up companies which are organizing or operating prior to owning their own company location or office space. This innovative concept was put in place to boost new business for the local area, and is one of the reasons for the Chamber’s choice of a larger location in the heart of downtown. You’ll soon be seeing a new facade with attractive windows and awnings facing the street, making it a very inviting place for the business community and tourists alike. Another addition is Chamber Vice President Logan Vaughn who will be joining President Lezlie Brown in directing activities, services and events. The Chamber employs a small staff, has a large volunteer staff of Ambassadors, and is directed by a board of directors.
