Arrangement
The records of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce are arranged into two series Series I, Administrative Records and the second series consists of newsclippings .
Administrative/Biographical History
Early in 1956, a small group of Rock Falls business people met to form a Chamber of Commerce separate from the Sterling-Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce. There was sufficient interest in creating a separate organization and the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce was incorporated by the State of Illinois on March 15, 1956, with Dwaine Tompkins serving as the first President. Later in 1956, the Rock Falls Chamber affiliated with state national Chamber organizations. By the end of 1956, membership in the Chamber had grown to 45 and a part-time secretary was employed. During the next ten years, the Rock Falls Chamber expanded its involvement in the community, hired a full-time manager, and saw its membership grow to a total of 225 in 1966.
The Chamber's involvement in a wide spectrum of community activities is reflected in its current organizational divisions: Agriculture Community Relations, Public Affairs, Organizational Affairs and Community Development. Specific activities include Rock Fall Days, political forums, and business seminars. Although Rock Falls separated from its twin city chamber in 1956, the two organizations frequently combine their resources. The Sterling-Rock Falls Joint Economic Development Council is but one example of this cooperation.
