Chamber preparing for its relocation
PHIL COBB/DAILY FORUM
Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce Director Jordyn Swalley stands in the doorway to what will soon be the new Chamber office. Formerly, the law offices of Scott Ross and Doug Thomson, the building is located at 408 N. Market St., just across the street and south of the current location. The extent of the renovation is evident by the reflection in the window of a full dumpster.
For the first time in more than 100 years, the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce owns its own building.
According to Chamber Director Jordyn Swalley, the Chamber of Commerce is set to move into its new location, just across Market Street and east of its current location, by approximately the middle of next month.
Demolition work at the former law office of Scott Ross and Doug Thomson at 408 N. Market St., much of which was performed by Chamber of Commerce board members and staff, is complete and the process of turning the building into a new home for the Chamber, Maryville License Bureau and Nodaway County Economic Development has begun.
S&S Jackson Construction was hired by the Chamber to do the renovations to the building, which will have less space than the rental space the organization has available at its present loction.
Swalley said she sees benefits, which she believes will significantly outweigh the loss of any square footage.
“We will be able to take the money we were spending on rent and redirect it toward programs to benefit our Chamber members,” Swalley said. “Plus, we will own an asset, which could be an advantage in the future.”
Not all the advantages will be of the long-term variety, however.
Swalley said there is a certain amount of uncertainty with the Maryville License Bureau, from which the Chamber receives a large percentage of its revenue — more than $20,0000 each year — through administrative fees and rent.
The operation of the License Bureau is subject to a bidding process by the State of Missouri every three years and most recently, the Chamber has had competition for the bid.
It is in the second year of the current contract cycle.
Swalley said owning its own building will better position the Chamber in the event it is ever unsuccessful in bidding to retain the right to operate the license service.
“We have been very fortunate in our current location,” Swalley said. “In 25 years, our landlord raised our rent only two times. We are very grateful for the relationship we have had.”
Despite being satisfied with its previous arrangement, Chamber officials felt it was time to look to the future.
The license bureau and NCED will continue to pay rent to the Chamber, but now that money will help pay off $151,000 in loans, including the purchase of the building and the cost of renovations.
Swalley said, in her opinion, the Chamber of Commerce can pay off all of the newly incurred debt in less than 15 years.
The Chamber’s current lease at its existing location is set to expire on Oct. 1.
PHIL COBB/DAILY FORUM
Mike Driskell of Mike Driskell Electric makes an electrical connection as part of the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce’s renovation of its newly purchased building at 408 N. Market St.
Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce board members Teresa Hayes and Audra Siemer work to remove wallpaper from what will be the Chamber’s new location at 408 N. Market St.
