Dec 8, 2003 By Jackie Beranek 3 min read

MOUNT PLEASANT – The Laurel Highlands Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to celebrate its 60th birthday with a “Barn raising party,” according to chamber executive director Ron Aldom. The party will be held on Tuesday at the Barn Restaurant on Route 31 East, near Laurelville, from 6 to 11 p.m “This is not your typical business banquet,” Aldom said.

Light hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and guests should feel free to walk around, Aldom said, and enjoy the entertainment, prizes and awards with no keynote speakers.

The Smick Brothers will provide entertainment from 8 until 11 p.m.

According to Aldom, the Laurel Highlands Chamber of Commerce dates back to 1949.

“In 1949, the Mount Pleasant & Businessman’s Association Inc. reformed its organization and named it the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Aldom. “The purpose of the new group was to advance the commercial, industrial, civic and general interests of communities in the Mount Pleasant area, including, but not limited to, Mount Pleasant Township, East Huntingdon, Donegal and Cook townships.”

In 1997, the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors re-evaluated the focus of the chamber and decided that the most advantageous approach for the future would be to expand the point of view from a local service to a much larger, more affluent regional service area.

Therefore, on Dec. 1, 1997, the chamber changed its name to the Laurel Highlands Chamber of Commerce and expanded to include communities in southern Westmoreland County, northern Fayette County, western Somerset County and the surrounding areas.

The benefits of chamber membership, according to Aldom, include tourist information, business directory, relocation packets, nationwide toll-free phone communications, inquiry referrals, clinical support and insurance and other service discounts, as well as valuable opportunities to network with other prominent business people, according to Aldom.

Aldom said, “We are only as strong as the membership we serve. Member’s support of the Laurel Highlands Chamber of Commerce is a vital investment in the future of the region. A strong region, with vibrant growing businesses allows us to reach out of the immediate area and coax fresh funds and investments into this region.”

Aldom said sponsorship for the event offers an opportunity for business people to promote their company while showing their commitment to the continued success of the chamber and the region.

“We have five categories of sponsorship,” said Aldom. “An entertainment sponsor ($500) includes a company’s name on a banner on stage, recognition in the evening’s program and announcements that evening.”

Other sponsors include:

– Hors d’oeuvres sponsor ($100) with a company name on a sign at the table, recognition in the evening’s program, and announcements that evening.

– Wine tasting sponsor ($250) includes company’s name on a sign at the table, recognition in the evening’s program and announcements that evening.

– Prize drawing sponsor by donating a $25 prize a company will be recognized in the evening’s program and when the prize is awarded.

– Chinese auction sponsor by donating a prize a company will be recognized in the evening’s program and on the auction card at the prize table (estimated value is $75 or more).

Anyone interested in participating in the “Barn raising party” is asked to call the chamber office at 724-547-7521.