The Pike County Chamber of Commerce now has a physical presence in Brundidge.

The Chamber hosted open house and a ribbon cutting at its satellite office at the Johnston Mill on Church Street Wednesday morning and a large gathering of business people and community residents welcomed the Chamber to town.

Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage said that a Pike County Chamber of Commerce satellite office in Brundidge is “a good idea.”

“Back several years ago, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce had a weekly presence in Brundidge, not an office, but by working out of City Hall,” Ramage said. “That worked really well because it gave our merchants a place where they could go to get information and help. Having a Chamber office in town will be a benefit to our local businesses.”

Ramage said the City of Brundidge is working with the Pike County Chamber to find ways to improve its retail business.

“Like many other small towns, we are looking for ways to improve our market share and service,” he said. “Having a Chamber presence in our community is a step in the right direction.”

Kathy Sauer, Chamber president, agreed that the Chamber satellite office in Brundidge will enhance the Chamber’s ability to provide services to the Brundidge business community and attract visitors to the area.

“On behalf of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, I would like to express appreciation to the Brundidge Historical Society, the Brundidge Business Association, the City and the community for helping us find a place for our satellite office,” Sauer said. “In addition to being a place for the Chamber to provide on-site services to the Brundidge area, the Johnston Mill is unique in that it is a focal point of history for the community and a place people will enjoy visiting and learning more about the history of this area.”

Dixie Shehane, president of the Brundidge Business Association, also expressed appreciation to the Brundidge Historical Society for providing office space for the Chamber on a once a week basis.

“The Chamber’s satellite office will be a great benefit to the business community and to our citizens as well,” Shehane said. “We are excited to have the Chamber in town and are looking forward to their assistance as we move ahead in Brundidge.”

Elaine Fincannon, the chamber liaison with the Business Council of Alabama, attended the open house and said Wednesday was a great day for Brundidge and the Chamber as they work together for the betterment of the community.

“During this time of downturn in the economy, it is especially refreshing to see communities come together to help grow and expand the businesses of this area,” Fincannon said. “And the Johnston Mill is ‘one of a kind.’ It’s a treasure.”

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce satellite office at the Johnston Mill in Brundidge will be open from 10 a.m. until noon and from 1:30 until 4 p.m. on Wednesday of each week.

Everyone is invited to visit the Chamber satellite office in Brundidge during those hours to learn more about the Chamber and about activities and events throughout the county.

The Chamber office may be reached by phone weekdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 334-566-2294.