VIENNA — The Vienna Chamber of Commerce (VCOC) accomplished much in the year 2020, despite the COVID-19 coronavirus. The chamber hopes 2021 will also be a productive year.

The chamber is currently accepting new members and renewing chamber memberships for 2021. 

VCOC Secretary Kelly Barnhart reported the chamber reorganized with a new slate of officers. They began by establishing and implementing a new set of by-laws. The members worked to promote the Vienna community and businesses through the www.viennamococ.com website, on a social media Facebook page, and in the county newspaper. 

The chamber held a first-ever outdoor movie night, which was well received. The chamber promoted and held the annual Trunk or Treat event.

Throughout the year the members held several ribbon cuttings to welcome new businesses. Through the chamber some businesses took advantage of obtaining health insurance to their employees.

With the Show-Me Scholars, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce raised funds to give scholarships to eight students and they have been raising funds for this year’s seniors.

Barnhart said the chamber has laid the ground work for having a welcome center for visitors to enter and grab a business brochure or city map with markers of VCOC businesses and points of interest. They hope to see this through in 2021.

In an email to members, a survey was sent along with the membership renewal for 2021. The survey asks chamber members if they have benefited from membership, asks for suggestions or comments, and asks for volunteers to help with upcoming events and projects. 

VCOC officers are President Lisa Garro of Heartland Regional Library, Vice President Mark James of Results Real Estate and Auction, Treasurer Peggy Simoneaux of The Maries County Crisis Center, and Secretary Kelly Barnhart of Barnhart Dental.