100 Years Celebration

Kinston 100 Years on Dipity.

In 2011, the Kinston-Lenoir Chamber of Commerce celebrated 100 years of Leading the Way in Kinston and Lenoir County. The centennial year was filled with a variety of events, which began with the kick-off Centennial Celebration Gala on January 22, 2011. The Chamber’s Centennial Year focus was on Your Chamber Leading the Way in Kinston and Lenoir County 1911-2011. The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic force serving the business interests in our region. The Chamber has been very active and has a rich history dating back as early as the 1880s. The initial formation of the Chamber as it now exists occurred in 1911, when the Chamber actually received its Charter. Local business men joined together after working on behalf of business and trade in Lenoir County to form the original Kinston Chamber of Commerce.

In the past century, the Chamber has played key roles in the establishment of Kinston and Lenoir County’s growth. The Chamber worked throughout the year to design/compile a timeline of the many activities where current and past board members and Chamber members, Presidents, and citizens participated by submitting  pictures, memorabilia and information that were included in the timeline. Such activities included the following:

• May 4 through 7, 2011 – The BBQ Festival on the Neuse  was presented by the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce and demonstrated how local individuals and businesses come together to host one of the largest community events in Lenoir County.
• September 2011 – The Chamber’s 100 years of progress timeline was on display at the annual Living the Good Life Expo in Eastern North Carolina.
• October 2011/November 2011 – An exhibit of memorabilia was on display at the Community Council for the Arts.
• October 31, 2011 – The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce 100^th Anniversary Celebration, Ribbon Cutting and Time Capsule Ceremony at the new Centennial Park took place. This celebration recognized all those who had a tremendous impact on Kinston and Lenoir County through their service with the Chamber of Commerce.

Since its original inception, the Chamber has evolved into one of Eastern North Carolina’s most significant membership-driven organizations. Kinston is a thriving community, and our prosperity of today is a result of the Chamber’s successes over the past century. While the celebration may be over, the memory of the past year will never fade. Pictures from this year’s celebration have been uploaded into a special 100 Years Celebration gallery, and we hope you will look through them and reminisce as we have. Enjoy!

View 100 Years Event Gallery