Tag Archive | rockville chamber of commerce
October 9, 2025  

The Founding of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce

In the summer of 1925, Rockville’s business leaders came together with a shared vision: to strengthen their growing community. About sixty local merchants and professionals gathered at the Montgomery County Country Club to form what would become the Rockville Chamber of Commerce.

Among the founding members was Edgar Reed, co-owner of Reed Brothers Dodge. At that first meeting, officers were elected, and Reed was chosen to serve on the Executive Board, where he also chaired the Better Business Bureau committee.

According to the Montgomery County Sentinel (September 25, 1925), the Chamber’s mission was clear:

To advance the commercial, industrial, and civic interests of Rockville and vicinity, and to promote integrity and good faith in matters of business.

Rockville Chamber of Commerce Formation

Montgomery County Sentinel. September 25, 1925

From the beginning, the Chamber focused on real, local issues: improving schools and playgrounds, addressing sanitation and public utilities, and supporting public projects. Members also partnered with county organizations to plan the 150th anniversary celebration of Montgomery County in 1926.

The new group didn’t shy away from tackling tough topics, either. They investigated questionable business practices, promoted honest advertising, and even began collecting data to help plan Rockville’s growth.

By 1926, the Chamber had taken civic pride a step further by sponsoring a short promotional film about Rockville. The movie featured local businesses, the brand-new firehouse, and the area’s thriving farms, complete with the memorable slogan:

Clean cows — clean udders — clean milk.

The creation of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce marked an important moment in the city’s history. It gave Rockville’s business community a unified voice; one that continues to shape and support the city’s growth nearly a century later.

Sources of Information:
Montgomery County Sentinel
Rockville Portrait of a City by Eileen S. McGuckian

May 30, 2023  

Short History: Formation of Rockville Chamber of Commerce

Edgar Reed was one of the first members of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce when it was formed in August 1925. Sixty business and professional men of Rockville and vicinity gathered at the Montgomery County Country Club and elected officers for the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Edgar was elected to the Executive Board and as Chairman of the Better Business Bureau committee.

Rockville Chamber of Commerce Formation

The Montgomery County Sentinel. Sept 25, 1925

From The Montgomery County Sentinel, September 25, 1925:

The purpose of the organization is set forth as “advancing the commercial, industrial and civic interests of Rockville and vicinity and to promote integrity and good faith in matters of business.”

The President was authorized to appoint committees on sanitation, public utilities, perks and playgrounds, schools, program and publicity, and the appointment of committees to cooperate with various organizations of the county for the celebration on October 2, 1926, of the 150th anniversary of the creation of Montgomery County; to investigate all stock selling schemes in the county, and to collect and invoice statistics concerning Rockville and possibilities for its future development.

The group attempted to resolve traffic and parking problems, advocate public improvements, and generally upgrade the town. Members served on the town council and generously supported the Rockville Volunteer Fore Department. Under the leadership of W. Valentine Wilson and others, the group espoused progressive ideas on behalf of improved education, economic development, and civic improvement. In 1926, Wilson commissioned a twelve-minute long movie featuring the best of Rockville—its business establishments, new firehouse, and dairy production, boasting “clean cows—clean udders—clean milk.” Organizing the Chamber marked a coming of age of Rockville’s business community. Common ground for the merchants further bonded the small town.

An integral part of the Rockville area’s past, present and future, the Rockville Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the thousands of businesses that proudly call Rockville their home.

Sources of Information:
Montgomery County Sentinel
Rockville Portrait of a City by Eileen S. McGuckian