What is Foundation Forward?
2023-2024 is an especially momentous time for our organization. Many of you have seen the renovation work at your Chamber building at 528 Main Street, but not everyone knows that the Chamber is fundraising to pay off the loans we've acquired to launch this endeavor.
Foundation Forward is a $650,000 campaign to fund the remodel of the Longmont Chamber building. It's not a large amount as campaigns go, but it is a significant opportunity for our community to take part in supporting the next chapter of our shared story.
Supporting Foundation Forward
The Longmont Chamber is built on a strong foundation of support from our community and businesses spanning over a century. We are striving to once again move the Longmont Chamber forward and invite our community to engage and support our Foundation Forward Campaign.
Foundation Forward, run through the Longmont Community Foundation, is the $650,000 campaign to repay the loans secured for remodeling 528 Main St. All contributions are tax deductible charitable contributions. Every dollar matters and makes a difference.
Our Journey
Origins
The Longmont Chamber has been in our community for 137 years. In 1987, we purchased the building at 528 Main St.
Progress
The renovation of our building is actively underway. Construction began in September of 2023. Staff is now working remote.
Future
Foundation Forward supports the comprehensive remodel of the 5,300-square-foot building, creating a dynamic space for all.
Business needs have changed greatly since 1980. The need for a robust, professional, and dynamic chamber of commerce has not.
Foundations
The Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce has been in this community for 137 years. Founded in 1886, the Longmont Chamber was formed just 15 years after the City of Longmont was established. The Longmont Chamber has always been completely funded by member businesses wanting to supporting growing and dynamic commerce in our community. To this day the Longmont Chamber’s entire operation is run by business members and the events and programs we produce for businesses and our community.
Brick by Brick
In the late 1950s, the Longmont Chamber built and called the office at 455 Kimbark home. The building was raised in a matter of days. This is now where El Comité is located.
The Longmont Chamber moved into 528 Main St. in 1987, when the then board of directors voted to purchase the building. The seated board wrote personal guarantees on the loan to secure funding for the purchase.
From Renters to Owners
The building purchase was paid off and a mortgage burning ceremony took place in 2002. 528 Main Street was officially owned by, and under the sole stewardship of, the Longmont Chamber.
528 Main St. is 5,300 square feet and extends from the Main St. facing sidewalk all the way through to the east alley and 500-block parking lot. Since purchasing the building in 1987, it has gone largely unchanged.
The renovation of the Longmont Chamber building reflects of the progress, growth, and enduring compassion of our community.
Foundation Forward: The Latest
December, 2023
Naming Rights level donors, like Lisa Hamilton with High Country Bank, take a hard hat tour of the renovation! Donors were invited to further make their mark and sign the plywood backing that will go into the Longmont Chamber’s largest community space, the conference room. Four major donors have committed significant naming rights level donations: High Country Bank, Adams Bank & Trust, High Plains Bank, and Platte River Power Authority.
Foundation Forward: The Latest
November, 2023
Nearly $100,000 of the $650,000 has been raised in support of Foundation Forward. The Longmont Chamber took part in its first-ever #GivingTuesday fundraising opportunity. $20,000, from four separate $5,000 donations, has been pledged as a matching fund for donations received as we launch this campaign to the public.
Fundraising Progress
$650,000
Goal
21%
$140,000 Raised to Date
We encourage and promote a balanced, thriving economy and preserve those unique qualities that are good for businesses and our community.
As a long-time Longmont Chamber member, TLC Learning Center has benefited tremendously from our membership. From ribbon cuttings for our building expansions to annual safety classes that in turn give us a discount on our workers’ compensation plan, the Longmont Chamber is relevant with every part of our business.
In addition, as a long-time Longmont non-profit, the Chamber has been our advocate, helped us with successful fundraisers, and kept us apprised of ballot initiatives each year that help position us to make informed decisions and give our customers the most accurate information.
The Longmont Chamber truly has a small-town feel with big-city knowledgeable staff and programs to benefit all in the community. The Longmont Chamber is what makes Longmont businesses, large and small, proud to be Longmonsters.
Matt Eldred
Executive Director, TLC Learning Center
Longmont Chamber member since 1992
Contact Us
Scott Cook
Karen Stallard