Gary Thompson has been with the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce for about four years now.

Today, he’s the organization’s chairman as it reached the middle of its 31st year of existence. He’s also a local real estate agent with an office downtown. A business owner for more than a quarter-century, Thompson isn’t a stranger to public service, having served on the Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Commission back before that group was dissolved by the town.

More than 30 years ago, most local businesses in the lower Verde Valley were members of the Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce, based out of Cottonwood. Some of those local businesspeople felt like they needed an organization to better serve their interests. That’s why, on Jan. 28, 1981, the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce incorporated as its own entity.

Those early leaders of the chamber faced opposition from some in the Verde Valley chamber, according to reports, but the Camp Verde group soldiered on.

The group has had its ups and downs over the years, but overall it has done what it can to represent the interests of its members in the local business community.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, July 25, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, July 25, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.