The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 60th birthday Friday, recognizing six decades as an organization that was launched by some of the region's most respected community leaders. Chamber President, Dan Meyer, said the chamber constantly has to recreate itself to meet the needs of its membership and for 60 years they've been doing that. Meyer characterized the chamber's role as at the forefront of change, with the region evolving from agrarian society, housing an ever-expanding Appalachian State University, helping with the transition during the decline of manufacturing, and now promoting entrepreneurship and small businesses. The chamber also hosts candidate forums, leadership seminars and community-awards programs. A

n open house celebration will be held from 10 am to 4 pm on Friday, October 23, inviting the public for cake and punch and a chance to meet the chamber staff. The office is at 208 Howard Street in downtown Boone.