A chamber of commerce is a nonprofit association of businesses organized to promote and protect the interests of its membership.

It’s a networking group that shares what their business does while learning what other local businesses do for referrals and even for their own needs. They can be very social and community hubs for events through advertising, volunteers and new ideas. Without realizing it, they become think-tanks through their diverse membership and some chambers have created world class events that started over coffee. Or a beer.

It’s been three years-plus since the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce held a meeting. Jacque Callison was the last president of the organization and became bogged down to the point she just couldn’t do what was needed to keep it moving forward.

But during that time, there wasn’t anyone willing to step up and take the gavel so it quietly became dormant with most businesses hoping that some day, someone with fire in their belly and a strong business ethic would resurrect the organization.

That time, and that person is here and ready to roll up his sleeves.

Andrew "Drew" Hanson returned home to Superior with his wife, Debbie, and their children, George and Henry, after being gone since eighth grade. He has analyzed and strategized the county he grew up in with a mission to help make the area a family friendly destination for those living here and those who visit.

Then, along with community members from Superior and St. Regis, they developed the Mineral County Rec Club. Through this organization, he has resurrected the Ski Club that takes families to Lookout Pass on a Superior School bus on the weekends, free of charge, which was something Hanson loved when growing up.

The River Street Festival and Paddle406, a Paddleboard Sprint, was an idea of the Rec Club that came to fruition this past August.

He’s on the board of directors for Pool in the Park and the Mineral County Community Foundation. And you can thank him for the St. Patrick Festivities in the Old Superior School which falls under the Rec Club umbrella for family events. He has accomplished all of this in 24 months while he remains working for Vaagen Timbers out of Colville, Washington as the Montana Business Development Department.

The Hansons have been involved in chamber of commerces in areas in which they’ve lived. Debbie works for the Superior School District and before she met Drew, she was a diplomat liaison with the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

“I’m very excited that I have found someone to take over the chamber. Drew came forward and I am so thankful that the chamber will stay and rebuild,” Callison beamed.

Roni Haskins will remain as treasurer as she so faithfully has, paying whatever small bills have been submitted and filing the taxes. It’s like it has been in hibernation; it’s been there, it’s alive and breathing but not ready to crawl out of bed, until now.

Hanson shared trepidation about restarting because to launch this and restore it to life, he might have to do things that aren’t necessarily in the bylaws. This concern exhibits the character and value structure that he will be instilling into the organization.

As Callison said, “You got to break some eggs to make an omelet! We aren’t running true to the bylaws right now anyway by not having meetings and elections so I’m here to help Drew in any way I can.”

Past presidents, George and Anita Bailey are thrilled to hear of the resurrection.

“This is exactly what is needed,” said George. “Younger people with a vision and the horsepower to make the chamber the business advocate that it was. Anita and I are here to help in any way possible, but also to get out of the way and have this become its own identity.”

“So much has changed in how business is conducted,” said another past president, Loie Turner. “The internet hasn’t been around that long, let alone social media and everything has shifted in how people network. I’m here to help in any way possible, like the Baileys, but this is an entirely new era as chamber of commerce’s have evolved, and now Mineral County will be at that level.”

Hanson explained what he feels needs to be done right from the get-go.

“There are new businesses and services that have come into the county, especially over Covid. I would like to see representation from all of the stakeholders in this county, the new and the established merchants. Not just Superior, but Alberton, St. Regis, and the West End. I feel it is critical for a cross mix of all of the communities as this has to be something that everyone has an opportunity to participate in.”

Having done his homework, Hanson will introduce a method he feels will work well known as a 3-C Chamber of Commerce: Catalyst for business growth. Convener of leaders, influencers and events. Champion for stronger communities.

A county-wide open house for everyone will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Soups & Sandz, 100 River Street in the old Superior School. For more information, contact drew@mcrecclub.org.