For the second time in its history, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s office space is located inside a train depot.
The chamber recently moved from its downtown McComb office space to the Liberty-White train depot in Summit.
Executive director Catherine Sanders said the chamber needed to move since its former building was sold and the lease was near its end.
“I’m excited about the move. I love the new space and am enjoying the new space,” she said, sitting in her unpacked office.
Sanders said she had known about the possibility of the sale and had been worried about where the chamber would find its new home until a representative from the Summit Historical Society dropped by with the idea of using the depot.
“The depot is beautiful and has a wonderful atmosphere,” Sanders said, looking out directly over the railroad tracks and across to Summit Town Hall.
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce had been in McComb since it split from the Economic Development District in 2013 and moved from the McComb railroad depot to an office on Main Street. Sanders said this latest move represents the chamber’s commitment to all of Pike County.
“The chamber has always been in McComb, but with this move I think it solidifies the fact that our focus is Pike County as a whole and not just McComb,” Sanders said. “This doesn’t change a thing but our mailing address.”
Though the chamber had been staying rent-free in the Regions office space, the Summit Depot will have a minimal rent, which Sanders said it is worth the cost as it was the lowest offer she received. She said all of the chamber’s funds come from membership dues, fundraising and donations.
“It is my responsibility to use our members’ money as responsibly and wisely as possible,” she said.
