NILES — In the past three years, Niles has seen many new businesses open their doors. Each store owner that takes a chance on the community gets a welcome from the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce.

Standing in front of their store, business owners commemorate the occasion and snip through a bright red ribbon during grand opening ceremonies. For many, this is a chance to celebrate their efforts and spread the word to the community about their business.

The ribbon cutting ceremonies are one in many initiatives that the chamber makes in an aim to support local business across Niles. Now, the chamber will get the chance to celebrate a special mile marker of its own this month: 100 years of operation.

To celebrate, the chamber will host a 100th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards Ceremony from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at the Grand LV, 104 N. Third St. in Niles. Tickets were sold through April 30. During the celebration, the chamber will recognize the Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Chamber Ambassador of the Year and Community Leadership award.  A fireside chat will also take place with Rich Studley, the president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Eileen Villanueva, the membership coordinator for the chamber, reflected on the milestone.

“Anytime a business achieves 100 years, it is historical,” Villanueva said. “We are so excited to have that continued service and that continued dedication to our community.”

Niles’ chamber of commerce was established in 1919. The chamber’s overarching goal has been to support economic growth by helping local businesses to get noticed and connect with potential customers, their community and fellow business professionals.

Today, the chamber hosts a variety of networking opportunities, including business after hours events. Throughout their time in Niles, the entity has also sought to put businesses on the map — the virtual one that is. The chamber sought to help Niles businesses become Google verified.

Last February, a historic flood swept through the region bringing destruction to many local businesses in its wake. Thanks to community involvement and businesses owners’ will to reopen their doors, businesses did not stay shuttered for long. The chamber helped each store owner celebrate overcoming the flood by hosting grand re-opening ceremonies.

The chamber has also experienced some growth in its time in Niles.

Early this year, the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce, formerly known as the Four Flags Chamber of Commerce, merged with the Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance.

Leaders of the organizations said the merger sought to expand the organization’s coverage outside of Niles by serving surrounding communities. The organization also has a partnership with South Bend’s chamber of commerce.

The chamber also relocated from the historic Old Carnegie Library building, located at 321 E. Main St. to Niles City Hall, 333 N. Second St.

“With that merger, we definitely looked at re-orienting and focusing our mission,” Villanueva said. “We also have this new edge in economic development that we are really excited about.”

Looking to the future, Villanueva said chamber officials hope to secure more growth in their community outreach and membership, which includes 385 members.

“We are really excited just to take what we have and take it to a heightened level to make it greater and better for the community,” Villanueva said. “But also add new programs as the community sees fit.”

To learn more about the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce, those interested can visit their webpage at greaternileschamber.com.