The Exchange Club of Rome celebrated 85 years of service to our community at our business meeting last Friday with the cutting of a special birthday cake by President Lee Roberts and former Georgia House Representative Paul Smith. Mr. Smith is the olders member of the club at 93 years young, and has the longest tenure with 67 years.
Past president Buzz Wachsteter presented a short program outlining the history of the club and highlighting some of our achievements, including the creation of the Coosa Valley Fair in 1949 and the Family Resource Center in 1991. Mr. Wachsteter recognized members who have led the club as president, board member, district president, and other district officers.
The club was chartered in July 1936 with 25 male members. Women were not allowed in National Exchange Club until the 1980s. Since becoming members of the Exchange club of Rome, women have served in every capacity of leadership, including all offices. board of directors, committee chairs. The Rome club was sponsored by the Exchange Club of Cedartown, which is also still active.