2006 treated the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce well.

President Nick Beavington notes they saw an increase in membership, which is good news for what he terms an active business community.

He's especially pleased one of the Chamber's biggest programs did well in 2006 -- the Happy Rock tourist booth on Highway 16. The summer months saw 2500 people stop in, while about 5000 accessed it in the whole year. Beavington points out that translates into significant economic spin-offs for the community.

Beavington adds a lot of work was done toward constructing a new community hall in Gladstone, and it look like it'll happen in 2007. He feels having the hall operating day and night will mean long term benefits for the town.