History of the Blaine Jaycees

The Blaine Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) was chartered on November 23, 1963, with twenty-five charter members.  The extending chapter Coon Rapids provided excellent direction and by years end the chapter had grown to eight-six members.

From the beginning the chapter has been a strong force in the community and has played a tremendous role in the lives of it's residents.  Each year, the chapter has been blessed with people who care about the problems affecting a rapidly growing community.

There has been five chapter members that have gone on to become state vice-presidents.  Tom Brady in 1966-67, Dick Key in 1968-69, Jim Williams in 1970-71, Jack Brandt in 1972-73, and Tom Gormon in 1974-75.  In addition, there have been two national directors:  Dick Key in 1968-69 and Jim Williams in 1971-72.  During 1970-71 under the very strong leadership of Don Welch, the Blaine chapter had the honor of being the number one chapter in the State of Minnesota.  Don moved to Wisconsin in 1972 and went on to become State Vice President, National Director, and Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin Jaycees.

In the year of 1977-78, Fred Dehnel was Regional Director of the Northwest Metro Region.  In 1978-79 he was the first East Area Vice President.  Fred Dehnel died of cancer and the East Area honored him with the Fred G. Dehnel Memorial Award given out each year for the outstanding East Area Jaycee.

In 1997, the Jaycee year was changed to start with January and end with December instead of running from May to April.  In 2001, the US Jaycees changed the name from Junior Chamber of Commerce to just Junior Chamber.

The chapter is headed by a Board of Directors who are elected in September to serve the Jaycee Year which runs from January to December.  The Blaine Jaycees has a reputation as one of the strongest and most consistent chapters in the state.  This is because the chapter conducts a complete program of projects.  This year, by standing on the accomplishments of the past, we will be even higher.