MACC was first organized as the Madrid Action Committee in 1989 by 15 concerned citizens. The small group felt that Madrid needed an organization that would engage in civic participation and raise funds to promote and beautify the community as volunteers.
One of their first efforts was a Clean Up project on April 29th, 1989. The project was a big success, and the organization was off to a great start. They met monthly, the first and third Wednesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. at Burke’s Restaurant. In the beginning, it was not a membership organization, and there were no dues. A float was built and used to promote Madrid in several parades. MACC also promoted Madrid at the Boone County Fair that summer. That fall, MACC hosted a “Swede Point Day” Community Picnic at Swede Point Park, attended by 240 citizens.
In 1990, the MACC budget was set for $5,000, and the organization began to solicit dues from members as well as contributions from organizations. The City of Madrid contributed $2,000, and People's Natural Gas gave $400 to help fund the various community projects that were planned. They met their budget goal that year and established the organization as one that could make positive changes in Madrid.
Over the next ten years (1990-2000) MACC developed an ambassador’s program that welcomed new businesses to town, held Christmas decorating contests and continued to beautify the community. The Swede Point Park community picnic continued until 2000. Other activities over the years include sponsoring blood drives, hosting candidate forums, creating, printing and distributing tourism brochures and representing Madrid in the Boone County tourism booth at the Iowa State Fair. MACC provided wayfinding signs and street banners promoting businesses, supported community visioning and hosted the City-wide Garage Sale. MACC supported development of the Maple Ridge housing development and the High Trestle Trail and High Trestle Trail Bridge.
One of MACC’s most enduring traditions include the Annual Banquet that also honors the Volunteer of the Year and at times the Leader of the Year, as well as the Lighted Parade and Christmas Extravaganza, held in December each year. MACC also hosts a Chamber website that promotes Madrid and the High Trestle Trail and Bridge.
In 2016, after 27 years in existence, MACC re-formed and became the Madrid Area Chamber of Commerce. MACC is a member managed, mainly volunteer organization. The organization is focused on supporting businesses and developing tourism in the Madrid area.
MACC continues to grow in 2025, keeping up with ribbon cuttings for new businesses, the annual banquet, new community events and the Exterior Design Grant.
