Tuesday morning thunderstorms gave way to clear skies as if on cue for a ceremony christening the new Madison Chamber of Commerce offices.

And though the autumnal equinox moved the calendar into fall on Monday, summer had something left to say. A bright, hot sun cooked the parking lot for a ribbon-cutting in front of the new address at 230 Hughes Road C.

Despite the heat and blinding sun, the celebration proceeded under the cool and vibrant direction of Madison Chamber President Michelle Epling. She had jokes and was a hard act to follow for the luminaries gathered for the event.

“I have the true honor and privilege of being president of the Madison Chamber of Commerce,’’ she said. “A chamber of commerce that is truly built on collaboration.’’

The chamber moved from a 900-square foot space to a 42,000 square foot “home,’’ as Epling called it, complete with co-working space, meeting rooms and “a beautiful mural in partnership with Arts Alliance.’’

Epling’s list of people to thank was a long one. Among them were Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Madison County Commission Chair Mac McCutcheon, State Senator Arthur Orr and Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05).

There were many others in attendance including state representatives Phillip Rigsby, Parker Moore and Marilyn Lands. State Senator Tom Butler couldn’t attend. Alabama Senator Katie Britt sent a representative.

“I have the privilege of representing part of the City of Madison, the southern part, the western part, but it’s good to be with you,’’ Orr said. “Thank you for coming out. There’s nothing else I could add. Michelle is a dynamo. She has done a tremendous job for the chamber.

“The chamber can be such a tool in this community to help it grow for years to come, working with City Hall right down the road here and your best days are ahead,’’ he said before later adding, “I’m glad we can all come together because moments like this remind us that all is possible when people, businesses and community leaders work hand in hand.’’

McCutcheon recalled a celebration at Hexagon when he was named commission chairman and the swag bag contained Snicker’s candy bar, one of his favorite treats.

“And so I thought, hey, they know me,’’ he said.

“This is a very, very exciting day and we are looking forward to opening these doors. Michelle, Chamber Board Chair DeWayne Howell, the board, I just want to say thank you for what you’re doing for Madison County.

“This is great. We are successful here in Madison County because of our partnerships. Mayor Finley, thank you for the work you’ve done being a partner right there standing side by side with us as we work together. But this is a very, very special day.’’

Strong (R-Monrovia) hails from the area and is a Sparkman High School graduate. He’s advanced from being a member of the county commission to that body’s chair to a U.S. Representative.

“You start thinking about where we are today,’’ Strong said. “I think about the late 80s when I was in high school, the police department was downtown, about four police cars, and where we’ve come to today. That right there is what this city is all about – you let people spend their dollars locally, and then that makes our school system stronger.’’

Strong wound down the speaker portion of the ceremony urging the citizens of Madison to embrace collaboration moving forward.

“This shows what you can do when it’s a regional approach,’’ he said. “Look at what’s happened – 4,700 new jobs coming with Space Command, and many of them are going to be your neighbors. When we talk about Space Command, that’s a team effort also because it starts with the cities and the region.

“Our labor force comes from 17 counties in North Alabama and we’re the lead employer for three counties in Southern Tennessee. But it just shows what we do when we work together. That’s what this is all about. I still believe, Senator (Orr), as you said, our finest hours are still ahead,” concluded Strong.

The Madison Chamber of Commerce is keeping in step with the progress with its move.