Original members of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce take part in a Chamber luncheon.More Info
The Chamber’s beginningsAccording to founding member Doris White, after approximately one year of discussions and preparation for the merger of the Chickamauga, LaFayette and Rossville Chambers of Commerce, the new Walker County Chamber of Commerce opened in the then-new Walker County Civic Center in July 1991. The offices, furniture, computers and other office equipment were new and made possible through the generosity of Walker County Commissioner Roy Parrish.In the initial planning for the merger, Rich Gwyn said, “We want the Walker County Chamber of Commerce to be a one-stop shop for businesses seeking to locate or expand in Walker County. We want to break down the barriers and work together.”Twenty-five years later, there is no barrier, and members of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce continue to work in harmony to promote Walker County, White said.
The Walker County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 25 years of existence and is hosting an anniversary celebration at Magnolia Pines in Chickamauga Thursday, June 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The drop-in event is free to Chamber members and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
There are 150 slots available, so members should RSVP, said Chamber President Lacey Wilson.
“We are excited to help Magnolia Pines showcase its venue,” she added. “Magnolia Pines will bring in a lot of outside guests looking to hold corporate events and weddings.”
Originally, said Wilson, Walker County had several municipal Chambers of Commerce: for Chickamauga, LaFayette and Rossville.
“They thought they would be stronger to have a countywide Chamber,” she said. “County-based Chambers are the standard in the area. Twenty-five years ago, the Chambers merged into the Walker County Chamber. That was when the Walker County Civic Center was established in Walker County.”
Eddie Upshaw, a founding member of the Walker County Chamber, said it has changed over the years and is still moving forward.
“The Chamber has become very diverse,” he said. “Our new Chamber director is real knowledgeable. She is helping the Chamber move forward. I was vice president of the Chickamauga Chamber when the Chambers consolidated. It has come a long ways. I’ve been on the [Walker County] Chamber board off and on for 15 years. I really think a lot of the Chamber. I support it 100 percent. I’ve seen a lot of directors come and go, but the one we’ve got now is energetic.”
Other founding members of the Walker County Chamber are still active today, said Wilson.
“Doris White and Louise Smith Sparks are still active,” she said. “They were active in the Rossville Chamber too. They are still active, attending Walker County Chamber luncheons and serving on the Nominating Committee.”
Wilson said the Walker County Chamber presently has 286 members.
“They started out using typewriters in the three original Chambers,” said Wilson. “To think 25 years ago they relied on typewriters is interesting. In many ways it’s changed, but in many respects it’s stayed the same. Now people think of networking online, but you still can’t take the place of face-to-face marketing. People still like to do business with people they are familiar with. Getting to know people at the Chamber and sharing your business helps.”
The Chamber is also preparing for its next One Walker meeting, being held June 21. The time and location will be announced later.
Wilson is also planning a Walker County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Conference for Sept. 16. The conference will cover bookkeeping, marketing, human resources and offer tips for the layout of a store.
“People come through because they like the beauty of Walker County and the history,” said Wilson.
She also noted that the Walker County Fair has moved to the first weekend of November this year.
Contact the Chamber at 706-375-7702 to learn more or RSVP for the anniversary event.