| For most of the twentieth century the Chamber of Commerce
has been a major player in the history of Dublin-Laurens
County. Near the turn of the century, progressive business
men began to realize that the economic development of
Dublin and the surrounding area could be enhanced only
through a cooperative effort. The Young Men's Business
League, composed of a group of entrepreneurially-spirited
men with a vision for the future, was the first organization
for this purpose. In 1911, the Young Men's Business League
became the local Chamber of Commerce. The Georgia State
Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1911. J.M. Finn,
one of the local organizers of the League, became vice
chairman of the state chamber.
Historical data reveal that the first Chamber of Commerce
was organized in Marseilles, France in 1599 and in New
York and Great Britain in 1768. By 1870, there were
forty throughout the United States. Local Chambers of
Commerce were federated into the Chamber of Commerce
of the United States when it was founded in 1912. The
mission of these chambers is to promote and protect
the business interest and welfare of the community.
The Columbia Encyclopedia, 1993
The local Chamber was active from the time of its founding
until the Great Depression of the thirties. It was reorganized
in 1939.
Since 1911, there have been 56 presidents and two
chairpersons. The title was changed from President to
Chair in 1998. At the same time, the Executive Director
became President and Executive Director. There have been
five Executive Directors. There have been 14 Executive
Secretaries whose task has been to manage the activities
of the Chamber. In the year 2000 there are over 600
members. It has been a certified Chamber since 1994 and
reaccredited in 1999 and now has a staff of
five paid employees.
Today the Chamber offices are housed in a former home
which was a historic mansion on Bellevue Avenue. Appropriate
appointments and beautifully landscaped gardens form
an inviting setting for Chamber and community functions.
The Mission of the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of
Commerce is to "make Dublin and Laurens County
a better place to live, work and play" by improving
the economic conditions and quality of life of its people.
During the century, thousands of members including hundreds
of board members, have given their time, talents and
resources to achieve this goal.
The objective of this history is to show the Chamber's
success in fulfilling this mission by detailing its
work and accomplishments.
-Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce & Development
Authority
A Century of Progress
By: Don & Mildred Lamb
|
