The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce celebrated a major milestone at the organization’s 75thAnniversary Celebration on Friday, October 4. More than 440 members, elected officials, and economic development stakeholders attended the event, which was held in Lawrenceburg’s historic downtown district.
“We aren’t just a civic organization for small business anymore,” explained Ryan Egly, the Chamber’s President & CEO. “With the support of our member businesses and our local governments, we have built one of the most effective economic development and destination marketing organizations in the State of Tennessee.”
For 75 years, the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce has been a resource for businesses, without regard to size or industry sector. The organization’s services, which are delivered by a team of six professional staff and their regional network of resource partners, include business-to-business marketing, networking opportunities, events & campaigns, pro-business advocacy, and leadership development.
The Chamber was founded in 1949 with more than a dozen members. Membership steadily increased over the years to what is now nearly 500 members. Ryan Evers of Evers Construction Company, who serves as Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said the organization’s anniversary, “Represents a lot of hard work by a lot of people.”
“We consider ourselves extremely fortunate that the leaders that came before us laid such an incredible foundation, on which we get to build our future, for many years to come.”
With a focus on three strategic initiatives, the Chamber works to grow small business through its membership and community development initiatives; the industrial base through its economic development arm; and the hospitality & tourism industry under the ‘Visit Lawrenceburg’ brand. Its professional staff have driven record job creation from manufacturers, facilitating the creation of more than 870 jobs since 2018 and record visitor spending, with tourists spending nearly $30 million in 2023.
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn attended the event and delivered congratulatory remarks.
“Congratulations to the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce on celebrating its 75th anniversary,” said Senator Blackburn. “For three-quarters of a century, this chamber has helped promote opportunity, prosperity, and economic growth in Lawrenceburg and its surrounding communities. Between David Crockett State Park, Amish country, the Natchez Trace, and many incredible restaurants and shops, Lawrence County has flourished into a wonderful place to visit—and an even better place to live.”
During the dinner celebration, Lawrenceburg Mayor Blake Lay and Lawrence County Executive David Morgan expounded on the importance of the Chamber’s role in sustaining economic development.
“Although our organization has changed a lot since it was established in 1949, our mission to support local business and serve all of Lawrence County remains the same,” Egly concluded.
