Historic Walker County
An illustrated history of the city of Huntsville, Texas, and the Walker County area, paired with the histories of companies, families and organizations that make the region great.
An illustrated history of the city of Huntsville, Texas, and the Walker County area, paired with the histories of companies, families and organizations that make the region great.
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HUNTSVILLE–<br />
WALKER COUNTY<br />
CHAMBER OF<br />
COMMERCE<br />
An area’s business climate is often reflected<br />
in Chamber of Commerce efforts. Huntsville-<br />
<strong>Walker</strong> <strong>County</strong> Chamber is no exception.<br />
Even in the very early days of its organization,<br />
members rolled up their sleeves to hold<br />
the first Crop Contest and awarded $100 to<br />
John L. Books of Loma for producing the first<br />
bale of cotton. That was 1925.<br />
In 1963, the Chamber broke ground for<br />
its current location at 1327 Eleventh Street<br />
in Huntsville. Since then, the organization<br />
has grown to five fulltime employees and a<br />
membership of 510.<br />
Today, the Chamber operates on a number of<br />
basic principles as it looks toward the future.<br />
One is drawing upon member synergy—members<br />
accomplishing goals the Chamber could<br />
not do alone. It is a source for business contacts<br />
and referrals in two Leads exchange groups.<br />
It is involved in special events that build<br />
good relationships at its Small Business<br />
Networking Breakfasts and Business After<br />
Hours events. Volunteers’ further encourage<br />
networking opportunities at special events<br />
like the Trade Expo, Shot in the Dark Golf<br />
Tournament, Fair on the Square, Annual Gala<br />
and leadership luncheons.<br />
The Chamber’s goal is to develop existing<br />
businesses, recruit new businesses and<br />
strengthen economic growth. The Chamber is<br />
a daily source for business contacts and<br />
referrals from staff and other members. Also<br />
offered are Leads Exchange groups.<br />
As with any city, the Chamber plays a<br />
major role in tourism. The Chamber is often<br />
the first point of contact for marketing to,<br />
and hosting, local, national and international<br />
visitors. Tourism has an annual impact of over<br />
$88.8 million in Huntsville and <strong>Walker</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
The Huntsville Leadership Institute has<br />
provided unique leadership training and<br />
opportunities for local citizens for over thirty<br />
years. In addition, Chamber Leadership has<br />
an active voice representing local business in<br />
local, state and national government.<br />
President Carol Smith says, “The Huntsville-<br />
<strong>Walker</strong> <strong>County</strong> Chamber is heavily involved<br />
with community causes such as Sam Houston<br />
State University, Boys and Girls Club of <strong>Walker</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong>, the YMCA, and <strong>Walker</strong> <strong>County</strong> Fair<br />
Association, just to name a few.”<br />
S h a r i n g t h e H e r i t a g e ✦ 7 5
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