How Did Our Chamber Become Organized?

On Jan. 23, 1959, several businessmen, civic leaders, industrial representatives and farmers met to discuss a number of unsatisfactory conditions in the community and to recognize the Lawrenceburg Commercial Club under a new name. Mayor Thomas B. Ripy presided over the first meeting of the new club named the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce.

The new bylaws that Walter Patrick had prepared were adopted. Officers elected for the year were Walter Patrick, president; Harold Hanks, vice-president and director representing retail merchants; Hollie Warford; vice-president and director representing agriculture; Thomas B. Ripy, vice-president and director representing civic organizations; Joseph White, vice-president and director representing industry; and Ray T. Brown, secretary-treasurer. Other directors were Ed Grace, Walter Major, Charles Stewart and Frank Routt.

The minutes of the May 1959 meeting of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce reflect a membership of 89 members in good standing. Today, the Chamber continues as a strong, viable organization in the community with more than 150 members.