The Chamber’s early history is recorded in the following manner in Elizabeth Porter’s book, “A History of Wetumpka”, page 166. “The Chamber of Commerce is not one of the oldest civic organizations of Wetumpka, but it is one of the strongest, being composed of men who are also members of one of the three civic luncheon clubs. These men have confidence in Wetumpka and feel that it is really helping any one who is looking for a place in which to locate an industry to show him the advantages that he can have by locating it here.”

"The Chamber of Commerce has entered its fifth year; it was organized in 1952 with Ellis Austin as its first president. Mac Freeman was president the second year; in its third year Judson Landrum, Sr., served as president; Mrs. J. L. Young is the executive secretary."

"The board of directors is composed of ten men who meet monthly. There is an annual dinner for the entire membership. Two interesting brochures containing valuable information about Wetumpka have been published, and another brochure is in the making. The membership of this organization is composed of men who are capable and enthusiastic, men who have faith in the future of Wetumpka. In 1956, at the annual dinner for the club, Tom McDow was elected president. He was also elected “Man of the Year.” This meeting of 1956 proved to be a very enthusiastic meeting as many plans were made for bringing in new industries. In 1957 Silas Martin was elected president and Mac Freeman, Jr., “The Man-of-the-Year.”

In 1987, the committee to reestablish the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce was set in motion at the behest of then Mayor Jeanette Barrett. She commissioned a four man committee composed of Bill Gray, Art Bolin, John Lazenby, and Ferrell Long to prepare the organizational structure. The Wetumpka Merchants Association, led by Jack DeVenney became a part of the Chamber organizational project. The committee set about to organize and filed incorporation papers on February 24, 1989, to establish the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. By Laws had become official on February 3, 1989, and William M. Gray served as the first elected president through March, 1988. Alma Leak, assistant to Mayor Jeanette Barrett acted as the Chief Staff Executive with headquarters located in the Alternatives building at 110 East Bridge Street. The first year saw inclusion of approximately 50 charter members in the organization. Janice Cash was hired as Executive Secretary in December, 1989, and the Chamber’s new home became 108 Company Street and later still 108 East Bridge Street. Jackson Thornton & Company, Principal Dennis Fain, has faithfully provided the services for accounting, reporting, and auditing throughout the life of the Chamber. Jan Wood came on board in December, 1992 and began to concentrate on visibility, growth, and community impact. Lacking the big dollars to recruit in the industrial market, the Chamber has sought to forge its role as promoter—especially of attractions, tourism, and retiree relocation. The Chamber is a nerve center for information for tourism and business referral, with its chief responsibility being to provide the venue or format for local business and community leaders to meet together to share information and promote community interests and projects.

Early in 1995, the Chamber sought a permanent home and gathered commitment from its membership, made a leap of faith and purchased the historic building at 110 East Bridge Street where it had residence in 1987. This two story white masonry location originally constructed in 1905 of limestone was the Bank of Wetumpka. After the demise of the bank in the years of the Depression, the historic building served to house a variety of business ventures—barber and beauty shops, jewelry store, insurance and accounting offices, gift shop, restaurant and eatery, drug prevention and treatment program and finally, June 1, 1995, as the home of The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce.

Since that date the Chamber has promoted various fund raising efforts to support the improvement and repair of the building in such a manner as to maintain its historical integrity.  Major projects have included replacing the roof, painting the interior, placing marble tile front steps, repairing window framing, cleaning and painting the exterior surface and awnings, and polishing and reinstalling the sliding copper and brass doors at the front entrance. In 2005, new carpet and furnishings were added to the building.

The growth of Chamber participation and membership has been substantial with broad based participation ranging from retired individuals who seek to serve their community to the largest high-tech manufacturing firms located in our area.  

It is our desire to be responsive to the perceived needs and wishes of the area citizenry as well as our mission to promote the best and most equitable economic endeavors for the City of Wetumpka and Elmore County.

Wetumpka Chamber Time Line

History:

Presidents:

Chief Staff Executives:

Administrative Assistants: 

Volunteer Awards:

Community Involvement Citation Recipients: 

William F. Sahlie Volunteer Award: 

Elmore County History & Heritage Award:

Service Award for 15 Years as Treasurer:

Ambassador of the Year:

Senior Ambassador of the Year:

Annual Meetings: