Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
The Chamber of Commerce of Walker County hosted its annual breakfast meeting this week, bringing together business leaders, educators, and community partners to celebrate progress and highlight the work being done across the county.
Chamber President Linda Lewis opened the program by paying tribute to Walker County’s educators and students.
“Our educators deserve our appreciation for their dedication and the impact they have on our students’ lives,” Lewis said. She also noted that the event’s table decorations, including various school supplies, would be donated to local classrooms, along with more than 100 book bags provided by United Way of Central Alabama and Kiwanis International.
Lewis also announced that entry fees for this year’s Chamber Christmas Parade will include classroom supplies, extending the theme of supporting education into one of the county’s most beloved traditions.
Chamber Board Chair Maria Ross Campsey, owner of Athletic Arts Center, shared her own experience with the Chamber and its programs. “When I opened my business in 2007, the Chamber showed up at my ribbon cutting,” she said. “That small gesture meant the world to me.”
Ross Campsey went on to highlight her involvement in Leadership Walker County, Youth Leadership, Groundhog Job Shadow Day, and many other Chamber-led efforts.
Former board chair Todd Thompson praised Ross Campsey for her leadership and presented her with an award of appreciation, calling her “innovative, tireless, and deeply committed to the Chamber’s work.”
A video presentation narrated by State Senator Matt Woods (R-Jasper) outlined the Chamber’s five major initiatives:
- Education and Workforce Readiness, including Groundhog Job Shadow Day, which paired 325 juniors with 53 local businesses this year.
- Leadership and Community Engagement, which continues to build future leaders through adult and youth leadership programs.
- Community Events, including Pets on Parade, the Hometown Heroes 5K, and the Christmas Parade.
- Tourism and Image, with projects promoting Smith Lake, the Union Chapel Fossil Site, and the historic Byler Road.
- Retail and Commercial Growth, which has helped create more than 530 jobs and generated more than $6 million in sales tax revenue.
The Chamber also presented its Volunteer of the Year Award to Matthew Franklin, recognizing his service across multiple initiatives. Click here for more information.
The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Anthony Leigh, president of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, shared “eight reasons to celebrate Walker County,” pointing to strong schools, workforce training through Bevill State, Baptist Health Walker Hospital, the accessibility of I-22, natural and recreational resources like Smith Lake, faith communities, dedicated public servants, and the county’s spirit of unity.
“Your individual presence here today and your collective presence tells me that your community is serious about job growth, economic development, and advancing your city and county,” Leigh said.
In recognition of his leadership in education, the Chamber announced a $1,000 scholarship in Leigh’s honor to be awarded through the Junior Ambassador program.
Closing the meeting, Campsey reminded attendees that the Chamber is always open to new members and community partners.
“What really makes the Chamber special is all the people,” she said. “Everybody works so hard together, and I can’t imagine that there is a better Chamber around.” WL
