Barnesville-Lamar Chamber of Commerce

cated to fostering economic growth and promoting the mutual success of local businesses. In January 1911, the Barnesville Chamber of Commerce was formally organized and quickly became a driving force for community development and economic advancement. Under the leadership of its first secretary, William Wakefield, Barnesville played a remarkable role in Georgia's business history. In 1911, local leaders launched a statewide effort to unite chambers of commerce and promote economic development across Georgia. Their travels took them throughout the state, up the East Coast, and even to Washington, D.C., where they met with President William Howard Taft and presented him with a Barnesville-made Jackson C. These efforts helped lay the groundwork for what would eventually become the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. In 1959, local business and civic leaders renewed the vision of a strong, organized business community. Their efforts led to the formal incorporation of the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce on July 10, 1959. Fifteen years later, the Chamber launched what would become one of the community's signature events, the annual Buggy Days Festival. Today, the Chamber serves as the voice of business in Barnesville and Lamar County, supporting economic development, advocating for local businesses, fostering leadership, promoting tourism, and creating opportunities for community engagement. Through networking, education, marketing, events, and partnerships, we continue the mission begun more than a century ago: helping our community thrive through collaboration, innovation, and local pride. More than 100 years after its founding, the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce remains committed to building a stronger future while honoring the entrepreneurial spirit and vision of those who came before us.