About The Fayette County Chamber
Why Be a Part of the Chamber of Commerce?
The Chamber’s most fundamental vision is to generate more business activity for the community. The Chamber initiates business-to-business commerce and more opportunities for networking and connecting local professionals than is available through most other local organizations.
Mission Statement: To serve as the voice for the business community, providing leadership and vision that encourages a favorable business environment and economic expansion in Fayette County.
What Is The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce?
The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce exists for all businesses, regardless of size or type, and serves as a spokesperson for the community. The Chamber also promotes the image, the retention and expansion of existing businesses, economic vitality, and well-planned growth.
Chamber membership has many advantages, including but not limited to, reduced booth rate for Bridge Day, free brochure space at the Visitor Center, free monthly E-Newsletter and Free Listing & Link & Image on our website.
Who Are Chamber Members?
Chamber members are businesses, organizations, and individuals concerned with the socioeconomics of a community. We all have joined together because they stand a better chance of getting things done by having a larger voice. Fayette County Chamber members include the small hardware store on the corner, the mom-and-pop diner, the established bank downtown, franchise and major retailers, and even your neighbor down the street. There are no limits or restrictions on the number or kind of members that choose to get involved in our Chamber of Commerce.
What is the difference between the Chamber of Commerce and the CVB?
Chambers and CVBs have different objectives. Chambers are composed of local businesses to help each other reach common goals. Typically, the goals are regionally based and are seldom aimed at meeting the needs of travelers to the area, but primarily serve to support local businesses’ needs. Chambers and CVB’s can often use each other for resource gathering and networking. However, their respective goals will seldom be exactly the same. The bottom line is CVB’s are focused on tourism and people outside the area, Chambers of Commerce are focused on the businesses in the community.
History Of The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
The idea of the Fayette Plateau Chamber of Commerce was formed by a group of Oak Hill business people in the 1960s. In 1971, the official chamber was formed, hiring a “permanent” Executive Director, Paul Hess. Paul resigned in June 1976. In 1986, the name changed to Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
Who leads the Chamber of Commerce now?
The Chamber responds to what it’s members want to know, see, and experience within the community. These initiatives are carried out by Becky Sullivan as the Executive Director. She is supported and reports to a Board of Directors.
When Did The Chamber Start Bridge Day?
Bridge Day actually started as a bridge walk that followed the year after the bridge opened in 1977. Everyone enjoyed it so much; the Chamber would have one side detoured so people could walk across the bridge. On November 8th, 1980, they had the first official Bridge Day, 40,000 in attendance. There were vendors, BASE jumpers and a lot of spectators! The official link for bridge day is www.officialbridgeday.com.