Dallas Regional Chamber

DALLAS (April 17, 2009)…This year, 2009, marks the Dallas Regional Chamber’s 100th anniversary. Since its original inception the Chamber has evolved into one of the largest voluntary membership driven organizations of businesses in the United States.

“The Chamber drives economic development across the region by creating a climate in which businesses can operate, grow and add new jobs,” said Bob Best, 2009 Chamber Chairman and Chairman and CEO of Atmos Energy.

The initial formation of the Chamber as it now exists occurred in 1909, when three other groups — the Commercial Club, the 150,000 Club and the Freight Bureau — merged with the Board of Trade to form the original Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber was responsible in part for such institutions as Southern Methodist University (1911), the Federal Reserve Bank (1914), and the creation of DFW airport (1964-1967).

“When the Dallas Regional Chamber advocates for business interests in Austin or Washington the region’s voice is heard,” said Chamber President, Jim Oberwetter.

The Dallas Regional Chamber is a not for profit organization committed to the betterment of our region. Its membership of approximately 3,000 businesses represents over 600,000 employees, all members of the North Texas business community.

The focus in 1909 remains today, to promote prosperity through public policy, economic development and member engagement.

The centennial year is packed with a variety of engaging events, including the anniversary luncheon on June 4, 2009. The event will feature panelists Tom Falk, Chairman and CEO, Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Richard Fisher, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; and Terdema Ussery, President and CEO, Dallas Mavericks/HDNet. The program will be moderated by KERA's Lee Cullum. Sponsorships and tickets are still available online. For more information, contact Emily Morton at emorton@dallaschamber.org or 214-746-6776.

The Dallas Regional Chamber promotes prosperity through public policy, economic development and member engagement.

For more information on the 100 year anniversary and the Dallas Regional Chamber please call 214-746-6600.