Page 7 - DeKalb Bicentennial Flipbook

THE SPIRIT OF DEKALB

A WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT & CEO OF DEKALB CHAMBER

Thank you for your continued support of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. We are honored to be part of the
Bicentennial celebrations for DeKalb County. Our business-focused chamber is comprised entirely of people like
you who live, work, and play here, who have an interest in coming back to visit, and who love our region’s history
from before recorded time to the 200th year of the county’s founding on December 9, 1822.

eKalb Chamber has been focused on helping 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, we are funded through
DeKalb businesses succeed since 1938. membership dues, private investments, sponsorships, and
You are the leaders of our county and your event participation and publications.
D influence is profoundly appreciated. We are As you read through Spirit of DeKalb, we capture what
the voice of business – your voice – helping to amplify the DeKalb has been and where we are going. From a textile mill
needs, challenges, and opportunities for our employers to a movie studio, from early schoolhouses to prestigious
and entrepreneurs. universities, and from horse-drawn wagons to mid-century

We’ve grown a lot. Consider that our name in 1938 was Pontiacs — DeKalb is a place in the world where innovation
“DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.” Even then, is admired.
Thank you, and Happy Bicentennial! May we continue
that group of visionaries had evolved from the originally
to grow and inspire innovation in DeKalb County!
named Decatur Board of Trade formed in 1911. With deep
roots in helping entrepreneurs and business owners thrive,
our vision today is to be the champion for every business,
small and large, in DeKalb County.
We play a major role in shaping DeKalb’s robust
business industries, strengthening education, encouraging

state-of-the-art healthcare systems, shaping public policy,
and influencing transportation and infrastructure. As a

Sincerely,
Frankie L. Atwater, Sr.
President & CEO DeKalb Chamber

Sp i rit o f D eK alb – B i centen n ial 1822-2022 5