History

On August 9, 1979, a small group of citizens interested in building a better community met to discuss forming an organization to accomplish that goal. A Retail Merchants Association and a Keep Bowling Green Beautiful Committee were just some of the original names proposed that day at the Bowling Green Town Hall for an organization which would one day become the Caroline Chamber of Commerce.

The group decided to invite a representative from the Fredericksburg Area Chamber of Commerce to speak. Don Dulin, then editor of the Caroline Progress, agreed to write a letter of invitation, and Walton Mahon, then president of Union Bank and Trust, delivered the copies to local businessmen and women.

Some of the Caroline Citizens who attended the first meetings in August 1979 were: W.R. Southworth, Monroe Gray, Gary Limbrick, Frank Benser, Robert Farmer, Craig Lewis, Jim Day, Kenneth Kidwell, Woody Barlow, Nancy Medley, Carolyn Gray Lane, Stuart Martin, Oran Jarrell, Carroll Elliott, Dick Hylton, Paul Foltz.

These early meetings were simple affairs of coffee and donuts with members of the group donating a dollar a piece toward the cost of the refreshments.

August 15, 1979 - Thomas Naggs, Executive Vice-President of the Fredericksburg Area Chamber of Commerce was guest speaker to the group. The points upon which he spoke included how an organization solves community problems, accepts consumer complaints, informs new residents, conducts research and marketing analysis and takes the lead for building a better community. He also described the legal aspects of forming a chamber.

He advised the group to first define the geographical area to be covered and then to provide for a board of directors, officers and terms of office and to set forth the purpose and goals of the organization. He emphasized the importance of incorporation with a charger and bylaws. Mr. Naggs also recommended social activities to promote camaraderie, and urged the importance of trying to understand other peoples' problems, and to have a sense of caring about each others' business needs and of citizens of the community. "Social consciousness is a must," he said.

Despite the huge undertaking and responsibilities of forming the area's first Chamber of Commerce, this small group of citizens discussed the scope of the project and immediately moved to go forward. James S. Day, of DeJarnette and Beale Insurance Company, was appointed Acting Chairman. Nancy Medley, clerk/treasurer of the Town of Bowling Green was appointed Acting Secretary. Everyone was enthusiastic and agreed that some immediate and long term goals should be set, so the effectiveness of the organization could be verified in the near future.

August 22, 1979 - Acting Chairman Jim Day called the meeting to order. On motion by Barlow, seconded by Lewis, the group voted to name the organization the Caroline Chamber of Commerce.

Over the years the Chamber has accomplished many things within the same concept that the early chamber deemed important.

It is interesting to note that the very first projects taken on by the Chamber were those that showcased the county and encouraged people to visit, spending tourism dollars here. At the same time, those early projects also encouraged the participation of the community at large.

According to the earliest recorded notes of the secretary, it was standing room only 20 years ago when the Olympic Torch runner came through Bowling Green. In 1981 so many Caroline citizens participated in the opening show for the first Jamboree, they had to be bused to Ft. A.P. Hill.

The tremendous success of the First Annual Caroline County Tour of Historic Homes (1977) combined a number of these ideals. The showcasing of the county's marvelous historic resources promoted both tourism and the idea that Caroline is a wonderful place to live, start a business and raise a family.

At the same time, a substantial amount of money was raised to boost the Chamber's coffers, while a portion was donated to the organization the original Chamber deemed most worthy - the Caroline Library, which benefits all residents of the community. Due to the attendance of so many dignitaries and elected representatives and the coverage in regional newspapers, people talked about the beauty of Caroline statewide for months after.

The Chamber again took an active role in the 2001 National Scout Jamboree, helping to staff the information booth and giving out special promotional literature for Caroline County.

Note: This feature includes information taken from the original Chamber minutes of first secretary, Nancy Medley