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About Us: Chamber History
Early History:
The Lufkin Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1919, with 102 members. Changed to Angelina County Chamber in 1948 and now, 87 years later it has 1000+ members and a budget approaching $500,000.
Organizational Historical Highlights:
- Created the Community Chest, now the United Way, part of the Chamber until 1975.
- Organized Youth Fair – which has raised in excess of $2.5 million since the auction started in the 70’s
- Created Lufkin Industrial Foundation, raised $250,000 to purchase land, Land once owned by the foundation is now where Pilgrim’s Pride, Brookshire Bros headquarters, Chromium Corporation, Con-Agra, Blue Bell, and others are located.
- Helped create Angelina College, did feasibility study to determine need, helped get the election called.
- Created Lufkin Visitor/Convention Bureau
- Coordinated fund drive of $1.6 million and constructed the Angelina County Exposition Center
- Created Angelina Beautiful/Clean, now a separate 501(c)(3) organization
- Assisted in the creation of Crime Stoppers.
- Raised over $500,000 and constructed a new state of the art Chamber facility on Loop 287 and Chestnut
- Opened the Small Business Development Center, initially housed at the Chamber, now housed at Angelina College, the SBDC has helped 100’s of small business and brought over $15+ million in new construction to the area.
- Contracted with the six county independent school districts to coordinate the Angelina County Drug Education program
- Created the Red Barn Foundation, purchased the Red Barn and 35 acres with a grant from the T. L. L. Temple Foundation.
- Started the Leadership Lufkin program, now with almost 500 graduates
- Started the Leadership Tomorrow program, now with 300+ graduates
- And there are many, many more.
