110 Years for the WF Chamber - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

The Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a milestone. The group has been in existence for 110 years. It was not always under the same moniker, but for a century and a decade the group has been working to take the ‘Falls forward.

It started out in November 1901 as the Businessman's League of Wichita Falls. At the first meeting the group started paving a way. "In the very first minutes of the very first meeting they created a committee and the purpose of that committee was to make sure the roads leading into Wichita Falls and those roads in Wichita Falls were in great shape," explained Tim Chase, President and CEO of the Chamber.

Leading that committee was Joseph A. Kemp and Frank Kell. The Chamber, however, was focused on more than freeways. "We've played a very active role in supporting Sheppard AFB throughout its time here," said Chase.

The group worked to secure the Base in town, but also worked for industry. "Virtually every manufacturer that you see in the area in some form or fashion was assisted by this organization," said Chase.

The Chamber is still focused on bringing in jobs, and hopes to land more industry in the area. Chase said efforts like Work Hard Work Smart will help position the area as attractive to industry.

Paul Harrop, Newschannel 6