Left to right, W. Todd Groce, PhD, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society; Water M. "Sonny" Deriso, Chairman Emeritus of the Georgia Historical Society Board of Curators, Chairman Emeritus of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce; Jessica Walden, President of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce; Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce; and Robert F. "Bob" Hatcher, Former Board Member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, shortly after unveiling the historical marker.
MACON – Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Historical Society, unveiled the Georgia Chamber's historical marker, located outside the Macon City Auditorium. The first Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting took place on September 16, 1913, at Macon’s Hotel Dempsey—just steps away from the site of the historical marker—and the Georgia Chamber was officially incorporated in 1915. The historical marker is being unveiled as part of the Georgia Historical Society’s Georgia Business History Initiative.
Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber said:
“Generations of leaders helped transform Georgia from an agricultural hub into a global economic powerhouse. Agriculture remains our top industry, and today we’re also the number one state to do business, home to brands like Coca-Cola, YKK, and Blue Bird, as well as thousands of small businesses and innovators shaping what’s next. We thank the companies, large and small, that power our economy, and Georgia Historical Society President Todd Groce and his team for collecting and teaching this history. Our first board meeting was held on September 16, 1913, just steps from our marker. Since our 1915 incorporation, we’ve championed free enterprise and built partnerships that have moved Georgia forward — what we call ‘the Georgia Way.’ As we unveil this marker, we’re honoring our past and looking ahead. May it inspire future generations to build a Georgia where opportunity thrives, ideas are welcomed, and the free-market drives prosperity.”
Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso, Jr., Chairman Emeritus, Georgia Chamber; Chairman Emeritus, Georgia Historical Society Board of Curators; and 2025 Georgia Trustee said:
“For almost 115 years, the Georgia Chamber has been the voice of business in Georgia and throughout the nation. The remarkable history of this organization and its impact on the economic, cultural and social development of Georgia is being told through the Georgia Business History Initiative of the Georgia Historical Society and the dedication of an historical marker to commemorate the founding of the Georgia Chamber.”
Dr. W. Todd Groce, Georgia Historical Society President and CEO said:
“For over 100 years, the Georgia Chamber has led the way in creating the right climate for business to thrive in our state. It has been and continues to be essential to Georgia’s economic development and the wellbeing of all Georgians. Sharing the century-old story of this amazing organization and the pivotal role it has played in helping us reach this point will pave the way for the victories of tomorrow.”
Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce said:
"We are honored to join the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Historical Society in unveiling this historical marker in the heart of Georgia. This marker celebrates the rich history of the Georgia Chamber and highlights the enduring impact of the business community's efforts to foster economic growth and development across the state. The site of the first Georgia Chamber Board of Directors meeting reminds us of the vision and dedication that has driven our mission forward. These contributions have allowed Georgia to maintain an unprecedented eleven-year streak as the Number One State To Do Business, and the business community strives to continue this success into the future. I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together and the strong foundation we have built for future generations. We look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence and collaboration for many years to come.”
The marker text reads:
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
In 1911, over 2,500 Georgia leaders gathered in Barnesville, at what is now Gordon College, to address statewide economic prosperity. This meeting led to the establishment of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, later incorporated in 1915. The Chamber met at the Macon City Auditorium in 1915 to discuss the Georgia Motion Picture Show, highlighting the state’s resources. An advocate of transformative initiatives, the Chamber lobbied for a state Department of Transportation and published Georgia’s first economic development materials. The Georgia Chamber’s Red Carpet Tour (est. 1959) and annual Georgia Quail Hunt (est. 1988) enhanced the state’s business appeal and attracted investors. One of the largest in the nation, with over 180 local and binational chambers, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the only chamber to win the Chamber of the Year award from two organizations.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and
the Georgia Chamber of Commerce
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ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia and American history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation.
To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched GEORGIA|2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information, visit gachamber.com.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL MARKER PROGRAM
The Georgia Historical Marker Program is an important part of the Georgia Historical Society’s (GHS) statewide educational mission. Through a public-private partnership with the State of Georgia, GHS is responsible for erecting new historical markers and maintaining more than 2,000 markers installed by the State prior to the program’s privatization in 1998. Online mapping tools allow users to explore themed marker trails and design custom driving routes. Visit georgiahistory.com for more ways to use Georgia’s historical markers and experience history where it happened.