Springfield-Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Springfield KY

In November 1955, a group of five local businessmen joined together to form the Springfield Chamber of Commerce (renamed the Springfield-Washington County Chamber of Commerce in 1984). Their goal was to promote the area as a group the way no one person could do by himself. The five men who signed their names to the original Articles of Incorporation were John V. Newby, J.R. Montgomery, Orrie McClure, H.M. Grigsby and Clifton Cunningham.

The Chamber started functioning officially on January 1, 1956 and during its first year had 106 members. The first project undertaken was an industrial survey to gather facts on local churches, schools, factories and recreational facilities. Other activities supported or sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce were Dungaree Day, Lincoln Homestead Day, Clean Up Week and Farm City Week. The first annual all-member dinner meeting was held on January 17, 1957 at Springfield High School.

In 1965, at the annual banquet the first Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor a man or woman who had shown outstanding dedication and service to the Springfield-Washington County area. In 1990, the Chamber added another award, Citizen of the Year who had contributed greatly to his/her community during the previous year.

Throughout the years the Chamber has occupied offices in the Woman’s Club Building, West Main Street and North Cross Main and is now located within the Springfield Opera House.