Chamber Important Part of Glasstown

Although the Wallaceburg Chamber of Commerce has been functioning for 58 years under its present format, its roots go back much farther as related to the town's commercial and industrial history.

Prior to Wallaceburg's incorporation as a town in 1896 a Board of Trade functioned as early as 1894 to encourage business and trade in the area. The organization continued to bolster Wallaceburg into the next century, although interest sagged at various intervals, climaxing in 1919 when the town's first Chamber of Commerce was launched. Wallaceburg continued to affiliate with the national Board of Trade organization with the new Chamber continuing under the same mandate as its predecessor. Local barrister A.B. Carscallen was president of the new 1919 organization which tackled such issues as establishing an industrial night school, improving the deteriorating electric railway service and finding ways to "Canadianize" foreigners.

By the mid 1930's the Wallaceburg Chamber of Commerce was still fountaining but interest was waning. Ironically the depression years of the "Dirty Thirties" was a time period when a strong Chamber of Commerce was vital. By 1935, the Chamber was dormant with the only body forming any communication amongst the commercial and industrial sectors was the Wallaceburg Club. The group – composed mainly of merchants – met above Bander's Drug Store (now Sound Shop) discussed some business, but was mainly a social group with bridge and euchre seemingly high on the priority agenda.

In November of 1936 through the urging of Wallaceburg Club president Jack Foster and former president and local; druggist Alan P. bander, an attempt at revival of the Chamber of Commerce was advanced. A banquet date was arranged at the Oddfellows Hall (James Street) with former Chatham Mayor A.L. Thompson engaged as a speaker. As a result 71 members joined the revitalized Chamber of Commerce, inspired by the challenges offered by the energetic guest speaker who extolled the many virtues of the Wallaceburg Community.

The inspirational message and gathering gave the necessary impetus to set the new Wallaceburg Chamber of Commerce in motion. elected president was Dominion Glass Company manager Edward G. Davis, a wise choice as he would prove over and over during ensuing years his deep commitment for a better Wallaceburg community.

The Wallaceburg Chamber of Commerce has continued to fountain since its rebirth in 1936. No different than other organizations' highs and lows have been experienced, but the Chamber of Commerce has continued to strive for a better Wallaceburg.

In 1978, the Chamber employed its first full time manager when Doris Wagner was hired. Chamber offices were located in the business building at the corner of McNaugton and Gillard. In 1981, Pat Davis followed Mrs. Wagner as Manager during which time the office was located briefly in Town hall and then on Nelson Street at the former Tom Dalton Insurance office. After Pat Davis completed his contract as Chamber Manager in 1984, it was not until 10 years later that a paid manager was employed. Matt Miletic, former business department head at Wallaceburg District Secondary School was named Chamber of Commerce Manager early in 1994. Under his direction and a new slate of officers, headed by president Lance Babcock, a promising future awaits the organization.
Researched and Written by Al Mann