78 Photo Essay: Linda Lewis
President, Chamber of Commerce of Walker County
Words by Terrell Manasco | Image by Ryan McGill
A conversation with Chamber of Commerce of Walker County President Linda Lewis is often peppered with words like leadership, vision, and community. Partnerships, arguably her favorite word, has even been incorporated into the Chamber’s new motto: Planning, Partnerships, and Progress.
“I'm a strong advocate of partnerships,” Linda says. “With a chamber our size, you need that partnership with the city, county, school systems, etc.”
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Linda has called Jasper home for over five decades, half of which she has served as Chamber president. Her list of accolades is extensive. In 2008, she received the Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive Designation, and was also named Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. In 2015, she became the first recipient of the Chamber Executive of the Year award. She currently serves on numerous other boards, including the Business Council of Alabama Board of Directors.
A few years ago, Linda partnered with local leaders to develop her five-year strategic plan called “Forward Walker County.” The partnership raised $1.2 million to implement the plan, which focused on four initiatives: Retail and Commercial Business Attraction, Tourism and Image, Education and Workforce Readiness, and Leadership and Community Engagement.
“This was much more than a blueprint for community development and a list of initiatives,” Linda explains. “This was the beginning of a foundation for a healthier community and region.”
Since the completion of I-22, retail companies like Harbor Freight, T.J. Maxx, Aldi's, Applebee's, Shoe Carnival, Hobby Lobby, and Petco have built stores in the Jasper area. Soon, another will be added to the list.
“We are excited to announce the upcoming development of Dunham’s Sports, to be located in the old J.C. Penney’s spot in Jasper Mall,” Linda says.
Convincing a national chain or franchise to build here seems simple, but as Linda explains, recruitment takes time. “We've been working on this [Dunham’s] project for seven years,” she says. “I tell people it's like dating. You don't just call and say, ‘we want you here.’ It is a process.”
Lewis Smith Lake, officially named one of 13 premier bass fishing lakes on the Alabama Bass Trail in 2012, continues to play a pivotal role in attracting tourism and revenue to Walker County through annual fishing tournaments. The upcoming Alabama BASS Trail Series Championship in October wraps up this year. In April 2022, 450 anglers arrive to kick off the three-day B.A.S.S. Nation Southeast Regional Championship, followed by the Bass Nation Kayak Series in May.
Reflecting over the last several years, Linda says she’s very proud of the work the Chamber has done. “Where we were 26 years ago to where we are today is unbelievable,” she says.
Her formula is simple: planning + partnerships = progress. Indeed, these are good words to live by. 78