The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce came into being while the world tensely followed the daily horrors of World War II.

Many of those in military service returned to their homes and grew into stalwart leaders of their communities, pushing for business growth, improved education and a higher quality of life.

That effort got under way here in 1943 with Raymond Yost serving as the first chair of the chamber. Cullman County was small but strategically located. In 1959, Interstate 65 became a reality in Alabama and the local area has long benefited from its location.

But the success of the area’s economy and quality of life didn’t just happen from circumstance. The vision and leadership that shaped the Cullman area since World War II is linked to people who either moved here for business reasons or were natives who wanted to secure a future for their children and beyond.

Much of that visionary leadership has been men and women who worked through the Chamber of Commerce, which became a clearing house for bringing together ideas, plans and action. That tradition continues today.

Thursday night, the chamber staff and members celebrated 75 years with a look back at the people who have helped guide the community’s fortune. The past remains an inspiring reminder of the value of working cooperatively among institutions, organizations and businesses that give our area sustainability.

We applaud those individuals and businesses recognized at Thursday’s event, including Emma Marie Eddleman Citizenship Award winner Ray Buchmann and Lucille Galin Public Service Award winner Cherrie Haney.

The goals of the early Chamber of Commerce were similar to those today: build a business-friendly community, support education, gather ideas, implement plans, and improve our quality of life. Perhaps the greatest difference or challenge today is that competition to build stronger communities is fierce. Competition today is both national and global for anything that makes an area prosper.

In recent years, the Chamber of Commerce has worked to bring more people to a common table in an effort to maintain the tremendous business growth of recent years with a vision to continue a current positive trend for years to come.

Many institutions are at work with expertise to steer our community forward. Having the Chamber of Commerce as a nucleus for sharing the challenges and strategies needed for the present and future benefits the community.

We congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on its successful history in Cullman County and the vision of its leaders through 75 years.