About Us

South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce

Bringing Business Together SInce 1982

The original South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce was formed in Toledo, Washington in 1982 originating in the mind of Don Wade, a Toledo Accountant. Other community leaders in Toledo were board members. They met occasionally, working to create interest in Toledo businesses for visitors to Mt. St. Helens. Dennis McNelley, a Toledo business person along with other community leaders whose names have been lost to history were all part of the original Chamber.

In 1997 or 1998 the South Lewis County Chamber was re-established and the Board ambitiously set out acquiring membership from all parts of Lewis County as well as the three cities it represented Toledo, Vader and Winlock. . Grant applications were written resulting in the creation of an information kiosk at I-5 Exit 63 advising the traveler of local business in the three cities and surrounding area.

A full color Chamber membership directory was created, a Mission Statement was honed and members were a significant help in bringing Cardinal Glass to the south county area. A website, telephone and a Chamber office staffed by volunteers was accomplished as well. Growth was coming to south county! Mickelson Dairy farm land bordering Interstate 5 was for sale for commercial development attracting large out-of-the -area developers and the Chamber was in a highly visible position to help.

During this exciting time, the Chamber was instrumental in keeping businesses informed of all aspects of growth as well as providing private citizens input by hosting public meetings. Input was gathered regarding the impact of growth to schools, creating downtown revitalization programs, preserving our small town way of life as well as other ways to be involved in what appeared to be major growth. At it’s peak, the Chamber touted 125 members. But the growth didn’t come. It was not yet time for south county.

In 2014 the Chamber, due to lack of membership, dissolved as a registered 501C6 with the Washington State Secretary of State and has remained so until community leaders in Toledo believed the time was right.