Everyone has heard the name “Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce,” but may not know exactly what that means or what the group does.

The organization, at its core, is designed to promote the growth of new and existing businesses and provide a support system for those businesses that call Lawrence County home.

The local organization does a tremendous job of that and has for many years.

From its monthly luncheons to its business after hours events hosted at locations across the community to simply promoting our region and our business community beyond our local borders, the chamber works for all businesses.

It takes business support as well to make this possible.

To that end, The Tribune has the privilege to partner with the chamber again this year on a project that showcases the business community I was just talking about.

We will again be producing a county guidebook that the chamber will use to showcase our region, our businesses and our community.

But this is more than just a publication. This is the chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year and your advertising dollars go directly toward promoting our county.

Two years ago, when we first had the opportunity to partner with the chamber, The Tribune was able to double the revenue the chamber garnered from this project which it then in turn invested right back into its many projects including scholarships, networking opportunities and business development.

“The theme of the magazine will be River and Rails. It will be a fascinating look at how new development of a river and rail system can indeed make Lawrence County a business and tourist destination,” Chamber director Bob Smith said. “We will take a look at what’s happening now, a nostalgic look back at the importance of the river and rail system in the past, and a look at how being on the right track, can define our future.”

If you own a business that wants to become a chamber member, contact Smith at (740) 377-4550.

If you are already a member and want to ensure that your service or product is spotlighted in the county guidebook, please contact The Tribune sales department at (740) 532-1441.

Lawrence County has a strong business foundation and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce are the mortar which helps hold it together.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.