Dave Watson had more than new offices on his mind. He quickly pushed the Chamber to the forefront. The Chamber became truly active. During his tenure, further downtown revitalization has been pursued, festivals have been added, and the football for the very first Carolina Panthers game came through Easley's streets.  Third Thursday luncheons continue and Chamber membership has grown. The Chamber also threw its support behind a local options sales tax and 100 acre recreation complex. Both measures were approved handily by area voters.

Now, heading into the 21st century, the Chamber appears to be stronger than ever. As Easley has grown, so has the Chamber - the two have been continuously intertwined almost since day one.  Easley remains one of the fastest growing cities in the State of South Carolina; the Carolina "Upstate" is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States. The Easley Chamber of Commerce and the people of the city itself will always rise to meet today's and tomorrow's challenges.

EASLEY HAS A PAST TO REMEMBER AND A FUTURE TO MOLD

Acknowledgments: "A special thanks to the men and women of the Easley Chamber of Commerce, past and present, family members and friends who willing donated time, researched material, furnished pictures, stories and contributed to the successful completion of this project. Particular thanks go to Dub Fortner, Carolyn Hunnicutt, Bill Brothers and Jack Ragsdale. If anyone was left out, I truly apologize."

Chris Eldridge, 1997.