Behind the Celebration: Celebrating Our 100th Anniversary
Published: August 2026 | By: Edison Emmons - Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce
Let’s be honest: a century is a really long time. To put it in perspective, 100 years ago, rotary phones were the pinnacle of technology, silent films were the weekend entertainment, and the world looked entirely different. Yet, here we are.
As we blow out the metaphorical candles on our 100th anniversary cake, we wanted to pull back the curtain. This milestone isn't just about survival; it’s about a century of evolution, grit, countless cups of coffee, and, most importantly, the incredible community that got us here. Here is a look at what is actually "behind" the celebration.
On May 17, 1926, a group of visionary local business owners gathered at the Mims Inn under the leadership of our very first president, J.R. Mims. Together, they officially dissolved the old Luray Board of Trade and established the Luray Chamber of Commerce. They didn't start with complex bylaws or tax structures. Instead, their very first order of business was uniquely community-minded: designing and building a promotional float to represent Luray in Winchester's famous Apple Blossom Festival, ensuring our town was squarely on the regional map.
Illuminating the Way and Expanding Horizons
In those early years, the Chamber focused on infrastructure that we take for granted today—lobbying for improved roads, sturdier bridges, and reliable telephone service. One of our earliest, most hard-fought municipal victories was convincing the town to keep the streetlights burning all night long. Before the Chamber stepped in, lights were cut off late at night to save money; our founders successfully argued that all-night illumination was vital for public safety and late-traveling visitors.
By the mid-20th century, the Chamber recognized that the economic fates of Luray, Stanley, and Shenandoah were deeply intertwined with our agricultural community. To lift the entire region, the organization officially expanded its footprint, becoming the county-wide advocacy champion known today as the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce (LPCCC).
Did You Know?
Our Struck-by-Lightning Home
Our administrative headquarters and Visitor Center reside in the historic 1906 Norfolk & Western Passenger Depot. In 1908, a massive lightning strike set the building ablaze. Thanks to its sturdy brick construction, the shell survived and was painstakingly restored to its original Tudor Revival design. Today, it also houses the Page County Railway Museum, featuring an intricate to-scale model layout maintained by the Page Valley Rail Historical Society.
Putting Page County on the National Map
In the mid-1990s, the Chamber formalized its partnership with local government by stepping up to manage Page County’s official Visitor Center. Moving into the beautifully restored N&W Train Depot in the early 2000s gave us the ultimate platform to market our region's natural beauty.
Our promotional efforts yielded historic results. In 2009, after active collaboration with local property owners and state representatives, the Virginia General Assembly officially designated Page County as the "Cabin Capital of Virginia." Today, we proudly market and support a booming inventory of over 400 unique mountain and river cabins.
Shortly after, the national spotlight turned toward our scenic landscapes when the TLC Network named Luray and Page County the #2 Beautiful Destination Wedding Locale in the United States. The Chamber turned this accolade into action, launching a dedicated wedding marketing arm and hosting an annual wedding business forum to lift our local venues, caterers, florists, and photographers.
Investing in the Next Century
While our centennial celebration is an opportunity to look back, our core focus remains firmly on the future. In October 2023, we established a new tradition with our 1st Annual Chamber Golf Classic at the Caverns Country Club Resort. This annual tournament serves a vital purpose: funding our local senior scholarship program.
In partnership with Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC), these scholarships provide critical higher-education funding to graduating seniors from both Luray High School and Page County High School, ensuring our future workforce thrives right here at home.
A Fresh Identity for Our Next Chapter
As we cross this historic 100-year mark, we aren't just looking back on our history—we are actively building the blueprint for the century ahead. To mark this incredible milestone, we are proud to unveil a comprehensive rebranding for the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce.
Our transformation includes a brand-new logo, a completely redesigned website, and a modernized reflection of who we are through our updated mission, vision, and core values:
Our Mission: To act as a catalyst in the community by providing a foundation for a dynamic and inclusive business community where innovation thrives, connections flourish, and opportunities are endless.
Our Vision: To serve as a trusted hub for connection, growth, and opportunity—supporting those who call Page County home and empowering the businesses that shape its future.
Our Core Values:
Engagement: Active community involvement and deep member connection.
Opportunity: Fostering growth, development, and economic sustainability for every business.
Commitment: Dedicated advocacy, service, and upholding integrity in everything we do.
Collaboration: Building strong, inclusive partnerships to build a vibrant community together.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Liz Lewis, whose talent, dedication, and creative direction were instrumental in bringing both our beautiful new logo and our redesigned website to life.
Behind the scenes, our Board of Directors has been working tirelessly to roll out a dynamic new strategic plan. This roadmap aligns our resources with the changing needs of Page County’s business community, positioning the Chamber as a catalyst for innovation, strong community connections, and inclusive economic growth.
Supporting Our Community and Looking Forward
As we look to the next 100 years, our core mission remains steadfast: to foster a thriving, resilient ecosystem for all of Page County. We continue to support our local business community through robust marketing initiatives, professional development, and advocacy that champions every industry from our historic agricultural roots to our booming tourism and retail sectors. By fostering strong partnerships between our businesses, local towns, and county leadership, we ensure that our area as a whole remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
As we unveil our modernized brand identity for our centennial year, we do so representing more than 385 active members. Whether hosting monthly networking events, connecting small businesses with state legislation, or welcoming travelers to the historic depot, our mission hasn't changed since that first meeting at the inn in 1926. We are here to champion the businesses, the people, and the community of Page County.
Thank you for walking this century-long journey with us!