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The Chambers County Development Authority held its annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday at the Valley Sportsplex.

The event hosts the county’s industry and business leaders to discuss the economic development and progress of Chambers County over the past year. 

“Everyone knows the history of this county, when it comes to our industrial base, and that we went through a very difficult time,” said Chris Busby, CCDA Executive Director. “And because of all the industries here, we were able to weather that storm.”

Some of the highlights Busby gave were:

• Chambers County ranked second in the state for both capital investment ($130 million) and job creation (155).
• Median household income has increased by $2,024 this year to $52,011 
• The percentage of residents who attain a high school diploma or higher increased by 1.18% to 87.7%
• New businesses and industries have come to Chambers (Chick-fil-A opened in Valley), and existing industries have expanded (Chambers Troup Group created 80 new jobs). 
• The CCDA began the Leadership Chambers County, a leadership training program.
• The CCDA helped secure approximately $4 million in federal funding for county and municipal entities. 
• The CCDA also uses the event to honor one business with the Valerie Gray Manufacturer of the Year Award. The 2025 recipient is Chris Clark Grading & Paving. 

“I got a little nervous there, before we started, because Chris was on the job site and he wouldn’t leave,” Busby laughed. “I see him on Saturdays in downtown, doing work by himself…He works tirelessly.”

Denise Clark, wife and business partner of Chris, spoke on behalf of the company, saying, “The cities, the county and our customers…we wouldn’t be where we are today without all of them. And so we are appreciative.”