Lakewood Chamber of Commerce to Mark its 100th Birthday With Centennial Gala

When the first opened its doors in the city, on Feb. 19, 1911, there were 11 members. The chamber formed just two days after Lakewood officially became a city.

Whether it was coordinated or simply a coincidence is not known.

To celebrate its 100th birthday, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is throwing a party Saturday night at the .

The Centennial Gala — in partnership with the — is billed as an “engaging evening of theater, fine food and celebration.”

The chamber is also breaking out the cake and blowing out the candles to mark its birthday.

There’s plenty to celebrate. The organization has seen its members swell from 11 in 1911 to more than 375 today. The organization is active in just about all matters of business in Lakewood.

“Our role has changed from the days of being a good-old-boys club,” said Patty Ryan, the executive director of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve evolved.”

“It’s really become more of an inclusive organization, because of our networking opportunities. We’ve evolved into a service business.”

Only two of the more than 375 members were around when it all began: and what is now .

Others, like , have been in town for more than 75 years.

The Lakewood clothing and sporting goods staple is being honored at Saturday’s event with the Frank Leslie Thurber Award — appropriately named for the organization’s first president. Each of the three generations of Geigers has been represented as a Lakewood Chamber of Commerce board director.

At 7:30 p.m., the Geiger family will be given the award, presented by Mayor Michael Summers and chamber board chairman Terry W. Vincent.

But the party will get started before that at 6 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and jazz music provided by Tracy O’Malley and the Chris Vance Trio.

A special, sold-out presentation of the theater performance — a comedy adapted by Steve Martin — is set to begin at 8 p.m.

At intermission, 100th birthday cake will be served.

Following the show, raffle winners will be announced. The prizes include a Lakewood “Swag Bag,” The Centennial Heist $1,000 Cash Prize, decorated cakes and a Vintage Ladies Estate diamond and platinum ring — sponsored by .

Tickets are still available. For more information, or to get tickets to the event, call (216) 226-2900.