Birmingham, Ala. — The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers) proudly announced Linda Lewis, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County, as the 2025 recipient of the Jamie Wallace Award during The Partnership Annual Meeting held in Birmingham.
The Jamie Wallace Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an Alabama chamber professional. It is presented only in years when a nominee exhibits exceptional leadership, character, and service to their community, their chamber, and the state chamber profession. This distinguished award honors the legacy of long-time chamber leader Jamie Wallace of the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, who served as president for 16 years following a notable journalism career. The award recognizes chamber executives who demonstrate extraordinary professionalism, vision, and dedication to enhancing the chamber industry in Alabama.
Over her 30-year career, Linda Lewis has played a pivotal role in shaping the economic, civic, and educational landscape of Walker County. One of her most significant accomplishments was inspiring local leaders to develop and adopt Focus Walker County, the chamber’s first-ever five-year strategic plan—an effort that resulted in a successful $1.2 million campaign to fund initiatives in workforce readiness, tourism and community image, retail recruitment, and leadership development. Her leadership propelled the organization to a second million-dollar campaign and expanded economic development partnerships, including recruitment support through Retail Strategies to diversify commercial growth, create jobs, and strengthen Jasper and Walker County’s economic base.
Lewis’s commitment to youth and workforce development is equally notable. She created the Chamber’s Junior Ambassador Program, supported the launch of Youth Leadership Walker County twenty six years ago, and coordinated the countywide Groundhog Job Shadow Day, connecting more than 500 high school juniors each year with business and industry leaders.
Additionally, her leadership in tourism helped elevate Lewis Smith Lake as a premier destination on the Alabama Bass Trail, bringing major national tournaments with economic impacts reaching $2 million per event and unmatched media exposure for the region.
Lewis’s leadership extends far beyond Walker County. In 2008, she was elected by her peers to serve as Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. In this role, she also served on the Business Council of Alabama Board of Directors, providing a strong statewide voice for chambers and local business communities. Her extensive record of civic and professional service includes: Being named the first Chamber Professional of the Year by Alabama Chambers in 2015, receiving her Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive designation, being a Leadership Alabama and Leadership Walker County alumna, chairing roles for United Way of Central Alabama and American Red Cross Heroes Campaign, and service on numerous boards including education councils, foundations, and community organizations.
Under Lewis’s leadership, public-private partnerships have resulted in more than 21 market wins, 530+ jobs created, and over $6.2 million in annual sales tax revenue for the region. Her work has strengthened business retention, workforce readiness, and retail growth, shaping a more vibrant and resilient Walker County economy.
“Linda Lewis is the definition of a chamber professional,” said Paige Hutto, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. “Her vision, persistence, and commitment have reshaped Walker County and made a lasting impact on the chamber profession in Alabama. She leads with integrity, humility, and an unwavering belief in what chambers can do to strengthen communities.”
With this recognition, Lewis joins a select group of fewer than twenty Alabama chamber professionals who have received the Jamie Wallace Award since its establishment, each honored for their extraordinary contributions to building stronger chambers and stronger communities across the state.
The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers) believes chambers of commerce are the foremost advocates for local business in the State of Alabama. Since its founding in 1937, Alabama Chambers has remained dedicated to building stronger chambers through professional development, partnerships, and a united voice for business. The association connects and elevates the collective strength of more than 100 local chambers across the state, representing more than 40,000 businesses and organizations.