There’s a reason Arlington is called “The American Dream City.” Quite simply, they specialize in making the dreams of those who live and work there come true. It’s something they’ve been doing for a long time, with the Chamber of Commerce leading the way for what is now eight decades. The Chamber was started in 1945 and is stronger than ever now.
In 1950 as the Chamber was celebrating five years of existence, then Mayor Tom Vandergriff told the crowd at annual banquet, “We disclaim credit for any achievements which might have been made this past year. We realized that credit belongs to you – to the many of you who actively worked long and hard in the interest of the chamber, and as a result, Arlington. “And also, to the many of you who perhaps were not quite so active in your effort, but who are, in reality, Arlington. It is your ‘gospel’ we preach. And believe me, it’s not a hard ‘gospel’ to sell.”
Current Chamber president Michael Jacobson echoed those sentiments recently at this year’s Chamber banquet. “Those words still ring true today,” Jacobson said. “Our achievements and successes as a Chamber belong to you, the community of Arlington.” As part of the Annual Dinner, the Chamber inducted Mortiz Interests Ltd. into the Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame. They also recognized the Ambassador of the Year, Roderick Floyd, and the B.J. Hall Recruiter of the Year, Sandra Green. The evening also included a museum exhibit showcasing never-before-seen Chamber archival clips and photos dating to its opening on Sept. 20, 1945.
Highlights during the past 80 years include: 1954: General Motors opens. 1956: Great Southwest Industrial District opens. 1957: DFW Turnpike (I-30) opens. 1957: Lake Arlington developed. 1961: Six Flags opens. 1965: Turnpike Stadium opens. 1967: I-20 opens. 1971: Major League Baseball votes to move Washington Senators to Arlington. 1972: Rangers play first season. 1974: DFW International Airport opens. 1983: Wet ‘N Wild (Hurricane Harbor) opens. 1991: Vote passes for new Rangers ballpark. 1994: Ballpark in Arlington opens. 1995: Rangers host MLB All-Star Game. 1997: First Chevy Suburban rolls off the line at Arlington Assembly. 2004: Vote passes for new Dallas Cowboys stadium. 2008: Levitt Pavilion opens in downtown. 2009: Cowboys Stadium opens. 2010: NBA All-Star Game comes to town. 2011: Super Bowl XLV is played at Cowboys Stadium. 2014: NCAA Final Four is played locally. 2015: First College Football Playoff national championship game is played in Cowboys Stadium. 2015: The 50th anniversary of Country Music Awards are held locally. 2015: GM announces $1.4 billion plant expansion. 2015: University of Texas Arlington receives Carnegie R-1 research status. 2016: Wrestlemania 32 comes to town. 2016: Vote passes for new Rangers ballpark. 2019: City selected as home for National Medal of Honor Museum. 2020: Globe Life Field opens. 2020: City hosts the Rose Bowl, World Series and National Finals Rodeo. 2022: City hosts Wrestlemania 38. 2023: Texas Rangers win the World Series. 2024: Globe Life Field hosts MLB All-Star Game. 2025: National Medal of Honor Museum opens. And, looking ahead: 2026: Inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington with Indy cars. 2026: Hosting nine FIFA World Cup games.
“The Chamber has proudly been part of discussion, had a seat at the table, when visions, decisions and skylines were defined,” Jacobson said. “Arlington’s exponential growth since the Chamber’s inception are inextricably linked.”
In 1945 Arlington had a population of 5,715 residents. In the most recent 2020 census the city had 394, 266 citizens.
Jacobson said where the Chamber has truly played a tremendous role is in retaining and integrating companies into the fabric of Arlington and the community. “In terms of economic development, it’s telling that three of Arlington’s most impactful mayors all served as board chair of the Chamber – Tom Vandergriff, Richard Greene and Jeff Williams,” he said.
Another major step was the creation of the Economic Development Corporation via a vote by citizens in 2020. The Chamber works closely with this department. “The Chamber was a key leader in the successful vote to fund the Arlington Economic Development Corporation. With dedicated resources to attract businesses, invest in infrastructure, and support small enterprises, the EDC keeps Arlington competitive and positions our city for long-term prosperity,” Jacobson said.
Looking ahead, Jacobson said the Chamber and other city leaders are constantly dreaming big. “Taking a step back and looking at our tremendous 80-year timeline as a city, we can see that Former Mayor and Chamber Board Chair Vandergriff’s ‘Dream the Big Dream’ is part of our culture,” Jacobson said. “We don’t shy away from the big stuff. We embrace it. We can do big things together.
“The 80-year transformation of our community is truly amazing. We are standing on the shoulders of giants who saw Arlington’s potential, took educated risks and created the can-do spirit we’re known for today. Time and time again, the people of Arlington have proven that if you give us a chance, if you give us the opportunity to step up to the plate, we’ll hit it out of the park every time. “As President and CEO of this great Chamber, it gives me an enormous sense of pride to know we were there for every milestone. We had a seat at the table when visions, decisions and skylines were defined.”
