The Women's Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta began in 1922 as the Women's Division of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. In 1937 it was restructured to form an independent organization devoted to making Atlanta a safer and more beautiful place in which to live and work. The organization grew significantly in ensuing decades, involving itself with numerous aspects of community improvement and business and civic development. Its overall objective is the advancement of the civic, cultural, commercial, educational, and health interests in Atlanta as defined by the business women of the community. The organization recognizes and encourages the prominent leadership role these business women have in the affairs of Atlanta and the state of Georgia. In 1967 the Women's Chamber began sponsoring the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, transforming the fledgling and irregularly-held event into an annual April production. The Festival attracts many visitors to Atlanta, thus having a positive impact on the economy and culture of the metropolitan area.