Big Spring Chamber Business Extravaganza & Expo

History of the Chamber

The concept of various businesses joining together in a mutual effort to increase commerce had its beginnings in Europe hundreds of years ago.

Primarily as a defensive tactic, traders banded together for protection against common enemies and to establish policies to govern trade. This was eventually extended as a means to exert influence on governments and legislation. The first organization of businesses was evidently in Marseilles, France, where the first use of the term, “Chamber of Commerce” has been documented. This fledgling group was established by the city council in 1599 — more than four centuries ago. The idea caught on and spread to Germany and eventually throughout Europe.

The concept comes to America

The modern Chamber of Commerce is more of an American development. The New York State Chamber is the oldest Chamber of Commerce in America, formed in 1768 and chartered by King George III in 1770.

That makes it older than the Declaration of Independence, so Chambers of Commerce are not a new development.

Local chambers

The first local chamber was founded in Charleston, S.C., in 1773. This was followed by New Haven, Conn., and then to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1800.

The trend spread rapidly across the country soon after. By 1870 there were 40 local Chambers of Commerce in the United States. Today there are more than 5,000 Chambers of commerce.

The primary function of protecting commerce remains the same, but it is interesting to follow the changes and adaptations of the Chamber functions through the years as chambers have adjusted to the changing needs of society.

Today the role of Chambers of Commerce has expanded to address socioeconomic concerns and social needs, going far beyond its original intent several centuries ago.

The prosperity of individual businesses depends on the development of the community. The success of individual businesses serves to increase the prosperity of the community and the resulting prosperity bounces back to the benefit of the local business owner. It’s a win-win deal.

National chamber

President William Howard Taft sent a letter to Congress in 1911 addressing the need for a “central organization “in order to “keep purely American interests in a closer touch with different phases of commercial affairs.” A few months later the U. S. Chamber was born.

Your chamber

Historically and to this day the Chamber of Commerce remains the most trusted source of information on local businesses and services and the most dependable ally in commerce. There is no better partner for success than your local Chamber of Commerce.