It all started in France …
It was in Marseilles, France; the year 1599 AD. The reason: to “establish policies to govern trade.” And so began what is known today as a chamber of commerce. The underlying idea was “businesses joining together in a mutual effort to increase commerce… and to establish policies to govern trade.” In the United States the oldest chamber of commerce is New York State Chamber of Commerce, which was “chartered by King George III in 1770…today there are over 5,000 chambers of commerce.” Historically, the chamber served as the hub for business enterprises; and today chambers continue to serve as that hub. Recognized nationally as the place to look for business and community information makes them one of the top organizations that businesses call when scoping out potential investment and/or development. They also serve as one of the first places visitors stop when coming into a community to learn about that community, find places to stay and eat, things to do, and where even locals call for community information.
09/27/2023 12:00 AM