HISTORY OF THE CHAMBER MOVEMENT: The first known use of the name "Chamber of Commerce" was in France in 1599. The idea spread rapidly through Europe. Even today, nearly every European city has a Chamber of Commerce. However, the European Chamber is strictly a board of trade and membership usually a requirement for doing business. In America, our Chambers of Commerce are on a voluntary basis.
The first Chamber of Commerce in the United States was formed in New York in 1768. It still is in existence. Today, there are thousands of local Chambers of Commerce, many State Chambers, and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States.
THE ANDERSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Our records show the Anderson Chamber was organized in 1905 as the Anderson Commercial Club with 16 men as members. On April 3, 1914, the Commercial Club organized the Chamber of Commerce of Anderson, Indiana.
At a special meeting of the membership on the first day of October, 1917, it was resolved that the corporate name would be changed to the Anderson Chamber of Commerce. The amendment of the Articles of Association was filed with the Secretary of State on October 8, 1917.
On September 25, 1978, the Anderson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously approved the change of name to the "Anderson Chamber of Commerce".
From that humble beginning in 1905, the Anderson Chamber has grown to become an effective business and community development organization, which is now doing business as The Chamber of Commerce for Anderson & Madison County.
Offices
- 205 W. 11th Street
- P.O. Box 469
- Anderson, Indiana 46015
- Phone: 765-642-0264
- Fax: 765-642-0226
- E-mail: andersonchamber@ameritech.net
- P.O. Box 542
- Pendleton, Indiana 46064
- Phone: 765-778-1741
- Fax: 765-642-0266
- E-mail: andersonchamber@ameritech.net