Chambers of CommerceRepresenting businesses for over 400 years

In my role as President/CEO of a Chamber of Commerce, I meet many people who have little or no previous experience with my type of organization. There is a hazy perception that businesses are part of the Chamber, but we are often confused with local government.

This is likely due to the Chamber’s focus on economic development activities, our presence at public meetings, and as the host of local events and business meetings. But a Chamber of Commerce, at least the version found in the United States, is a private, member- ship-based non-profit organization whose members are mostly local businesses and organizations. We are not part of the government.

James Cooper President/CEO

The idea of a Chamber of Commerce goes back to a time before the United States was a country. The first Chamber of Commerce was founded in Marseille, France, in 1599. It was formed by local government and businesses to help establish rules governing trade and to promote business. The first U.S. Chamber started in the State of New York in 1768, before the United States became a country.

And the first California Chamber was founded in San Francisco in 1850, during the gold rush. We are an old idea that has stood the test of time because we are made up of people who care about their community.

The purpose of a Chamber of Commerce is to promote and increase local commerce in a way that best serves their community. This is an effort that is truly focused on “raising the tide for all” as we work together to increase awareness of our businesses and community, knowing that as it grows so does the potential for each organization in town. Our tools include networking activities (business mixers), business advocacy (com- mittees), community promotion, and special events (tradeshows) that draw attention to businesses. The particulars of a Chamber’s effort differ from place to place due to the fact each location has its own unique makeup of businesses and people. But broadly, each Chamber works to make its community the best place it can be for all.

The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce has been representing the interests of Pleasanton businesses for over 75 years. Chambers around the world have been doing the same for businesses for over 400 years. Stop by or contact the Pleasanton Chamber today to learn more about how we can be of service to you and your organization.

Chamber Board considers strategic changes

Strategic planning is vital to the success of any organization. Setting short and long term goals, outlining how you will measure success, and specifically delineating the timing and responsibility for meeting intermittent milestones is a hallmark activity of high-achieving organizations.

The Chamber Board and staff are currently working on the Chamber’s first strategic plan.

Over the past few months, each Chamber committee has engaged in SWOT analysis, identifying the Chamber’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The Board and CEO have