Chamber History and Its Impact on Communities

“A healthy social life is found only, when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living.” Rudolf Steiner

The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce has been serving the foothill communities since 1925. The mission of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote the civic, economic, industrial, professional and cultural welfare of the Crescenta Valley. We seek to educate all citizens on the role and importance of a healthy economy to the community’s existence.

Did you know… the Chamber of Commerce as an institution in the United States is eight years older than the Declaration of Independence? The New York State Chamber, the first in America, was organized in 1768, and five years later the first local chamber was formed in Charleston, South Carolina. The first chamber of commerce in New York City stated its objectives as “encouraging commerce, supporting industry, adjusting disputes relative to trade and navigation, and producing such laws and regulations as may be found necessary for the benefit of trade in general.” Arising in quick succession during the 19th century, chambers of commerce spread throughout the land and today number in the thousands.

Most chambers have their basic roots in the “town booster” type organization, competing with neighboring communities for trade, tourism and economic development. A chamber of commerce is a federation of business, industrial and professional firms and interested individuals working together to enhance the economic and socioeconomic health of their community.

It is a non-profit, mutual benefit corporation with a voluntary board of directors that invests time and money to carry forward programs relevant to members’ needs and that affect the orderly growth and development of the community. It is the catalytic agency that brings together all of the forces, both public and private, through which common goals can be resolved.

Chambers of commerce strive to develop and publicize business opportunities in their communities, as well as work for the betterment of local schools and other community institutions. Chambers of commerce offer a range of programs and services to their members, including information and advice on timely business matters, opportunities for networking and a variety of publications. Chambers of commerce also provide their members with numerous forums, task forces, committees and special events in which to express their specific views and concerns, whether pertaining to the challenges facing small businesses or to the issues surrounding international commerce.

Please join us at one of our next events to meet our wonderful voluntary board of directors that invests their own time and money working for the betterment of the Crescenta Valley!

Important dates: May 9 – Business mixer at April Ray Salon; May 12 & May 13 – Foothills Relay For Life; June 13 – Business mixer at Caspian Services.

Please call our office for more details on any event. How to reach us (818) 248-4957 / crescentachamber@aol.com / www.LaCrescenta.org / 3131 Foothill Blvd., Ste D.