A Chamber of Commerce is more than just an institution; It's a movement. Joining a Chamber of Commerce means being part of a rich tradition of commerce and cooperation.

The first "Chamber of Commerce" was founded in Marseille, France in the 16th Century.

Though this medieval trade association bears little resemblance to our modern chamber, the founding spirit of collaboration, fraternity, and community lives on. The first modern Chambers emerged in Central Europe in the 18th and 19th Centuries, as centers for imperial and commercial invigoration. These Chambers of Commerce were founded by the State and were intended to promote and protect State and Corporate interests. Early American Chambers of Commerce were heavily inspired by those in Germany in France at this time.

The oldest Chamber of Commerce in the United States, as well as the oldest English-speaking Chamber of Commerce in the world, is the New York Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1768. The New York Chamber evolved into a model of the modern American Chamber of Commerce, as a common voice for local business-people to work toward their common benefit, and often, the benefit of the city and nation. Members of the New York Chamber were responsible for the Erie Canal, the New York Transit Authority, and the Atlantic Cable. John Jacob Astor, Peter Cooper, and J.P. Morgan were all members of the New York Chamber of Commerce.

Why Join a Chamber of Commerce?

While the Chamber “movement” has evolved throughout the centuries, its goal has always been the same: to i) be a resource for local businesses; and ii) help foster reciprocal relationships between those businesses.

We’re here to make your job easier: Our business is your business! We can help you with the following:

·        Networking

·        Business Development

·        Marketing/Advertising

·        Financing

·         Government & Legal Matters

By joining us, you’re ensuring that your business is as efficient and effective as it can be.

In addition, joining the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce is a great way to give back to our local community. Chamber members often work together with local governments to plan, fund, and execute important community initiatives such as local parks, playgrounds, charity events, etc., which not only make our community a better place to do business, but a better place to live.

By joining the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, you can become a part of this rich tradition of commerce and cooperation. The Carbondale Chamber is dedicated to serving the members of our commerce community as advocates and mentors, and fostering business partnerships that strengthen the greater Carbondale Area and its citizens.