In New York State, the Chamber of Commerce was established to oppose the “obnoxious” Stamp Tax Act passed by the Parliament in 1765. Tradesman who were organized to fight and promote commerce. Early Chambers promoted the sale of goods thru organization of markets and enforcing rules of trade, protection of goods in transit, and even operating their own trading floors.
Chambers evolved into true community organizations when business people realized that their own prosperity depended upon the development of a prosperous, healthy, and happy community! They have since developed an emphasis on industrial development, as well as its’ accompanying civic and commercial growth. In order to be true to their purpose, they remain primarily business organizations, expressing the point of view of business.
Newark’s Chamber of Commerce has developed a mission statement used as a guide in their activities:
“The purpose of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce is to do all the things necessary through service to encourage and support healthy growth of business and industry in the Newark Community.”