Our History

OUR HISTORY

Bronx Chamber of Commerce History

Mission:

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1894, is rooted in holistic community and economic development which advances economic opportunity and growth, innovation, and comprehensive business planning for the Bronx. We organize and build coalitions, provide strategic business services, participate in and publish research and data analysis, and support targeted advocacy efforts that strengthen the business community, and help to win economic development policies which advance the borough’s economic agenda.


The Bronx Chamber has developed an active civic spirit fostering robust dialogue between business, government, and the civic sector to achieve a more inclusive and vibrant economy. 

OUR HISTORY

Bronx Chamber of Commerce History

Mission:

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1894, is rooted in holistic community and economic development which advances economic opportunity and growth, innovation, and comprehensive business planning for the Bronx. We organize and build coalitions, provide strategic business services, participate in and publish research and data analysis, and support targeted advocacy efforts that strengthen the business community, and help to win economic development policies which advance the borough’s economic agenda.


The Bronx Chamber has developed an active civic spirit fostering robust dialogue between business, government, and the civic sector to achieve a more inclusive and vibrant economy. 

“The Chamber is dedicated to increasing its efforts and its membership through a wide range of vigorous chamber programs for inter-governmental relations and economic development.  Bronx business executives are posed with serious challenges that require awareness, decisiveness, and strength.” Michael J. Durso, 1981.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1894 with the mission to serve the Bronx business community. Over the years the Chamber has played a fundamental role in the health of the borough’s economy. This non-profit, membership driven organization has helped to forge the infrastructure that has transformed the Bronx business community. The Chamber has been instrumental in many projects such as the creation of the Fordham Plaza that fostered unprecedented commerce and helped to employ thousands in the borough. Other notable achievements in the Chamber’s history have been securing funds to create the Hunts Point Terminal Market truck stop facility, successfully campaigning to keep the New York Yankees in the Bronx in 1986, advocating for a Free Trade Zone in the borough, working with President Carter to produce much needed revenue for businesses via Project: Special Impact, partnering with David Rockefeller on an urban policy plan for the Bronx, creating The Bronx Chamber Action Group to clean-up and beautify Bronx commercial corridors, and working closely with merchant associations to help them thrive.


The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is also deeply committed to improving the quality of life for Bronxites through numerous efforts to deter crime, aid senior citizens, and educate children in the Bronx. The Chamber’s long-standing partnership with The New York Police Department has helped to lower neighborhood crime rates through an increase in mobile patrols.

The creation of SWAP (Senior Winter Assistance Program), and the formation of a senior citizen shopping program governed by the Chamber, NYPD, and various merchant associations have helped to aid Bronx seniors. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce with the support of Hostos College launched The Junior Achievement Program and The Speakers’ Bureau. The Junior Achievement Program connected students with Bronx professionals, who afforded them personal exposure to the business world. The Speakers’ Bureau, brought prominent business leaders and academic scholars to Bronx schools, fostering student engagement and development.


The Bronx Chamber of Commerce has continued to provide leadership in creating a strong climate for economic development and job creation throughout our history. Our roots represent the power of our past and the promise of our future. The Chamber continues its steadfast commitment to strengthening the borough’s economic viability.

“We are articulating new, creative approaches to the many challenges confronting us.  We are employing a keen resourcefulness for getting things done. We are rekindling the extraordinary community spirit that has for many years constituted a togetherness that prevailed in the past, unique for our Borough of the Bronx,” Elias Karmon, 1979.

Share by: