July 31, 1908

The Commercial Club, the original name of the Elgin Area Chamber, was formed with 47 members. Harry D. Hemmens, editor and publisher of the Daily Courier, was elected president and Conrad Ackemann, one of the department store brothers, was given a vote of thanks for his efforts as chairman of the organizing committee.

All were welcomed to "boost Elgin," and anyone desiring membership could join for $10.00. The initial paid up members included four banks, four clothing stores, three hardware stores, three jewelry stores, two bakeries, two shoe stores, and Lasher's saloon. A Board of Control, later designated as the Board of Directors, was authorized to engage the services of a full-time secretary. C. Frank Terhune of Springfield, a civil engineer, was subsequently chosen for this position.

1910's

The Commercial Club was incorporated. In 1911, the Commercial Club entered the civic area by influencing the switch from the mayor-council form of government to the commission plan. Unveiled the first city plan. It was funded by Charles H. Hulburd, president of The Elgin National Watch Co., and printed through the courtesy of the David C. Cook Publishing Co. Among its recommendations was the adoption of a zoningordinance.

Back to Top

1920's

After the formation of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1912 and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce in 1919, the "Club" designation was considered antiquated. A new name Elgin Association of Commerce was adopted. At that time, a campaign pushed membership over the goal of 800; and, only one of the members, a doctor, was a woman.

A booklet, "Watch Elgin," compiled by Secretary Ernest W. Braun and published that year by the Association, trumpeted the advantages of doing business and living in Elgin. It was an Eden "where families will find health, comfort, prosperity, beauty of surroundings and social equality."

Back to Top

1940's

During the Second World War, the Association had a new slogan "Production for Victory" - and assumed a leading role in ware bond drives, but its functions became dormant.

The severe housing shortage in Elgin following the war hampered recruitment of employees for industries busily re-converting to peace-time production, especially with the arrival of Majestic Radio & Television plant. The Chamber vigorously encouraged the construction of public housing, and the 24 temporary barracks-type units of former military base were erected in 1948 along Highway 58.

Back to Top

1970's
Retail growth was astounding. Sales management magazine in a 1972 survey of buying power estimated that sales, including automotive, in the Elgin Trade Zone were in excess of those in the entire state of Delaware and almost twice those of the state of Wyoming.

In 1973, the name change to Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce was adopted.

In 1978, the Chamber and the city agreed to a working partnership to expand employment opportunities. The city's economic development efforts were later integrated with the Chamber's.

Back to Top

2000's

The Chamber launched a Challenge 21 Campaign with a goal of $1,750,000 to increase the availability of skilled and unskilled workers, to retain existing businesses, to implement a positive public relations program and to recruit "high tech" and "research and development" companies.

In 2004 and 2006 Site Selection magazine recognized the City-Chamber partnership as one of the most successful in North America.

Back to Top

2008
The Elgin Area Chamber has been a collective voice and leader of the Elgin area business community for a hundred years. Businesses looking for a friendly advocate, a place to network or solve a problem can usually find it at the Chamber.

Our Chamber mirrors the community we serve. Just as Elgin's neighborhoods and population are proudly diverse, so are our businesses. Members range from small home-based operations to regional, national, and international corporations. Most likely, the Chamber means something different to every one of them. Our services must be as diverse as their needs.

On the economic development front, we promote commerce and stimulate economic growth. For established businesses, we work to keep them and help them expand.

For prospective businesses, we often serve as the first step for information on relocation. We often find the right agency, business, or person to meet their requirements, saving them both time and frustration.

BE ENTHUSIATIC! JOIN THE CHAMBER!

Back to Top