Chamber of commerce is an association of business people that promotes the interests of its members and of business in general. Chambers of commerce have been organized in towns, cities, regions, and countries. In many European countries, chambers of commerce are official agencies, supported by taxes, and businesses are required to join. In the United States and some English-speaking countries, membership is optional. Chambers of commerce are sometimes called boards of trade, merchants’ associations, or associations of commerce. The International Chamber of Commerce is an organization of business people from many countries. Its purpose is to bring about closer economic ties among its member countries and to more easily resolve international business conflicts. In the United States, another organization, the National Retail Federation, works to make retailers aware of trends in retailing.
Chambers of commerce work to bring new industries to their communities. These organizations also furnish information about their communities that may help those planning to move into their area. The first associations of this kind were formed in the days of the Roman Empire. The first group to have the name “Chamber of Commerce” was organized in Marseille, France, in 1599. The oldest chamber of commerce in the United States was established in New York City in 1768.
