History of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce

On May 27, 1919, twenty-four business leaders from throughout Illinois met for the first time to organize the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Those charter members formed one of the first statewide business organizations in the nation. Their 1919 goals remain viable almost a century later: to deal with a “danger of too much government in business” and to “promote and protect the business climate of Illinois.”

Officially chartered by the Illinois Secretary of State on August 2, 1919, the Chamber approaches its centennial with a rich history of bringing business leaders together to represent the best interests of Illinois employers, and remains the only business association in Illinois that represents all types and sizes of businesses.

For nearly 90 years, the Illinois Chamber’s reputation as the leading voice for business and the strongest network of business leaders in the state has steadily increased. Our engaged members represent the diversity of Illinois in business and industry sectors, geography, and company size. The Chamber’s legislative scorecards, policy position statements, and grassroots efforts are integral elements of key business legislation consideration in Illinois. Statewide involvement with local chambers and coalitions with other pro-business associations only amplifies that voice.