Lancaster Chamber - Connections 2008 - (Page 12) welcome chamber about the History of The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry T he Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry has a long history of leveraging the collective strength of the community-minded private sector to realize positive change in our community for the benefit of our economy and quality of life. Initially founded in 1872, the then-called “Lancaster Board of Trade” came together to address and resolve business concerns facing Lancaster City at that time. One of the challenges faced by the group was solving the problems caused to traffic and pedestrians when it rained. It was believed commerce would be improved for all if the streets were paved and adequate runoff was provided. The group, which numbered “a hundred of the businessmen of the city” in 1873, was also interested in improving the economy of both the city and the County. This led to discussions and action on the improving credit practices, extending streets, supplying water, improving transportation and constructing schools and other public buildings. In 1910, the Board of Trade merged with the Lancaster Retail Merchants Association to form The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, which continued as an integral element of the business community in both the city and the County. One of the civic improvements that had been urgently needed and with which The Chamber had influence in attaining was the construction of a modern railroad station. At their annual banquet in 1926, members of The Lancaster Chamber enthusiastically sang a paraphrased version of a popular ballad, hoping to underscore the need for a new station. Not long afterward, the Pennsylvania Railroad agreed to the construction of a modern facility at the north end of the city. “Today, The Chamber is considered one of the Commonwealth’s most active and respected business organizations and has earned a reputation for excellence among its peers throughout the nation.” Other significant projects of The Chamber during this time included the freeing of County toll roads, the planning of a city directory and the organization of cooperative merchandising events. A second merger of two organizations occurred in 1977, when The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and the Lancaster Area Manufacturers’ Association joined forces to become The Lancaster Association of Commerce and Industry. The name was again changed in 1981 to The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The present Chamber offices are located at 12 Connections | w w w . l c c i . c o m http://www.lcci.com
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