U.S. Chamber Celebrates 90th Birthday

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce today celebrates 90 years as an advocate for American business interests on Capitol Hill, before the White House and its agencies, and in the courts.

"Ninety years ago today, President William Howard Taft called for the creation of a pro-business organization and delegates from every state responded to that call," said Thomas Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO.

On April 22, 1912, seven hundred delegates from business groups and trade associations formally established a unified voice for American business in Washington and overseas. Harry A. Wheeler, vice president of the Union Trust Company and president of the Chicago Association of Commerce, was elected as the Chamber's first president. The Board of Trade of Frederick, Md., filed the first membership application.

"A lot has changed over the last 90 years — dues are no longer $25," said Donohue. "But our mission remains the same — to advance human progress through an economic, political, and social system based on individual freedom, incentive, initiative, opportunity, and responsibility."

The U.S. Chamber has grown from 280 members its first year, to a federation of three million member companies; state, and local chambers; associations; and American chambers of commerce abroad (AmChams). The Chamber fights for a pro-business agenda that includes reduced regulatory burdens, a fair tax structure, strong trade ties with other nations, and protects the rights and interests of the business community in the courts.

"Unlike the baby boomer generation, which is nearing retirement, the Chamber will never retire," said Donohue. "We will push forward those pro-business policies that ensure our economic growth and prosperity and our way of life."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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