The History of The Chamber of Commerce

"Business is great in Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara is great for business"

The Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce is a California non-profit corporation. The organization was founded in 1878 and incorporated in 1899. The Chamber is a business association representing some 2,000 local businesses. Governed by a 20 person volunteer board of directors and managed by a professional staff, the chamber operates a visitor center and a resource center. The Chamber's mission is to foster a vibrant economy and improve the quality of life for all who live and work in the region. Through it’s programs the Chamber generates more than $80 million in annual local business referrals. The chamber visitor center hosts 300,000 annual customers. The chamber website generates 14,000 hits per day. The Santa Barbara Chamber is the oldest and largest business organization in the Tri-County Region. In 2008, the Chamber will sponsor a trade mission to China, a speaker’s conference, an expanded virtual business environment, radio and television programs, a book and author festival and youth mentoring opportunities.

The History

The Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business organization in the Tri County Region. The Chamber is a non-profit corporation founded in 1878 and incorporated in 1899. The Chamber is governed by an elected, volunteer board of directors and managed by a professional staff. The organization operates a Visitor Center, at 1 Garden Street, and a corporate office at 924 Anacapa Street. The Chamber also operates a charitable foundation, The New Directions Foundation. Steve Cushman has served as the chamber president for 20 years.