What is the history of The Chamber of Commerce?

Chambers of Commerce have been a driving force in the business community for quite a long time.

The first Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1599 in Marseille, France. The first U.S. Chamber of Commerce was founded in New York City in 1768. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1912. These early chambers set the stage for the thousands of local, regional and national chambers which now support businesses around the world. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1915, created to promote statewide economic growth and represent the interests of Georgia’s business community. From the beginning, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce has focused on areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, transportation and trade, critical issues for Georgia’s economy.

The Chamber of Commerce was founded to give businesses a collective voice and to support growth and regulation of trade and commerce within a community or region. While The Chamber of Commerce started as local organizations with the focus to organize markets and enforce trade rules, the role of the Chamber has expanded over the years to include developing community infrastructure, promoting economic development, and addressing social and environmental concerns. The purpose of the local Chamber of Commerce is to support, promote and advocate for the economic well-being and growth of the local business community. In essence, it serves as a connector, advocate, and resource for businesses while also playing a broader role in community development.

Chambers of commerce advocate for policies that help businesses create jobs and grow the economy. Building on a strong legacy of trust and track record of success, we help today’s businesses start, grow, and thrive in a complex and constantly changing environment. As stated by our U.S. Chamber of Commerce who has set the standard, “Above all, chambers serve as an ally and champion on Capitol Hill, in the courts, in the state houses, and in markets around the world. No matter who or where our members are, we are their seat at the table and voice in the debate. We advocate, connect, inform, and fight for business growth and America’s success.”

Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, was founded in August 1945. We stand grateful on the shoulders of the many who have come before us and worked hard laying a solid foundation. We are proud to say your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber has earned the honor of 5-STAR Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We are one of only 140 chambers nationwide with this distinction out of the more than 7000 chambers in the country. We are also a Georgia Certified Chamber of Commerce. We are actively involved with our state and U.S Chambers. Locally we work closely with the Stephens County and City of Toccoa government leadership, Main Street and Stephens County Development Authority as we are working together toward the same goals of growing our community. We are better together.

We are your Chamber. Our vision as the leading member organization is to cultivate a positive business climate, facilitating tourism, and developing the local economy as we promote the outstanding quality of life in the community. Our mission is to serve, promote, and protect every member of the Chamber of

Commerce, to help them grow and prosper. It’s our privilege at the Chamber to be your advocate and community partner to promote, develop and support commerce & tourism in Toccoa-Stephens County. This year your Chamber is celebrating 80 years serving Stephens County.

One of the many ways we serve our community is by helping connect our residents to our national, state and local elected officials. We are in the process of scheduling our upcoming Pre-legislative Coffee in January 2026. Stay tuned for more details. We recently hosted a Town Hall Meeting to give the community the opportunity to ask our City and County Commissioners more about the planned projects, should Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST VIII) be approved.

Your Chamber works hard to keep you informed of important topics impacting our community. Currently, we are facing one very important opportunity on the ballot this year in Stephens County, SPLOST VIII. As your local Chamber of Commerce, advocate and community partner, we encourage each of you to look closely at the importance of SPLOST funding and how valuable it is to our community and has been for nearly 40 years.

SPLOST is funded from one penny of every dollar spent in Stephens County from retail and online purchases. This includes spending by residents, tourists, visitors and those just passing through, helping support long-term improvements in our area. Every time anyone spends a dollar in Stephens County, one penny of the dollar helps support important local projects improving our quality of life, ensuring everyone who spends money in Stephens County helps to support our future.

For almost 40 years in Stephens County SPLOST funds have been used for the following county-wide services: roads & bridges, roadwork, fire services, emergency medical services, public safety (Sheriff’s office vehicles), E911), and economic development in our industrial parks providing grading and site work to encourage increased growth of jobs, housing and ultimately our tax base will grow.

If Stephens County SPLOST VIII does not pass and we lose the consumption 1% tax, Stephens County and the municipalities will have to find other ways to pay for these necessary projects and services. Without SPLOST approval, instead of everyone who shops in the county helping to pay for the services offered, the financial burden would fall mostly on local property owners.

It’s extremely important to consider the many benefits of SPLOST. Every vote matters, so get to the polls. SPLOST VIII is on the ballot for Stephens County. Early Voting is currently at the Historic Courthouse until Friday, October 31st. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th. Cast your vote at the Historic Courthouse, Downtown Toccoa. Help encourage all registered voters to exercise their right to vote. Get to the polls, let your voice be heard and as your Chamber of Commerce, we encourage you to VOTE YES for SPLOST VIII in Stephens County.