The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that represents and supports local businesses in the Manhattan borough of New York City.
History
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce was founded in July 1920 as the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce. It was founded by 11 prominent merchants in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, which at the time was populated primarily by immigrants of German descent. Their mission was to “develop and improve the trade and commerce of Yorkville… and to promote its prosperity and general welfare.” This was especially important after the First World War, when a wave of anti-German sentiment spread throughout the world. The United States. Over the decades, the Chamber expanded to cover Midtown Manhattan, then Midtown Manhattan, and finally the entire borough of Manhattan.
Mission
Today, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce represents and supports more than 105,000 businesses in the borough. The organization promotes economic opportunity by fostering connections that are “game-changers” for its members, provides guidance to make businesses more competitive and profitable, and works with government to improve the local business climate.
The Chamber also has two non-profit branches. Its foundation provides resources, education, and other programs for the business community. Its community philanthropic foundation runs two of the oldest and largest street fairs in the city, and its proceeds support the work of charities that focus on improving the quality of life in Manhattan.
Leadership
The current President and CEO is Jessica Walker, who took over the company in February 2016. The Chairman of the Board is Don Winter, founder and CEO of Encompass Media Group and publisher of Resident Magazine.
