History of the
Alexandria Chamber
Charting A Successful Course Since 1906
In late 1906, a group of
Alexandria's business leaders came together with the idea of
forming an organization to assure business standards, to work
toward better business conditions and to serve as an active
voice in framing public policies affecting the business
community. That organization, the Alexandria Chamber of
Commerce, pioneered a new form of business representation,
advocacy and service. The following year the Alexandria Chamber
went on to become a founding member of the newly organized
United States Chamber of Commerce.
Starting with the term of W.A. Smoot, Jr. as the first president
of the Alexandria Chamber, our mission has been one of providing
a voice for those engaged in business. Our mission
of serving as a catalyst for registering and mobilizing business
opinion began for the betterment of the community.
There have been many changes over the years witnessed by the
passage of reliance on the horse and buggy to the use of
automobiles. However, our fundamental concept and mission has
remained unchanged. The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is a
membership organization dedicated to the advocacy of business
interests.
Through the years, the Chamber has
played a key leadership role by lobbying to keep Alexandria's
tax rates among the lowest in Northern Virginia, promoting
public parking opportunities in the City's historic district,
supporting the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project, launching the
Alexandria Education Partnership to ensure a bright future for
Alexandria's youth and promoting quality commercial development
to ensure Alexandria's economic stability for years to come.
Today, The City of Alexandria is
thriving and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce continues to
provide vital services to its members and takes the lead in
striving to maintain the balance of high quality of life and economic vitality. |
