Founded in 1768, the New York Chamber of Commerce was founded as the first chamber in what would become the United States.  A few years following Independence, there’s some debate about which ones came next.  Boston and Charleston were certainly some of the earliest, but it’s likely that many local chambers were founded in the 13 original states at around the same time.
 
The Wilson Chamber of Commerce itself was founded in 1897, but every chamber likes to point to a singular moment in American history that symbolizes the role chambers play in serving their community.  On December 16, 1773, a group of Boston business leaders, patriots, and merchants known as the Sons of Liberty protested unfair government intrusion into commerce during the Boston Tea Party.  While our strategies have changed, local chambers of commerce now serve as the vanguard of protecting collective business interests in our communities.  The tactics are certainly different, but the message is the same:  private enterprise, regulated fairly and supported locally, is essential to liberty and economic prosperity.
 
As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s independence, we reflect on the ideals that make our country a beacon of hope in a world where hope can otherwise be in short supply.  Part of that hope stems from the fact that private industry can freely engage in commerce to the benefit of their owners, workers, customers, communities, and even their competitors.  Local chambers of commerce have the solemn obligation to ensure that this exchange continues fairly, and with minimal interruption.
 
This Independence Day, the Wilson Chamber of Commerce extends its thanks to the members who invest in our mission to build a market where businesses prosper.  We’re grateful to a board of directors that lead our mission to ensure Wilson remains a destination for business, and extend that gratitude to consumers who make the choice to support local enterprises.  We’re blessed to serve a community and country that make our work possible.
 
That work remains unfinished.  As America embarks on its next 250 years, the Wilson Chamber of Commerce will explore every means of ensuring that our market competes for industry at the highest level.  You can help.  Consider a gift to our March to 250 Campaign, and help us celebrate the freedoms that have made Wilson – and the United States – a place we’re proud to call home.