History

The history of the St. Charles Regional Chamber dates back more than a century.

The original St. Charles Chamber of Commerce was established in 1917. Although the organization later became inactive, its purpose and potential were not forgotten. In 1939, nine local businessmen came together to reactivate the Chamber, recognizing the importance of having a unified organization dedicated to supporting local commerce and advancing the community.

Their decision created the foundation for the organization we know today.

Over the decades, the Chamber grew alongside the communities it served. As St. Charles and the surrounding area experienced new development, population growth, and economic expansion, the Chamber continued bringing business leaders together, promoting the region, supporting local employers, and providing a collective voice for the business community.

A significant new chapter began in December 2011, when the members of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and the St. Peters Chamber of Commerce voted to merge the two organizations. The merger became official in March 2012 with the creation of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

The merger brought together the histories, memberships, resources, and leadership of two established business organizations. It also reflected the increasingly connected nature of the communities and businesses throughout St. Charles County. Rather than focusing on a single municipality, the newly combined Chamber was positioned to serve and represent a broader business community.

During the following decade, the Chamber’s membership, partnerships, programs, advocacy efforts, and regional influence continued to grow. By 2021, the Board of Directors determined that the organization’s identity should better reflect the region it had come to serve. A new logo and brand were developed to represent the Chamber’s expanded vision and direction.

In March 2022, as the Chamber celebrated the 10th anniversary of the merger, the Board Chair announced that the organization would officially become known as the St. Charles Regional Chamber.

The new name was more than a branding change. It recognized the Chamber’s evolution from a community-based organization into one that works across municipal and geographic boundaries to strengthen the economy of the entire region.

Throughout its history, the Chamber has been guided by volunteer business and community leaders. Today, a 17-member Board of Directors establishes the organization’s policies and strategic direction. Municipal leaders from throughout St. Charles County, a representative of St. Charles County Government, and the Chamber’s President & CEO also serve as non-voting, ex-officio members of the Board.

The President & CEO and professional staff carry out the Chamber’s daily work, continuing a tradition of service that began with the vision of those early business leaders.

Much has changed since nine businessmen reactivated the Chamber in 1939. Communities have grown, industries have evolved, and the ways businesses connect and operate have been transformed. The Chamber itself has expanded, merged, rebranded, and embraced a broader regional role.

Yet its central purpose has remained remarkably consistent: to bring businesses and community leaders together, create opportunities, encourage economic growth, and help build a stronger future.

Today’s St. Charles Regional Chamber is the result of more than eight decades of leadership, collaboration, and commitment. The organization may look different from the Chamber those nine businessmen helped rebuild, but their vision remains at the heart of its work.

Click on the button below to read an excerpt about the Chamber of Commerce from the book "Crossroads: A History of St. Charles County, Missouri" written by County Executive Steve Ehlmann.

This excerpt was provided to the Chamber by County Executive Steve Ehlmann.