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Headquarters North Carolina, United States | ||
Originally organized in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1853, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1866 by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. At that time, Wilmington business leaders appreciated the potential of North Carolina’s largest city and sought to lend guidance to the economic direction of the bustling port. While the Civil War and North Carolina’s secession from the Union delayed the original Chamber’s work, the eventual chartering in 1866 gave Wilmington’s organization the distinction of being the first Chamber of Commerce in the state of North Carolina. Despite governmental chartering, it is not a governmental entity. The Chamber is a membership-based, nonprofit organization of diverse membership.
Contents
Organization
A Board of Directors oversees policy-making for a membership of more than 1,000 companies. The efforts of the Board and members are supported by a professional staff located on the banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Focus areas include Public Policy, Education, Infrastructure, Environment, Member Services, and Membership.
Mission
The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce serves the Wilmington area business community by: strengthening the business environment; providing members with benefits and services to support their success; advocating a position on those business-related issues most beneficial to its members and the community; and participating in initiatives that positively affect the quality of life in the community. The Mission is enhanced through proactive leadership and partnerships throughout Southeastern North Carolina.
Chamber Locations Since 1880
1880-99: The Produce Exchange and Chamber of Commerce resided at the corner of Princess and North Water Streets, Wilmington, NC.
1889: Mercantile Association moved from The Orton Building on Front Street to Room 2 in the Smith Building on Princess.
1899: Chamber moved to Merchant’s Association apartments.
1901: Chamber moved to 225 North Front Street Bk.
1902: Chamber moved to Atlantic Bank Building at 14 Princess Street.
1908: Chamber moved to David Building on North Front Street in October 1908.
1910: The Old Morning Star Building, on the northern side of Princess between Front and Water, was offered to the Chamber to build a new building.
1914: Chamber moves to 7th Floor of new Murchison Building after Oct. 1, 1914 (Front and Chestnut Streets).
1920: Chamber of Commerce resided at 200 North Front Street Bk.
1924: Chamber moved to Princess Street annex of the McLelland store
1931: Chamber offices on Third Street.
1934: Wilmington Chamber of Commerce moved into Cape Fear Hotel.
1941: Chamber moved to 316 North Front Street Bk.
1945: Chamber of Commerce resided in the Wilson Hut at the corner of Princess Street and 4th Street.
1969: Chamber housed at 514 Market Street (Price-Gause House).
1990: Chamber moved to Coastline Convention Center on Nutt Street.
1993–Present: Chamber resides at One Estell Lee Place.