Chamber celebrates 120 years
This year, the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a big birthday as it marks its 120th year.
Established in 1904 as the St. Augustine Board of Trade, the chamber has a long history of promoting, supporting and advocating for the business community in St. Johns County. In fact, President Theodore Roosevelt visited St. Augustine in 1905 thanks to efforts by the St. Augustine Board of Trade to promote the city.
Whatever the name has been, the chamber has always been working to promote the best business environment possible in the community. Some of the chamber’s current efforts include:
- Managing a grant for businesses to become Certified Autism Centers, indicating a commitment to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for neurodiverse visitors.
- Spearheading the Attainable Housing Coalition to better advocate for housing that meets the needs and budget of the county’s most essential workers.
- Establishing the St. Johns County Chamber Foundation to provide leadership training, workforce development and disaster relief programs for local businesses.
Members should plan to attend the annual Celebrate! event on Nov. 14, where more history from the past 120 years will be showcased. More information will be available soon!
Chamber members are encouraged to participate in the display by sharing any history with the chamber, including milestones experienced as chamber members or what’s been accomplished with the chamber’s support. Members can share documents, photos, a story or news clippings with the chamber by emailing communications@sjcchamber.com or dropping by the offices in St. Augustine or Ponte Vedra Beach.
