Chamber Vision and Strategy :

The Chamber's mission is to advance the civic, commercial, industrial Cultural interests of the County of Orange; to promote the general welfare and prosperity of the County of Orange; and to stimulate public sentiment to these ends. In this pursuit, the Chamber works closely with historical, educational, agricultural; economic development and other area organizations.

History:

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce has been serving our business community since 1924. Over the years, the Chamber has actively participated in county wide economic development efforts, addressed education needs, lobbied for pro-business issues; promoted tourism and continues to serve as a united voice for business. The Chamber is a membership organization and is funded by membership dues and special events - not tax dollars. In 1999 we celebrated our 75th anniversary. With a pro-active program of work, the Chamber is busily laying the groundwork for our next 75 years.

The following accomplishments are excerpted from our documented 75th Anniversary History recap and represent they types of projects that the Chamber has and continues to be involved in:

1) In 1929 the Chamber attracted American Silkmill to Orange and began a long history in which business leaders worked together to bring jobs and prosperity to our community. What made this effort larger than the 350 jobs which were secured was the fact that this was done during the Depression making Orange a center for relocation which in turn sparked a local housing boom during this difficult economic period in history. Thus not only were there 350 jobs from the Silkmill, but jobs for construction and a reasonably thriving retail community.

2) In 1952 the Chamber produced the very first tourism brochure for the County which was called the "Orange County Folder". Over the next thirty five years, the Chamber continues to promote tourism and finally in 1985 an official commission for tourism is recognized by the Orange County Board of Supervisors, setting the groundwork for today's Department of Tourism.

3) In 1967 the Chamber formatted a plan to raise funds to pay for the Orange County Airport building and parking areas. Over the next three years, they continue to work on promotions for the airport and in 1970 underwrite the construction of the airport hangers. Two years later they urge the creation of the Airport Authority.

4) In 1976 the Chamber's Industrial Development sub-committee becomes independent of the Chamber and eventually becomes the current day Economic Development Corporation (EDC). By mutual agreement, the EDC continues to work on industrial relocations and the Chamber focuses on commercial growth.

5) In 1992 the Chamber works in cooperation with the Board of Supervisors creating and implementing a marketing plan for the Bond Referendum. This subsequently passes by a large majority giving the County the authority to purchase land for the industrial park and to expand our library system. Two years later the County opens our first Office of Economic Development, an official government entity working to further our planned growth with cooperative efforts of the EDC and OCCC.

6) Since 1999 the Chamber has been working in cooperation with the Town of Orange and the County of Orange to determine the feasibility of business incubators. A committee of community business leaders determined that this is an effort worth pursuing and they proceeded to outline a model program while seeking funding through state grants. The Orange Business Incubator, Inc., was formed and is now open for business.

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce has a long history of working towards the economic health of Orange County. There is no mystery to the Chamber, it is simply an independent organization of businesses and business leaders who work cooperatively with government to bring about positive change in our community. We are working now to see that our next 75 years leaves as many positive legacies as our first 75 years.