The Chamber is a member-based organization. Our mission is to serve businesses by promoting education and strategic growth, enhancing quality of life, and creating a positive business climate for our community. Member businesses benefit from networking, referrals, business development, advertising opportunities and much more. We invite and encourage members to be active members, participating in programs of interest to them and their businesses. The Chamber Board of Directors is comprised of 22 Chamber members elected by the general membership, all focused on serving member business interests on many levels. Historical Note: The first Charter for the Chamber of Commerce was issued by the Bartow Superior Court on July 13, 1889. Those petitioning the creation of the Chamber at that time were J.A. Stover, E. Strickland, R.G. Mays, W.C. Baker, J.P. Jones, R.W. Satterfield, and J.R. Wikle.