Alexandria Chamber Of Commerce

In late 1906, a group of Alexandria's business leaders came together with the idea of forming an organization to assure business standards, to work toward better business conditions and to serve as an active voice in framing public policies affecting the business community. That organization was called the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and pioneered a new form of business representation, advocacy and service. The following year the Alexandria Chamber went on to become a founding member of the newly organized United States Chamber of Commerce. W.A. Smoot, Jr. served as the first president of the Alexandria Chamber with the mission of providing a voice for those engaged in business. The Alexandria Chamber also serves as a catalyst for registering and mobilizing business opinion for the betterment of the community. There have been many changes over the years, however, our fundamental concept and mission has remained unchanged. The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization dedicated to the advocacy of business interests. The Chamber has played a key leadership role by: lobbying to keep Alexandria's tax rates among the lowest in Northern Virginia; promoting public parking opportunities in the City's historic district; supporting the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project; Launching the Alexandria Education Partnership to ensure a bright future for Alexandria's youth; and promoting quality commercial development to ensure Alexandria's economic stability for years to come. Today, the City of Alexandria is thriving and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce continues to provide vital services to its members and takes the lead in striving to maintain the balance of high quality of life and economic vitality.