The Chamber
About The Chamber
At more than 1,200 members, the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce represents two-thirds of the area’s workforce. Founded in 1889, the chamber is committed to promoting, improving and enhancing the Pensacola Bay Area through responsible economic development, community involvement and unity of private and public sectors. The chamber consists of five departments – economic development, armed services, community and governmental affairs, membership and tourism – to carry out this mission.
Our MissionBe a catalyst of positive and creative action in the pursuit of excellence for the Pensacola Bay Area business community. |
Our VisionA vibrant community working together to ensure a greater Pensacola. Rich in talent and resources, committed to the ideals of excellence, prosperity, innovation and responsible growth for future generations. |
Then And Now
Founded in 1889 by railroad magnate William Dudley Chipley and a group of Pensacola business leaders, the chamber has sought from its founding to create a community that would be attractive to current and future business ventures. The key measure of the chamber’s success is that it has been able to understand and serve the changing commercial needs of the city, attracting to its ranks and to its leadership positions business leaders whose energy and ideas have shaped its messages and programs. In 2005, the Chamber assimilated a new designation as the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and all that name change implies. This was more than a cosmetic move; it reflects our intent to think and act regionally and to treat the larger Pensacola Bay Area as one vast market to be served. Today, the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of CEO Jim Hizer, is still a voice for progress and improvement, bringing together businesses for a thriving community.