The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1888 as the Board of Trade. It was conceived to promote a positive business climate in Pasadena. The Board of Trade was an early collaborator with the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena’s New Year events. When the Tournament of Roses was formed to oversee the parade and games, the Board of Trade appointed the first director.
An earlier home of the Pasadena Chamber
From its inception, the Board of Trade was involved in all facets of Pasadena’s civic, cultural and residential life. The Board of Trade first proposed street tree plans for Pasadena’s downtown business district and proposed the city’s first citizen commission. The Board of Trade first proposed Pasadena operate its own water company became the Chamber of Commerce in 1922. The Board also shepherded the election for the bond that financed building of the Colorado Street Bridge spanning the Arroyo Seco.
The Chamber actively supported the Pasadena Civic Center plan that resulted in the grand City Hall, Auditorium and Public Library buildings.
During World War II, the Chamber supported efforts to conserve resources and supported America’s military efforts through aggressive war bond sales campaigns. In the 1950s, the Chamber helped transition Pasadena’s industry to take advantage of peacetime needs and the growing aviation and technology industries.
Throughout the 1960s, The Chamber of Commerce worked to ensure Pasadena’s position as the commercial and economic center of the western San Gabriel Valley. At the same time, the Chamber promoted Pasadena as a corporate headquarters. Our organization helped recruit Parsons Corporation, Avery Dennison and others to our city.
In the 1960s, the Chamber also advocated for construction of Pasadena High School to serve the growing population in the Hastings Ranch area.
Through the remainder of the 20th century, the Pasadena Chamber was an active participant in the recruitment of companies to Pasadena, including bio-technology, internet and other new technology companies. The Chamber was a staunch supporter of bringing light rail transit to Pasadena, a task that was finally accomplished by the Metro Gold Line Construction Authority in 2003.
Into the 21st century, the Chamber of Commerce works to expand the economic foundation of Pasadena by helping companies expand, relocate or prosper. The Chamber has supported efforts to bring technology and bio-medical research companies to Pasadena. Chamber advocacy has helped businesses reduce the impact of water rate hikes, health inspection cost increases and convinced the Pasadena City Council not to raise taxes and fees. The Chamber continues to advocate for effective transit options for Pasadena and is a strong supporter of completing the Gold Line to Montclair and beyond.
