Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce
Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce
Cheyenne, Wyoming
History
In early 1907, a group of prominent businessmen formed the Industrial Club of Cheyenne. In 1910, the Industrial Club nominated members for mayoral appointment to the Frontier Days Council. In 1913, the Industrial Club of Cheyenne assumed full control and responsibility of the Frontier Days Council. (Frontier Days started in 1897 at a meeting in the Tivoli Building, which is the current home of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.)
In 1920, the Industrial Club of Cheyenne was renamed the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, and two years later it was incorporated. In 1936, the Chamber entered into a long-term agreement with the City, which gave the Chamber exclusive rights and privileges for using Frontier Park "for the purpose of exhibiting therein the annual Frontier Days Celebration."
During 1958 and 1959 the Chamber was instrumental in helping what was then the Community Chest change their organization to the United Fund and almost triple its contribution base. Since then United Fund has grown to the very strong and viable United Way it is today.
In 1966, the Chamber's name was changed to its current name, Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. During this time, it concentrated on economic development. It assisted in opening Cannon Aeronautical Center and a new, modern Husky Oil Refinery. Efforts to bring industry and jobs to Cheyenne continued. Some local firms that came into existence or grew substantially during this period were Ideal Aerosmith, Wyott Manufacturing, Benham Precast, and Unicover Corporation. The Chamber was also involved in establishing Laramie County Community College in 1968 and many of its later expansions.
Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was first obtained in 1976 and has been continued since. This seal of approval indicates the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce fulfills the high standards demanded by the U.S. Chamber.
In 1985 and 1986, the Chamber worked with committees and task forces to develop an independent, nonprofit economic development corporation - Cheyenne LEADS.
During the same period, the Chamber worked with the state legislature to pass the local option lodging tax, which was subsequently adopted in Laramie County. As a result, the Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau was created to concentrate on promoting tourism in Laramie County.
The Chamber continues to cooperate with both LEADS and CACVB to improve the economic conditions of Cheyenne.
In 1985, the Chamber inaugurated the "Leadership Cheyenne" program to develop new leadership talent for various community organizations. In 1988, the Chamber began its role of fostering community pride through the "Positively Cheyenne" campaign. As a result, businesses and organizations began to recognize people whose efforts make Cheyenne a better place to live.
In 1989 the Chamber recognized the need to have a stronger effort in community planning and gauging citizen interests. Forum 1999 was started to determine those citizen interests and set goals for achieving them. The first report was released in 1991.
In 1991 the Chamber worked with Cheyenne Frontier Days to establish it as a separate organization. A completely new non-profit entity was formed.
In late 1991 and early 1992 the Chamber sponsored a number of activities to develop the UP Depot into a museum and then made a challenge grant of $5,000 to the Wyoming Transportation Museum Corp. This grant required five other organizations to make similar grants. With this effort the museum was underway and the Chamber made an additional contribution of $5,000 in 1993. In 1995, the Chamber completed a report to the Base Closure and Realignment Commission that helped maintain F.E. Warren AFB. The drive to sponsor the USS Cheyenne submarine christening and commissioning was started. Also, the title of the Chamber's volunteer leader was changed to Chairman of the Board.
Since 1907, the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce has not varied from the original goals expressed in Industrial Club of Cheyenne's bylaws:
"The objects of said corporation shall be and are to further and promote the business, commercial, industrial interests of the City of Cheyenne; ...to enhance the attractiveness of said City and its advantages as a place of residence to locate any business enterprise......and in general, to do any and all things that tend to advance the business, social and intellectual life of said City..."
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce is to make the greater Cheyenne area a more prosperous and quality community by being the voice of business; by advocating and promoting the Cheyenne area as a regional business center; and by serving as a leader for community and economic growth.
|
