Biography

The origins of the Chamber of Commerce may be traced back to the founding of a group to promote tourism and settlement in 1872. The Chamber’s birth went hand in hand with the advent of civic boosterism, which promoted population growth, improvements in transportation, and increased commercial opportunity to foster a dynamic and growing local economy. Founded in 1878 (or 1895), the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce was officially incorporated in May 1899.

In 1911, the name was changed to Santa Barbara County Chamber of Commerce. Also in 1911, the Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce was organized. A decision to form a Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce, as an affiliate of the Santa Barbara County Chamber of Commerce, was made in November 1939, but was not officially formed until March 1947.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic havoc of its growing wake, the Carpinteria, Goleta and Santa Barbara Chambers of Commerce merged in July 2020 to form the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to help south coast businesses, residents, and visitors thrive by advocating for responsible public policy, offering networking and community-building opportunities, providing access to business development resources, and support visitor services across the region.

Found in 17 Collections and/or Records: