Our History
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce (ECC) is older than the City of Edmonton. Since 1889, the past 135 years, we have mobilized, informed and championed the business community.
On February 27, 1889, likely a cold, frigid, winters day, 33 forward-thinking pioneers set the foundation for what would become the Edmonton Board of Trade. At that time, Edmonton was still finding its footing as a prairie community primarily centered around agriculture, rather than the energy sector we would later become known for. These visionaries shared a common belief: that Edmonton's future prosperity hinged on improved communication and transportation links with the wider world.
Renamed the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce in 1928, our organization has since dedicated itself to fostering growth, providing essential services, and supporting our vibrant community. One of our earliest triumphs was securing a rail line to Edmonton by 1891, a milestone that connected our city to broader markets and opportunities. <picture >
By 1901, the Edmonton Chamber was already deeply involved in shaping the city's infrastructure, from water and sewage facilities to public education—a testament to our commitment to future generations of entrepreneurs. In 1905, Alberta was declared a province, and Edmonton proudly became its capital, marking a significant expansion of our Chamber's influence and services.
Through economic booms and global conflicts, including the First World War, the Edmonton Chamber continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of our growing city. The challenges of the Great Depression in the 1930s and the economic shifts of the 1980s tested our resilience, but each time, we emerged stronger and more determined to support our members.
With the discovery of oil in Leduc in 1947, Edmonton entered a new era of economic growth, solidifying its position as a hub for refining and petrochemical industries. The Chamber played a pivotal role in supporting this transformation, advocating for policies and projects that bolstered local businesses and infrastructure.
As we moved into the digital age, the Edmonton Chamber embraced technology and expanded its reach with the launch of edmontonchamber.com in 2000 and the establishment of World Trade Centre Edmonton in 2004—a dynamic meeting place for businesses downtown.
Today, as we celebrate over 135 years of service, the Edmonton Chamber remains deeply rooted in our city's business landscape. We continue to champion our members through policy advocacy, education, networking opportunities, and many valuable services. Proud of our past achievements and excited for the future, we're committed to creating the optimal environment for businesses to thrive in Edmonton.
Throughout our history, we've always been focused on what's coming next for our business community.
Our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan – LINK PLAN PDF
Our Vision: Edmonton is Canada’s best place to build a strong, sustainable, resilient business that provides incredible returns for the people who own it and the community ecosystem it belongs to.
Our Mission: The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce inspires the growth of our business community and the profitability of our member-businesses by being their most innovative and dedicated advocate, connector, and service-support provider.
Looking forward, we are set to evolve significantly, enhancing our service offerings, events, and online presence. Our goal is to ensure that your membership with the ECC is the most valuable investment you and your business can make.