Chambers were a part of America before we were officially America

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday on July 4, it’s worth remembering that the very first chamber in the United States was founded in 1768 -- eight years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Long before we had a Congress, a Constitution or a country, local business leaders were already gathering to strengthen their communities, support commerce and build the foundations of economic life in the colonies.

From those earliest days, chambers have been woven into the American story. They helped towns grow into cities, supported entrepreneurs who shaped local economies, championed infrastructure that connected communities and brought leaders together to solve the challenges of their time. 

Today, we're in an era when trust in many institutions has declined. But local chambers - including your own Quad Cities Chamber -  remain one of the most trusted voices in American public life. That trust isn’t a relic of the past, it’s a responsibility we carry forward, a reminder that our role in community building is as important today as it was in 1768.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we’re not just looking back. We’re looking ahead to a future of ingenuity, collaboration and economic opportunity.

If you’d like to join in the celebration, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives is participating in Business for America's Together for 250 campaign. They're inviting business people to write a birthday letter to America. Share your reflections on what this milestone means - including the importance of civic and business leadership, the pursuit of economic prosperity, the value of innovation, or the hopes you have for the generations that will shape the next chapter of our nation’s story.

If you’d like to learn more or participate, you can explore the campaign here.