Chamber History

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History of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

The story of Las Vegas is essentially the story of business of Southern Nevada. Our region is the embodiment of entrepreneurial spirit; a testament to the perseverance, ingenuity and determination of those who arrived in the vast vacant desert with little more than a dream.

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce has been an integral part of the community almost since the beginning. The Chamber was founded in 1911 by business people in need of a central organization to address and represent the interests of businesses in the development of the community. These early pioneers understood the powerful impact that a concerted effort could have in the development of the resources necessary to attract new residents and businesses alike as a means to foster growth and drive an emerging economy.

Over the years, the Chamber has been at the forefront of growth in Las Vegas. In the early years when Las Vegas was in its infancy, the Chamber was a key player in laying the foundation for a strong, vibrant community. Through the Chamber, the community developed its commerce and evolved as a desirable place to live, work and play. In times of trouble, the Chamber has been a resource and partner to help businesses survive and thrive. In addition, the Chamber has a long history of representing the interests of business in public policy, and is the leading voice of business fighting to preserve and protect Nevada's pro-business environment.

Key Milestones Include:

  • 1911 - The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce was founded
  • 1924 - The Chamber helped secure the first Federal building and U.S. Post Office.
  • 1930s - Community leaders lobbied heavily through the Chamber for construction of the Hoover Dam.
  • 1944 - The Chamber created the Livewire Fund to promote Las Vegas as a tourism destination.
  • 1945 - The Chamber led the formation of the Las Vegas Vally Water District.
  • 1949 - The Desert Sea News Bureau was formed by the Chamber to promote Las Vegas to media outlets all over the world.
  • 1952 - The Chamber helped create the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to take advantage of the nation's appetite for post-war travel.
  • 1955 - Better Business Bureau and United Way of Southern Nevada were created by the Chamber.
  • 1983 - Community leaders through the Chamber created Las Vegas Events to attract non-gaming visitors to the region and diversify entertainment options including the National Finals Rodeo.
  • 1993 - The Chamber spearheaded workers' compensation reform, reducing the financial burden on small business.
  • 1998 - The Chamber advocated for passage of school bonds to fund $3.5 billion for school construction and renovation.
  • 1998 - The Chamber helped pass a 1/4 cent sales tax increase for a second intake pipe in Lake Mead to ensure future access to our water supply.
  • 2001 - The Chamber lead efforts to defeat the 4 percent business profits tax initiative proposed by the Teacher's Union, which was eventually ruled unconstitutional.
  • 2003 - The Chamber helped defeat a gross-receipts tax on business.
  • 2004 - The Chamber successfully fought against several ballot measures that would have driven up the cost of health care and increased taxes.
  • 2005 - The Chamber helped to pass an 8 percent cap on property taxes for businesses.
  • 2006 - The Chamber launched Vegas Young Professionals.
  • 2006 - The Chamber had a 92 percent win ratio in electing candidates in statewide elections.
  • 2007 - The Chamber helped pass AB 595 to fund $1 billion in highway projects.
  • 2007 - The Chamber successfully advocated for AB 280 that established a performance pay system for Nevada's teachers.
  • 2007 - The Chamber established Chamber Insurance and Benefits, LLC, a for-profit subsidiary to help manage the Chamber's group health insurance program.
  • 2007 - Vegas Young Professionals reached 1,000 members.
  • 2008 - The Chamber relocated to Town Square and opened the CenturyLink Business and Conference Center.
  • 2009 - The Chamber published landmark studies on public employee pay and benefits and is successful during the legislature of having compreshensive reform measures passed to help reduce the state's unfunded future billion dollar budget liablitiy and shortfall.

To contact the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce contact us at 702.641.5822