History of the Chamber

Throughout its history, the Chamber’s mission has been to enlighten public officials regarding the concerns of the private sector, including the consolidation of city and town government in 1922, the Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1956 and continued support for the city manager form of government. Transportation issues have been a traditional concern beginning with the building of an electric tramway between Meriden and Lake Compounce to expanded highway service in central Connecticut with Route 691. Economic Development has also been a continual theme with the creation of the Meriden Industrial Development Corporation in 1959, partnership with the Meriden Economic Development Corporation and involvement in the DownTown StakeHolders committee.

The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce:

• was initially formed as a board of trade in 1896 as established by the Court of Common Council,
• was incorporated in 1902,
• united with the Meriden Business Men’s Association in 1908,
• became known as the Meriden Chamber of Commerce in 1915,
• was renamed The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce in 1957,
• celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1996 with its many centennial members,
• and is celebrating its 112th year serving businesses in the greater Meriden area.

Today we are actively involved with economic development and workforce development as well as business attraction, business growth and business retention.  We have expanded with more than 25% of our members from the communities bordering Meriden.  We promote our member businesses and their communities.