About Us
The Chamber
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is the leading political advocate for business, and the nexus of connections and collaboration amongst businesses in the San Diego-Baja region. For 153 years, the Chamber has been critical in driving our region forward. Through political advocacy on the city, county, and state level we have fought to make San Diego a place where businesses can succeed and grow while creating jobs, supporting infrastructure and ensuring that neighborhoods thrive. We hope you join us in our mission to make San Diego the best place to do business in California.
Mission
It is the mission of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to be the leading, most effective advocate and voice for business policy and connections in the San Diego-Baja California region.
History
1870
Chamber founded on January 20 by Alonzo Horton
1918
Raised $280,000 to purchase land for what is now the Naval Training Center
1950
Led a $2 million dollar bond drive to develop Mission Bay Park
1958
Helped raise $1 million and led the successful bond issue for the establishment of the University of California, San Diego.
1962
Chamber raised funds to transform Balboa Park from 1400 acres of sagebrush to one of the largest tourist destinations
1969
Helped pass legislation to complete construction of Coronado Bay Bridge
1977
Wrote and published study which led to creation of a new Economic Development Corporation
1983
Spearheaded fundraising campaign for construction of the San Diego Convention Center
1988
Key player in efforts to bring Superbowl XXII and 1992 America’s Cup races to San Diego
1994
Successfully lobbied for establishment of EPA Border Office
2002
Inaugurated Mexico Business Center (now International Business Affairs) for global trade and commerce
2013
Jerry Sanders takes lead as new President & CEO
2014
Spearheaded campaign to elect Kevin Faulconer as Mayor
Key player in electing pro-business majority on City Council
2017
LEAD San Diego becomes an affiliate organization of Chamber
2018
Supported SDSU West to create a Campus Research Center, Stadium, and River Park in Mission Valley.
2020
Launches All Our Talent: Women on Boards & Commissions Initiative to address the need for more women on corporate, nonprofit and government boards and commissions.
2021
Celebrating making the San Diego region the best place to live and work for 150 years.
History
1870
Chamber founded on January 20 by Alonzo Horton
1918
Raised $280,000 to purchase land for what is now the Naval Training Center
1950
Led a $2 million dollar bond drive to develop Mission Bay Park
1958
Helped raise $1 million and led the successful bond issue for the establishment of the University of California, San Diego.
1962
Chamber raised funds to transform Balboa Park from 1400 acres of sagebrush to one of the largest tourist destinations
1969
Helped pass legislation to complete construction of Coronado Bay Bridge
1977
Wrote and published study which led to creation of a new Economic Development Corporation
1983
Spearheaded fundraising campaign for construction of the San Diego Convention Center
1988
Key player in efforts to bring Superbowl XXII and 1992 America’s Cup races to San Diego
1994
Successfully lobbied for establishment of EPA Border Office
2002
Inaugurated Mexico Business Center (now International Business Affairs) for global trade and commerce
2013
Jerry Sanders takes lead as new President & CEO
2014
Spearheaded campaign to elect Kevin Faulconer as Mayor
Key player in electing pro-business majority on City Council
2017
LEAD San Diego becomes an affiliate organization of Chamber
2018
Supported SDSU West to create a Campus Research Center, Stadium, and River Park in Mission Valley.
2020
Launches All Our Talent: Women on Boards & Commissions Initiative to address the need for more women on corporate, nonprofit and government boards and commissions.
2021
Celebrating making the San Diego region the best place to live and work for 150 years.
At A Glance
We invite you to learn more about the essential components that make the Chamber the leading and most effective advocate for the San Diego business community.
