About GCVCC

WHO WE ARE:

The Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce – is a member of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and is a private, voluntary, not-for-profit organization of businesses and professional people dedicated to improving the economic environment and quality of life in the Cedar Valley. The chamber has approximately 1,000 members that represent over 50,000 employees.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce is to enhance and expand the business environment and quality of life in the Cedar Valley through:

• Advocating for a positive business climate;
• Supporting community and economic development;
• Providing valuable services to our members

OUR HISTORY

Cedar Falls Chamber History:

The Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce started operating in 1907 and it was then known as the Commercial Club. The club concentrated on promoting the cultural and the economic well-being of the community. The club officially changed its name to the Chamber of Commerce in 1930. The chamber concentrated on promoting the industrial, mercantile, agricultural and community needs of Cedar Falls. M.R Blair served as the first president of the chamber. Throughout the years the chamber expanded and adapted in order to deal with new arising economic and community issues and concerns. Growing and changing with the needs of the community, the Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce continues to be a viable force in the economic and cultural life of the city.

Waterloo Chamber History:

The Waterloo Chamber of Commerce began operating in 1928. Prior to the adoption of the name “chamber” the organization was known as the Greater Waterloo Association. The first Board of Directors of the chamber was comprised of 18 members. Herman C. Miller was the first president/honorary chairman of the chamber. Throughout the years, the chamber underwent numerous structural changes, resulting in the organization operating today. All directors, committee chairs and committee members are volunteers and donate their time to better the business environment in the Cedar Valley.

Recent Developments:

In February of 2004 the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance was formed to coordinate the efforts of the area’s many economic development organizations. In July of 2005 both chambers of commerce and the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance began consolidating their efforts and combining a variety of projects. On September 16, 2005 new names were adopted by the Waterloo and Cedar Falls Chambers. The names adopted were: The Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce – Waterloo and The Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce - Cedar Falls.

On June 21, 2007 The Greater Cedar Valley Chambers of Commerce - Cedar Falls and Waterloo announced that chamber members voted to approve the long anticipated chamber merger.  The name of the new chamber was changed to the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the organization started legally operating as one entity. The new chamber board consists of members representing both Cedar Falls and Waterloo. The chamber currently maintains the two offices, one in Waterloo and one in Cedar Falls.