Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Last updated
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
FormationJuly 1920
FocusAdvocating for NYC’s Businesses. Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.
Headquarters575 Fifth Avenue, 14th Floor; New York, NY 10017
Area served
Manhattan borough of New York City, New York
President and CEO
Jessica Walker
Website https://www.manhattancc.org/

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization that represents and supports the 125,000+ local businesses across the borough of Manhattan in New York City. Collectively, these businesses employ 2.4 million people and generate $939 billion in annual GDP. [1]

Contents

History

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce was established in July 1920 as the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce. [1] It was founded by 11 prominent merchants in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan's Upper East Side, which at the time was inhabited predominantly by German-born immigrants. Their mission was “to foster and improve the trade and commerce of Yorkville…and to promote the prosperity and general welfare thereof". [1] This was particularly important in the wake of World War I, when a wave of anti-German sentiment had spread throughout the United States. Over the decades, the Chamber expanded to encompass Mid-East Manhattan, then Mid-Manhattan and finally, the entire borough of Manhattan. [1]

Mission

The Chamber's core mission is to ignite growth, champion innovation, and advocate tirelessly for the interests of Manhattan's diverse business community. [1] They do this through:

The Chamber also has two 501(c)3 nonprofit arms. Its foundation provides resources, education, and other programming to the business community. Its community benefit fund hosts two of the oldest and largest street fairs in the city with the proceeds allowing the Chamber to distribute emergency grants to small businesses. [2]

Leadership

The current President and CEO is Jessica Walker, who took the helm in February 2016. [3] She sits on the Board of Directors of the Javits Center, [4] Pursuit Lending, [5] and United Neighborhood Houses. [6] She is also an appointed member of the New York State Governor's Regional Economic Development Council for New York City. [7]

The Chamber's Board Chairman is Don Winter, the founder and CEO of Encompass Media Group and the former publisher of Resident Magazine.

Programs and Initiatives

To achieve its mission, the Chamber offers a comprehensive range of programs and initiatives focused on business services, networking, and advocacy, all designed to "Build Relationships. Grow Business. Influence the City."

Key Programs and Initiatives:

Political Advocacy

The Chamber's advocacy work includes:

Recent political wins include:

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Our Story". Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  2. "Chamber Foundation + Fund". Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  3. "Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Names New Leader". Crain's New York Business. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  4. "Governance - Javits Center". javitscenter.com. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  5. "Meet our Team and Board | Experienced Business Lender". Pursuit. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  6. "Board of Directors". United Neighborhood Houses. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
  7. "New York City | Regional Economic Development Councils". regionalcouncils.ny.gov. Retrieved 2025-08-10.