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The Newark Chamber of Commerce has played a central role in our city’s story since 1906. Before Newark was officially incorporated in 1955, the Chamber represented the interests of residents and businesses at the county level, bringing their voices before the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.
In its early years, the Chamber focused on industrial development and land sales. By 1922, it had formalized its operations by adopting a Constitution and By-Laws. Among its early accomplishments was advocating for a new highway bridge to link Newark with Redwood City.
During the 1930s, Chamber activity dropped off, though its members remained active in educational and community efforts. After World War II, the Chamber re-emerged with two key goals: securing a toll-free Dumbarton Highway Bridge and instituting sound community planning via zoning administered by Alameda County. Under the leadership of Gordon Cotton, the Chamber increasingly acted as an informal city council, helping to set policies and organize resources for a rapidly growing area. In 1946, the organization was formally incorporated.
In the early 1950s, the Newark Chamber joined with those in Centerville, Irvington, Mission San Jose, Niles & Warm Springs to form the Washington Township Chamber of Commerce, in order to explore city-incorporation as a single municipality. But conflicts emerged—particularly over industrial zoning and development near Centerville and Niles. As a result, in 1953 the Newark Chamber voted in favor of Newark incorporating independently. After further public meetings in 1953 and 1954, incorporation papers were filed on September 22, 1955, creating the City of Newark in its current form.
Today, the Chamber continues its mission: supporting local businesses, encouraging civic engagement, and helping to shape a strong economic future for Newark.