History

The Newark Chamber of Commerce possesses a long and important history since its founding in 1906, highlighted by its integral role in the founding and development of the City of Newark. It was the Chamber, prior to the Newark's incorporation in 1955, that represented the interests of Newark residents and businesses before the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.

In The Centennial History of Newark 25th Anniversary Edition, author Bruce MacGregor writes that the original Chamber was focused on land sales and industrial growth. In 1922, the Chamber adopted its Constitution and By-Laws. During this period, the Chamber was the driving force behind a new highway bridge to connect Newark and Redwood City.

In the 1930's the Chamber became inactive but the individual members stayed involved in school district and community activities.

After World War II the Newark Chamber of Commerce was revived with 2 goals – to establish a toll-free Dumbarton Highway Bridge and community planning through county administered zoning. “The Chamber, led by Gordon Cotton, began to play the role of an ad hoc city council in Newark, forming policies and resources to deal with the onset of a new fast rising growth profile.” In 1946 the Newark Chamber of Commerce was incorporated.

Chambers of Commerce of Newark, Centerville, Irvington, Mission San Jose, Niles & Warm Springs joined to form the Washington Township Chamber of Commerce to propose incorporating into a single city. Problems developed when Centerville and Niles proposed that Newark be zoned industrial.

The Newark Chamber of Commerce voted in 1953 that the city of Newark should incorporate on its own. “It was clear from the beginning that Newark's chief concerns were autonomy and self-determination.” Meetings were held in 1953 & 1954 to discuss incorporation. On September 22, 1955, incorporation papers were filed for 8 square miles to be known as the City of Newark.

Today, the Chamber's focus is to support local businesses, actively foster civic engagement and help shape Newark's economic future.