About Us

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce traces its origins back to the post–World War I era when business leaders across the state saw a need for a unified voice to promote and protect commerce in Illinois. On May 27, 1919, twenty-four business leaders from various regions met to organize what would become one of the state’s first statewide business advocacy groups. Their aim was to address what they perceived as excessive government interference in business and to foster a more favorable economic climate throughout Illinois. The organization was officially chartered on August 2, 1919, by the Illinois Secretary of State, with a mission to promote and develop the state’s resources and improve conditions for living and doing business.

In its early years, the Chamber expanded beyond its original pledge to avoid political involvement by opening a legislative office in Springfield in 1923 to provide regular legislative information to members. Today, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce remains a non-profit, pro-growth, pro-business advocacy organization representing a broad spectrum of industries, from small enterprises to large corporations, and works across party lines to influence public policy that supports economic growth in Illinois.