About the Chamber

About The Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber History

In September 1977, a group of 14 businessmen saw the need to establish one effective voice that could speak for the residents and businessmen of the Palm Harbor area. The Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. was formed to serve the areas of Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Ozona, and East Lake. From this nucleus of 14 businessmen, our partnership has grown to hundreds of businesses.

Your Link to Government

Located in the heart of historic downtown Palm Harbor, the Palm Harbor Chamber is active in developing the entire community economically. We also serve as a link with local, state, and the federal government. In July of 2001, we formed a partnership with the Palm Harbor Library and Pinellas County Economic Development to assist all the businesses in the greater Palm Harbor area. We host many events to promote business and the community. For partnership information and/or a calendar of events, please feel free to browse this site by using the navigation menu above.

Community Involvement

Today, the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce is still one of the most influential forces in local government and economic development. With dedicated, active partners, the Chamber of Commerce is actively involved in the Palm Harbor Community and providing valuable resources to its partners. The Chamber offers unprecedented benefits, discounts, and opportunities to make Palm Harbor businesses prosperous. The Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce is excited to pave the way for a growing regional economy as we venture into the new millennium.

Objectives of The Chamber

To promote a better understanding of the nations private enterprise system.
To coordinate the efforts of commerce, industry, and the professions in maintaining and strengthening a sound and healthy business climate in the Greater Palm Harbor area.
To sponsor aggressive programs of work and stimulate activities that will provide for full development and employment of our human and economic resources.
To provide creative business leadership and effective coordination of all interested parties in solving community problems and in initiating constructive community action.
To create broad understanding and appreciation of the great opportunities in our area and to promote the advantages and assets of our community with the area, in the state, and in the world.
To maintain the internal and external capability to meet challenging conditions and challenges while remaining alert to the needs of its partnership.

How The Chamber Operates

The Board of Directors, the policy making body of the Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, represents the business and professional leadership of the community. The Board consists of not less than 15 members; one third are elected each year for a three year term.
The Officers, elected by the Board, serve as the Executive Board and Finance committee & may handle business that occurs between Board meetings.
The President/CEO, the Chief Executive Officer is employed by the Board of Directors as an ex-officio Executive Board Member, and advisor to the president & all committees/task forces. The President/CEO supervises the chamber staff and is responsible for carrying out the chamber’s business programs in accordance with Board policies.

What Does Our Chamber Do?

Disseminates pamphlets, brochures, maps, & factual data.
Displays members’ business cards and information and compiles a relocation inquiry list.
Establishes a link with local, state, and federal governments representing a voice on legislative affairs, taxation, zoning, etc.” We represent our partners in dealing with all units of government, protecting the interest of members and the business community.
Strives for civic improvements to meet the growing needs of the increased population, promoting civic development and civic pride.
Involved in education in our area. We sponsor an Annual Teachers Appreciation Breakfast, Student of the Month Luncheons, Frank E. Weaner Scholarship, and End of Year School Awards.
Works to educate the public that all their services and needs can be met within our geographical location.
Provide and enhance cultural activities, including the Bill & Louise Hoskin Visual Arts Scholarship.
Conducts a monthly Business Coffee Hour, After Hours Business Social, Trade Shows, and publishes a weekly e-newsletter.

How is The Chamber Financed?

The Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is financed primarily by the investments of its partners. Special projects are also conducted throughout the year such as the Harbor Arts Festival in December, the Citrus Festival in April, and others. The maintenance of an adequate level of support from all business and professional interests in the community is essential to finance the programs that are vital to community growth and development.

REMEMBER . . .

IT DOES NOT “COST” TO PARTNER WITH CHAMBER . . . IT PAYS!!!!