The Grande Prairie Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1915, just one year after the village itself was incorporated. This was before there were any roads or trains into the Peace Country, and the only means of access into the area, for people and supplies, was via Pioneer Trail.

The purpose of the Board of Trade was to promote the Grande Prairie district as an excellent place to live, farm, do business and develop resources. The issues which rose out of this purpose were the need for improved roads and highways; affordable railroad freight rates and adequate railway services and facilities; airports and commercial airlines; appropriate immigration, agricultural and economic policies; a good education system; services such as water and sewer, telephone, radio and television; resource and industrial development; and support for the business community. From its inception, the Board of Trade had a high profile in south Peace communities. Monthly meetings were covered in detail by the press, and the President's Ball and Annual Meeting was one of the social events of the year. The Board was active in associations with other provincial and Canadian Boards of Trade and worked jointly with political and labour groups to achieve common goals. Sending resolutions, or even delegates, or to Edmonton or Ottawa were common tactics which achieved results.

The Board of Trade made use of monthly and annual meetings to bring in interesting or high profile speakers who drew large crowds. It also initiated or participated in visits by V.I.P.s who could make a difference: premiers, prime ministers or governor-generals; government officials, MLAs , MPs or High Commissioners; railroad presidents, business magnates or filming crews; and parties from provincial and federal Boards of Trade. Each visit and speaker drew added attention to issues in the Peace Country. Promotional Literature was a key function of the Board of Trade. The first booklet, Grande Prairie and the Peace River District, was printed in 1920 and distributed throughout all English speaking countries.

By 1921, regular issues of The Board of Trade Gazette were being printed by the Grande Prairie Herald. This was the beginning of a long standing relationship between the two organizations which continues in the present. The Board also staged promotional entertainment events such as summer sports and rodeos, and winter carnivals. During the Depression and World War II, membership and the activities of the Board decreased, but a core group kept up pressure on all levels of government as immigration to the area increased and the need for affordable services and transportation of people and products was even more important.

In 1952, the name of the Grande Prairie Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce was officially changed to the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce.