The history of the Chamber closely parallels the development of its municipalities. 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 through 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 of the day were based in the need for improved roads and highways; affordable and adequate rail freight service; airports and commercial airlines; agricultural and economic policies; the education system; services such as water and sewer, telephone, radio and television; resource and industrial development; and support for the business community.
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. As surveys and economic development reports were now being produced by various levels of government the Chamber turned its attentions to more specific programs within the community including resource and industry conferences, retail surveys, business and industry trade shows, and tourism.
From its inception, the Chamber has been active with other provincial and Canadian Boards of Trade and worked jointly with political and labour groups to achieve common goals. Sending resolutions or delegates to Edmonton or Ottawa, or bringing speakers to the community who can influence matters relevant to the region's businesses, were, and still are, common tactics which achieve results.
As the region has grown, so has the the need for a unified voice to advocate the best interests of the district and its businesses to all levels of government. The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce continues a long-standing legacy of Connecting Business and Creating Opportunity for networking, education, advocacy, and policy development to encourage regional prosperity.
