Chambers of Commerce, or some form of businesses organization, have been around since Ancient Rome, when it was necessary for businesses to band together for protection from thieves, raiders and predators. The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce has now been around for sixty years, incorporating as an official not for profit in February, 1958.   The Chamber still focuses on a healthy business environment and prosperity for our community, so in that respect things haven't changed since Roman times, although these days it's more about promotion and less about protection! Sometimes though the businesses still need strong advocacy to be protected from excessive regulation and other threats.

Sixty years is a long time for a business organization, and shows the true level of commitment from the businesses members to work together for the good of all. The Chamber has worked diligently to maintain its credibility, trust and professionalism.  It is now a Certified Chamber of Commerce through the Florida Association for Chamber Professionals, for almost ten years, maintaining high levels of service and governance.    

Sixty years ago the business people created an area of focus, which included boundaries from Wabasso to the south, Grant to the north, Fellsmere to the west and the Sebastian Inlet and ocean to the east.  These lines were not drawn by government, this was the way businesses and community flowed between the communities.  While we still maintain our boundaries and collaborate with other Chambers in the area, we enjoy membership participation from businesses outside of those boundaries who strategically decide to do business in the Sebastian River Area. 

Sixty years ago commercial fishing was the largest and most profitable industry in the area.  Today, tourism outranks most industries, as our visitors come to enjoy the still enviable natural resources that are located in the area, including the recreational opportunities that are provided by the many access points to the St. Sebastian River, the Intracoastal waterway and Indian River lagoon and the Atlantic ocean.

Traditionally a chamber is autonomous and independent.  Most times there is common ground between government and business and in the case of the Sebastian River Area, one of the original incorporators of the Chamber of Commerce was Paul R. Stevenson, who was also the Mayor of Sebastian at the time.  We still work together with government representatives to this day, all on behalf of the residents, visitors and businesses.

The Sebastian River Area is a jewel on the Treasure Coast, and this year the Chamber celebrates its diamond anniversary!  On behalf of the Board of Directors and our Staff, thank you for all of the support of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.  Sixty years strong!