Long before the City of Chandler was officially incorporated, Dr. A.J. Chandler understood the power of businesses working together. On April 27, 1912, he founded the Chandler Chamber of Commerce—an organization that has since grown into one of Arizona’s most influential voices for business and community.
Today, the Chamber represents a remarkable network of 1,700 businesses with 175,000 employees. Backed by a diverse 38-member Board of Directors, 26 Ambassadors, and hundreds of volunteers, the Chamber continues to shape the city’s future while honoring its legacy of collaboration.
For entrepreneurs, the Chamber is often the first stop on their journey. In 2024, it helped over 400 small businesses access counseling, networking, and financing opportunities. Its referral groups generated more than $1 million in closed business sales, while innovative start-ups received over $6,000 in cash and prizes to help turn their ideas into reality.
The Chamber also invests in people. Its Leadership Institute, now in its fourth decade, has produced over 1,200 graduates—many of whom have gone on to become civic and business leaders. Every year, the Chamber awards full-ride scholarships to Chandler-Gilbert Community College students, continuing its commitment to education and workforce development.
Its voice also carries weight at the State Capitol, where it monitored 1,700 bills in the Arizona Legislature and directly influenced 64 bills affecting local businesses. This advocacy ensures Chandler remains a thriving environment for companies and employees alike.
Recognized with honors such as Valley Leader of the Year (AZ Capitol Times) and multiple Zonie Awards for the Chamber’s Ostrich Festival, the Chamber remains a shining example of leadership and impact.
But perhaps the Chamber’s greatest strength is its ability to bring people together, hosting 200+ events each year, including the annual Ostrich Festival, Charity Golf Tournament, Chandler 100, Education Forum, and Community Awards, and City Bus Tour. Monthly events include Business After Business, Wake Up Chandler, Chamber 101, Women in Leadership, and many more.
The most popular Chamber event, the Ostrich Festival, is a two weekend event that has a tremendous economic impact, bringing millions of dollars to the local economy. The Chamber has shown that commerce and community celebration do go hand in hand.
For more than 113 years, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce has embodied its promise: We Connect Chandler.