Celebrating 120 years of commerce

2012 marks the 120th year of commerce for the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber.  

In 1879 Charles Hackley and other lumber industry leaders saw the need for urban revitalization and economic development in Muskegon. They organized the Muskegon Board of Trade with members including Hackley, Thomas Hume, John Moon, Charles Hills, & Alexander Mann.

Several years later, in 1892, The Muskegon Board of Trade along with other local business leaders met at the Century Club to discuss the region's future. The result of this meeting was a proposal for an area Chamber of Commerce that could lead local efforts related to economic development and urban revitalization. The chamber members were to represent all sectors of business and not just the lumber industry. Hackley develops a private fund to attract new businesses and jobs to Muskegon. The program is considered responsible for transitioning Muskegon into the new economy.

Since that day in 1892 the Chamber has gone through a multitude of changes, however the mission remains to foster economic development and urban revitalization. Now, more than 1,150 members strong, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 120 years of commerce and looking forward to 120 more!