CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/David Felipe
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

 

 

CORAL GABLES, Fla.—The United States Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 500th board of directors meeting today, with businesses and industry leaders from across the country assembling to celebrate the historic gathering and to recognize the contributions of past and present board members.

 

“This meeting is an important milestone for the Chamber, and should be a source of great pride for anyone involved in the business community,” said Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue. “The Chamber enjoys a reputation as one of the most respected and powerful organizations in the country because of the dedicated service of its board members.” 

 

The Chamber board consists of 112 directors, representing a cross section of American business interests, and is led by chair Maura Donahue, president of DonahueFavret Contractors Holding Company. Meeting three times annually, the board is responsible for establishing Chamber policy on critical business issues, approving budgets and the hiring of Chamber officers, and selecting congressional candidates to endorse as part of the Chamber’s political program.

 

When the Chamber was created in April 1912, 25 members were elected to serve on its first board of directors. Those individuals crafted the new organization’s constitution and bylaws.

During the first 38 years of its existence, the Chamber board met outside of Washington 52 times, including once in Havana, Cuba (1927) and another in Victoria, British Columbia (1948).

 

On two other occasions, Chamber board meetings were held aboard trains, one traveling between San Francisco and Chicago and the other between New York City and Washington. The board often held its meetings at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters after it opened in 1924. The historic building is across Lafayette Park from the White House and still houses the Chamber staff, as well as hosts the June board meeting.

 

The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

 

 

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