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Founded in 1900, the Covina Chamber of
Commerce is an independent association
of businesses organized to encourage a
strong local economy, strong government,
and a high quality of life through an
informed and active membership.
The History of the Chamber is colorful
and spans over one hundred years. From
the rural beginnings of farms and orange
groves to the central hub of business in
the San Gabriel Valley that Covina is
today.
The Chamber was first proposed in a July
13, 1895 issue of the Covina Argus, the
local newspaper of the time. Several
organizations were formed including The
Merchants Protective Association and The
Board of Trade. The Chamber of Commerce
was active in fundraising, forming
"Booster" events to support the war
effort in 1914 and many Chambers came
together for the "Parade down Broadway"
in 1915.
In 1921 the May Day celebration themed
"The Spirit of Summer" was sponsored by
the Covina Chamber and American Legion.
A floral parade in the morning followed
by Maypole dances that day were part of
the festivities. In 1920 Large Signs
spelling out "COVINA" were erected with
lights suspended at the corners of
Citrus and Badillo and Citrus and San
Bernardino Road. Part of this "Booster"
Program included a contest for a City
slogan, which after 364 entries; the
winner was "One mile square and all
there." The prize was $20. In the 30's
the Chamber helped stem the tide of the
depression with numerous promotions. In
1933 and 1936 the Chamber sponsored
entries in the Tournament of Roses
Parade in Pasadena and won trophies for
exhibits at the Los Angeles County Fair.
Toward the end of the "Forties" the
Chamber produced brochures and hired a
hostess to welcome new residents to the
City. By 1948 there were 7,000
telephones in the local area and
business was growing rapidly.
Today the Covina Chamber is supported by
membership investments, a special Covina
Chamber of Commerce Chairman's' Club,
program user fees, and fundraising
events. The Chamber funds its own
activities to maintain the independence
necessary to fully and effectively
represent the business community.
The Chamber's Board of Directors is led
by an executive committee consisting of
a Chairman of the Board, Chairman Elect,
Chief Financial Officer/Secretary,
Immediate Past Chairman & remaining
committee members. The executive
committee meets the third Wednesday of
each month.
The Chamber is always looking for new
ways to promote the local business
community and provide resources for
local business. Always looking forward,
the Covina Chamber of Commerce will
continue to be the voice of the Business
Community.
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