The objective of the Chamber is to provide New Canaan residents and business owners with up-to-date knowledge of everything New Canaan has to offer. The Chamber also advocates for the business community by connecting the community with commerce.

History of the Chamber of Commerce

The concept of a chamber of commerce began under Henry IV of France following the Edict of Nantes in 1598. The Edict ended years of religious strife and wars which emptied the royal treasuries. Many chambers were created, much like the Guilds of other European countries, in an effort to replenish finances and increase general prosperity. This also fostered better working relationships between Catholics and Protestants.

From there the concept has spread and the current directory for Chambers of Commerce lists more than 10,000 chambers in the United States, more than 600 Canadian Chambers of Commerce, and 102 American Chambers of Commerce abroad. This list would also include Economic Development Organizations, Tourist Information Bureaus, and foreign chambers abroad and in this country.

Though the name is common, the goals, missions and distinct personality of each group is different. Many chambers serve as economic development agencies for their areas, typically less populated and affluent than New Canaan. You might find several counties or an entire state, for instance, under the umbrella of one organization. Many serve as simply tourist information centers and most of these receive state and federal financing.

The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce has a character and uniqueness all its own. New Canaan itself looks more towards New England than New York for its identity. The character is very often determined by the townspeople, their needs and requirements, and the business district.

The New Canaan Chamber was incorporated in 1952. The annual budget at that time was about $5,000, supported by a handful of members. The Mission Statement has for many years been "Connecting the Community with Commerce". We have a membership typically between 350 and 400, which includes accountants, attorneys, banks and insurance companies, realtors, retailers, non-profit organizations, service clubs and individual residents. Our operating budget is around $150,000 per year.

In 2012 the Chamber became the proud owner of the IBlast program which stands for "I Buy Local and Shop in Town". With over 900 cards in circulation, the IBlast card rewards shoppers with discounts and special offers just for card holders.

In addition to networking events, such as Business After Hours, the Chamber sponsors the following community-wide events during the year: Annual Village Fair and Sidewalk Sale in July, Taste of the Town Stroll in August, Annual Golf Outing in September, Annual Halloween Parade in October and the Holiday Lighting of the Business District as well as the Holiday Stroll just to name a few.

Effective July 2009, the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce officially merged with the New Canaan Village Association and the NCVA's history, records and plans were added to those of the NCCC. Three additional board members from the NCVA were added to the two current NCVA board members who already serve on the NCCC board.