Mayor Edward Krost convened the first meeting of an enthusiastic group of business people at city hall on January 26, 1914. Clayton Root was elected President, A.L. Courtright, Vice President, Fred Ruf, Secretary, and John Fraas, Treasurer. A committee to draft rules, regulations and by-laws was formed and after considerable debate, dues were set at $5.00 annually. It was reported in the Lake County Star, that Root, wide awake and a hustler was a wise chose as President. He had his first commercial training when a boy, selling roasted Omaha's and had climbed the business ladder ever since. Through the years, which included two World Wars, interest in the organization and the Chamber dwindled to the point of nonexistence. Recognizing the need fro an organization to again represent them, several business leaders re-organized again in September of 1953. Harold Henderlong was elected President, William Short, Vice President, Sydney Garner, Secretary and Jerome Huber, Treasurer.
Throughout its history, the Chamber's interests and concerns have remained the same but with varying degrees of activity. Crown Point has been primarily a residential community and there have been major differences of opinion regarding industrial and commercial development. During the period when the Gary and Southern Trolley line operated between Gary and Crown Point, there was concern regarding the riders parking their cars in the downtown area. When the Old Courthouse was used as the primary governmental office for Lake County, some employees even boycotted the downtown stores when they were pressured to park off the Square. The parking concerns have since been addressed, however, this continues to be an area of concern for the Chamber.
-Notes taken from the archives in the Greater Crown Point Chamber Office
Since 1914 the Chamber has continued to represent the business community in Crown Point continuously. Various issues have been address and new projects are often introduced. By the year 2000, the Chamber has become the organization that its mission demands. We currently sponsor most of the activities that occur in the downtown area during the summer months while at the same time addressing the concerns of the industrial sector. In the past several years the Chamber has been directly involved in the most recent expansion of Summit Street, the development of a Tourism Division directly involved with encouraging visitors to the city, marketing the city through brochures and economic development partnerships, and most recently the driving force behind the plan to expand toll free calling for businesses and residents throughout Lake County. The Chamber currently has 300 active members volunteering for 30 full days of events and activities throughout the year. Holding monthly meetings along with committee and special meetings, the Chamber's Board of Directors performs admirably! The Chamber has become a very visible organization that is respected within the community. We can look back to our proud and enthusiastic beginning in 1914 and easily understand why.
The mission of the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce is to promote civic pride and economic development."
-Adopted January 1995