Orlando orange grove - representing the citrus heritage of Orlando

110 Years of Shaping Orlando

Since 1913, we've been in the room where it happens—transforming a citrus town into America's most visited destination and fastest-growing economy.

Orlando Chamber of Commerce founding in 1913

1913: Where It All Began

In 1913, 25 Orlando business leaders gathered with one goal: put their town on the map. They faced skepticism. Orlando was a small citrus hub competing with established Florida cities like Jacksonville and Tampa.

But these founders understood something fundamental: growth doesn't happen by accident. It requires vision, advocacy, and a unified voice.

What started as merchants advocating for paved roads and reliable rail service evolved into the region's most influential business organization. Today, we represent 1,000+ members—from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Our mission remains unchanged: unite regional leaders, champion pro-business policies, and ensure Central Florida's voice is heard wherever decisions are made.

Decades of Impact

1913–1920s

Building the Foundation

Championed essential infrastructure: brick streets, electric lights, improved rail connections, and Orlando's first municipal airport in 1928.

Milestone: Population grew from 3,894 in 1910 to 27,330 by 1930.

1960s–1970s

The Tourism Revolution

When Disney purchased 27,000 acres, we championed the infrastructure that made it possible—roads, utilities, and airport expansions.

Milestone: Transformed from agricultural hub to global destination. Today: 75.3M annual visitors.

1980s

Building Global Infrastructure

Led the fight for Orlando International Airport's expansion, the Beachline Expressway, and key I-4 improvements.

Milestone: Airport traffic grew from 7M to 18M passengers.

1990s–2000s

Economic Diversification

Helped establish Orlando as a hub for modeling & simulation, digital media, photonics, and life sciences.

Milestone: High-tech employment grew 127% in the 1990s.

Today

Leading the Nation

Orlando now ranks #1 among major metros for job growth, population growth, and economic momentum.

Milestone: Regional GDP has surpassed $217B—larger than the economies of 17 U.S. states.

How the Chamber Works Today

From advocacy at every level of government to hands-on support for local businesses, the Chamber is a modern engine for Orlando's continued growth.

1000+ member businesses supported through the years

01 • Advocacy & Policy

Advocacy & Policy

We monitor policy at the city, county, and state level—giving members a unified voice on legislation that impacts their ability to hire, grow, and invest.

Legislative briefings – Regular updates on policy shifts.
Policy alerts – Real-time notifications on critical votes.
Delegations to Tallahassee – Direct access to state lawmakers.

Learn more →

02 • Connections & Programs

Connections & Programs

From CEO roundtables to industry councils, we create spaces where business leaders can build relationships, share ideas, and accelerate deals.

Peer networks – Curated groups for CEOs and founders.
Signature events – Networking that drives results.
Industry councils – Sector-specific collaboration.

Learn more →

03 • Research & Data

Research & Data

Our research team tracks the data behind Orlando's momentum—workforce, demographics, and industry trends—to inform smart decisions.

Economic dashboards – Real-time metrics at your fingertips.
Custom reports – Tailored insights for your business.
Site selection support – Data-driven location decisions.

Learn more →

"The Chamber connects vision with execution."

What Our Members Have Built

For more than a century, Chamber members have helped turn big ideas into regional milestones. Here are just a few of the projects shaped by their leadership.

Small Business

From Local Shop to Regional Brand

Chamber networking and advocacy helped a family-owned retailer secure new locations, expand its workforce, and launch an e-commerce presence serving customers across Central Florida.

250+

jobs created

Since 1987

View story →

Infrastructure

Backing Big Moves in Mobility

Member-led coalitions supported key investments in Orlando International Airport, I-4, and high-speed rail—connecting our region to visitors, talent, and new markets.

$40M

in capital investment

1980s–Today

View story →

Innovation

Building a High-Tech Corridor

Through partnerships with universities and industry, Chamber members helped grow Orlando's modeling & simulation, aerospace, and digital media sectors into national leaders.

new international markets

1990s–Today

President

1927–1928

Jaycees

A.P. Phillips, Jr.

President

1928–1929

Jaycees

Member

1934

Sidney Swope

President

1935–1936

Jaycees

J. Rolfe Davis

President

1936–1937

Jaycees

Campbell Thornal

President

1937–1938

Jaycees

Hanley Pogue

President

1938–1939

Jaycees

President & CEO

2017–2024*

Orlando Economic Partnership

Tracey Stockwell

Chair

2017–2018

Orlando Economic Partnership

More leadership records available in our archives. Contact us to access the complete directory.