The Mission of the Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce is to help businesses grow and prosper by fostering a dynamic partnership between business, community, and government; and to encourage a healthy and secure environment where all can thrive.
** The Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization of business, industrial and professional people working to improve business and promote the economics and welfare of the community. The main function of the chamber is to represent Harbor City/Harbor Gateway business and all local residents, at every level of government by supporting beneficial legislation and opposing unnecessary or detrimental legislation. As the community advocates at the city, county, state and federal levels, the chamber works through volunteer committees to improve business and consumer relations. Funded by membership investment dues, the chamber truly reflects the community spirit that is evident among Harbor City/Harbor Gateway businesses.
History The Harbor City Chamber of Commerce was formed in the back room of Jacks Woods Plumbing in the 1920's. By a handful of business men. The newly formed chamber had no office or phone to call their own. The Chamber saw many changes to Harbor City, the community was growing and new industries came to Harbor City seek their fortunes. In 1942 the Chamber was incorporated and was deemed a non profit corporation on November 17, 1948. During the early 80's the Chamber virtually ceased to exist. While some Chambers of Commerce had their own building, the Harbor City group didn’t even have its own phone. If someone called looking for the Chamber, they would have called Zacher’s Auto Recycling. The person answering the phone was Joe Zacher, Sr. A 75-year-old businessman who by his own admission had been “holding” the chamber together for the past four to five years. Thanks to Zachers’ efforts. The group acquired a new president,Roy Ferrin ( Ferrin’s Woodworking and Lumber Yard). Roy worked with Bay Harbor Hospital and found the chamber a home. Not only did the hospital donate space but also a part time receptionist, Niki Tenant, who later became the Executive Director. The Chamber roster grow form 45 members to 60 members in four months with the help of another hospital employee, Jackie Hass. Jackie was out selling memberships door to door to all the local businessman and women.