In the 1880s a group of Lodi business and professional men formed the Lodi Business Men’s Association to boost the village and to attract new industries to the community. Through the efforts of the Association, several new industries were brought in, among which was one called the buggy Gear Company. The items manufactured by this company were all of the wood-bending kind, especially shafts for buggies and wagons and fellies for wheels. This company came in 1899, but burned down a few years later.

In 1923, the name of the organization was changed to the Lodi Commercial Club, which was kept until 1949, when the organization joined the Ohio chamber of commerce, and changed its name to the Lodi Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Lodi Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in organizing the Lodi Development Corporation, with the idea of interesting more industry in the possibilities of the village, and helping new industry to secure locations and buildings. The Lodi Chamber has taken a very active interest in all civic improvements and problems, and has been an active leader in Lodi since the formation of the organization.