Mission Statement:
The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce exists
... to serve as a valuable resource to its members
... to work as an advocate for our business community
... to be a strong partner in the enhancement of our economic, cultural and civic welfare.

History:
The Galena Chamber of Commerce was organized at a meeting of merchants on February 2, 1838 and though it has not been in continuous existence, some form of business organization has been in Galena since that time. According to the 1878 History of Jo Daviess County, "... the Chamber of Commerce exercised a powerful and beneficial influence on the business interests of Galena."

The Chamber has weathered many ups and downs in its long history. In the 1950s, the organization died out and was revived in the '60s when a group of businessmen decided to get together. They met for coffee or lunch and were responsible for the Chamber's reorganization in the 1970s.

During the decade of the 70s, membership grew from 30 to over 200 and in 1976 the Chamber incorporated as a non-profit corporation. In 1978, the Chamber executive offices and the tourist information center it operated moved into the railroad depot building. The Chamber did extensive renovations to the upstairs of the depot during the 1980s and the Chamber office is still located in the old railroad depot today.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a burgeoning involvement in tourist information services with increased staff and membership roles swelling to over 500. Today the revitalized Galena Area Chamber of Commerce is focused on promoting the economic welfare of the business community and contributing to the Galena area's quality of life.