chamber history

(Compiled in 2003 by Mark Gebo, Past Chairman and Karen Delmonico, President & CEO)

INTRODUCTION

From its inception, Jefferson County has been a leader in New York State and the country in innovative business thinking and action. Because of the presence of substantial power generated by the rivers that transverse the area, Jefferson County grew to be a center of industrial importance in the late 19th century. The county was also blessed with leaders of vision and dedication to their community who were willing to unselfishly give of themselves to make their communities a better place to live.

The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce had its antecedence in several earlier business organizations. The first such recorded organization was the Jefferson Industrial Association formed in May of 1843. Although short lived, it boasted at its peak over 400 members. One of the projects of the Jefferson Industrial Association was the purchase of approximately 600 acres of land in the Coldbrook area (SE section of Watertown) for the development of sites to entice trades and other industries to the city.

As a compliment to the Jefferson Industrial Association, in August 1844 the Watertown Merchants Association was formed with a board consisting of two members of each trade. The names associated with this organization such as Haddock, Burdick, Buck, and Robinson are still well known names in the city of Watertown. Both the Jefferson Industrial Association and the Watertown Merchants Association fell on hard times at the onset of the Civil War in the 1860s and ceased to exist. After the Civil War, however, the Mayor Winslow of the City of Watertown called upon the business community to once again organize.

Then in 1889 a Board of Trade was created, which continued to exist until 1900. In March of 1903, the current chamber was organized. It was initially known as the Watertown Business Association but within ten days changed its name to the Chamber of Commerce. In 1903 the Watertown Chamber of Commerce was thereby incorporated and has continued uninterrupted for over 100 years.

THE EARLY YEARS 

The First Quarter Century 1903-1928

Almost immediately the Chamber of Commerce began to have a positive impact upon the community. In the first year of organization, it employed a sanitary expert, whose services were generally believed to be responsible of curbing a very severe typhoid epidemic affecting the city. During that first year of operation the Chamber was also successful in negotiating with the New York Central Railroad for the addition of an early mail train that would bring New York City mail and newspapers to Watertown in time for morning delivery. Night and Sunday telegraph service was also lobbied for by the Chamber and obtained.

During the early years the Chamber hired a paid secretary, a position that has continued and expanded to today to be the Chief Executive Officer. An organizational pattern was also developed in the first few years of operation, whereby the Chamber worked through a series of committees. In the early years, these committees covered such diverse topics as fire education and safety, sanitary issues, infrastructure improvements, attracting new business and business retention, and railroad issues. The Chamber to this day continues to function through the use of effective committees addressed to topical issues relevant to the current chamber members' needs.

In 1906, when the Watertown Chamber of Commerce learned that the War Department was looking for areas in northern New York to train the troops, they proposed that the Army establish a training area on 10,000 acres of land along the Black River in the vicinity of Felts Mills, Great Bend, and the village of Black River. After 2,000 regulars and 8,000 militia were sent here to train in 1908, the Army found Pine Plains (what is now Fort Drum) to be an ideal place for training, so the following year federal funds were allocated to purchase the land

By 1911 the Chamber had a membership of 398 members. It was experiencing continued growth and added 23 new members in 1911 alone. The Chamber had been successful in actively attracting several conventions of various sizes to the city, including the Knights Templar and the State City Clerk's Association. By this time the Chamber was already identifying issues that are still relevant today, such as traffic patterns on Public Square, the city's use of its waterpower resources, and how to develop events to promote local retail businesses.

In 1912, the Greater Watertown Chamber of Commerce joined with seventeen other chambers from throughout the United States to found the US Chamber of Commerce, which to this day is the most influential business association in the country with over 3 million members. The Chamber has been an active member of the U.S. Chamber since its inception, and in recent years has sent two of its CEO's through the Institute for Organizational Management, the US Chamber's premiere training programs.

Between 1912 and 1920 the city of Watertown experienced substantial growth, partly as a result of WWI. During this time many businesses grew and expanded to meet wartime need. In 1918, NY Airbrake built four new buildings, and no less than seven new businesses began in Watertown. Many of these businesses came to Watertown at the specific invitation of the Chamber, and the Chamber was instrumental in attracting them to the city.

At its annual meeting in 1918, Chamber leaders, fueled by wartime production, projected that by 1920 the city of Watertown might grow to as many as 75,000 people. It was estimated that over 5,000 industrial workers would be needed in the next three months alone. This brought up issues of housing. The Chamber proposed an association be formed to develop 600-700 homes within the next year. While this growth did not come to pass, such was the optimism for the city of Watertown in the midst of WW1.

During these early years, the Chamber's interests were focused not only on industrial growth but also on agricultural issues. The Watertown Chamber sponsored the second Farm Bureau to be created in the United States in 1912. That idea quickly caught on and within a short period of time the United States Department of Agriculture was proposing to place Farm Bureaus in every county in the United States, an idea that persists to this day.

Throughout the 1920's businesses in the county continued to prosper and the Chamber grew as well. The Chamber reorganized during the 1920s and nearly doubled its membership. During this time the Chamber was instrumental in working with the city of Watertown to develop zoning law. The Polk City Directory was established in the Chamber offices. The Chamber offices moved from the Flower Building to the Smith Building in downtown Watertown. In the mid 1920's the Chamber brought inter-urban bus routes to Watertown.

In 1921, the Chamber sponsored the creation of the Jefferson County Community Chest that organized, directed, and oversaw the philanthropic efforts of its members. Today the Community Chest continues as the United Way of Northern New York and has spread its coverage to all of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

The progressive character of the Chamber was again demonstrated when it obtained an option to purchase the Livermore Farm on the Dexter Road for use as a municipal airport. The City took over the option in 1928 and eventually the Watertown International Airport was built on this site.

DEPRESSION AND WAR YEARS

1929 - 1953

Jefferson County was not exempt from the effects of the Great Depression. During the 1930's the Chamber's efforts were focused primarily on business retention. In an effort to try to keep as many businesses in Watertown as possible, the Chamber organized Watertown Industries, Inc., to raise funds for industrial payrolls. To supplement industrial jobs that were lost, the Chamber became much more active in promotion of the area for tourist opportunities, including attracting conventions. In 1934 two state conventions were held in Watertown as well as a convention for a regiment of Canadian militia. In its continuing efforts to assist agricultural interests the Chamber also adopted Farmers' Days to promote agricultural products in Jefferson County.

In 1934, the Chamber helped to secure the nations largest peacetime field-training maneuvers at Pine Plains, now Ft Drum, and the surrounding farms. The maneuvers involved over 36,500 soldiers and were so successful that the War Department purchased another 9,000 acres of nearby land. National publicity given to this event also brought thousands of tourists to the county during that time.

Importantly during the 1930's the Chamber lobbied long and hard for the St. Lawrence Seaway Project and the Thousand Island Bridge. In 1937, the Thousand Island Bridge contract was signed with the Chamber as a primary player.

During the 1930's the Chamber addressed many issues in Watertown, such as downtown parking and fire safety. In 1936 the Chamber organized several selling events for retailers, resulting in over one million dollars in retail sales and they explored the possibility of sponsoring a winter carnival. In 1939 the Chamber also discussed the possibility of a year-round sports and recreational facility.

With the onset of WWII, the Chamber focused on helping organize the business community's support for the war effort. At the same time, the Chamber continued to promote tourism activities in the area, including promotion of winter sports and attracting state conventions. The Chamber led the way for local businesses regarding government contracting and continued to advocate for additional training at Pine Camp. The Chamber helped organize a system for salvage and recycling operations as well as the sale of war bonds.

By 1948 the Chamber efforts had turned back once again to post-war activities. Importantly, in 1948, the Chamber helped organize the Dairyland Festival in cooperation with the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and 4-H Club. The Dairyland Festival grew substantially over the next several years. By 1952 the Dairyland Festival was attracting nationwide attention. In that year, its activities were broadcast on Voice of America. In 1952 the Chamber also stated as one of its objectives to make Camp Drum, Fort Drum. While this did not take place at that time, the continued efforts of the Chamber and the community at large did cause this to become a reality in the 1980s.

In 1952 the Chamber made plans to celebrate its 50^th anniversary and had as its guest speaker, John Foster Dulles. The Chamber used the opportunity to honor Gen. Mark W. Clark and took time to reflect on its many successes during its first 50 years of operation.

PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION

1953-1978

During this period, the Watertown Chamber continued to focus on projects and issues that were important to the community. The Chamber worked to block any efforts to close Ft Drum and helped to advance expansion of their facilities. The organization continued to promote expanded services at the airport, development of the St Lawrence Seaway project, and provided support for what was then known as the Empire State Way, a planned major highway between Watertown and Syracuse, and the forerunner of the Penn-Can Highway, now Interstate 81. The Chamber supported the merger of its Dairyland Festival with the Jefferson County Fair and continued to work on attracting conventions to the county. They brought in notable speakers to address the membership, including Governor Averill Harriman, and Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

The Chamber On January 18, 1953, The Watertown Chamber received a letter from Arnold I. Shapiro, the son of one of Watertown's leading businessmen, which stated: "To perpetuate the memory of Mr. (Arnold A.) Shapiro's interest in business and civic affairs, we propose to the Watertown Chamber of Commerce the award of an appropriate trophy to be given annually at the full membership meeting. It is suggested that this trophy, with artistic symbols portraying good citizenship, be awarded annually to that individual - man or woman - who has done the most in the previous calendar year to make Watertown a happier and more prosperous city to live in. The decision could rest with the Board of Directors of the Chamber or with a specially appointed committee. The award would be known simply as the "Israel A. Shapiro Award for Outstanding Citizenship." This marked the beginning of the most prestigious award in the North Country, presented at the Annual Membership Dinner.

In 1956 the Chamber formed a committee to look at constructing a war memorial for WWI and WWII veterans, and in 1957 the Chamber was instrumental in forming an association of Chambers with other local communities including Adams, Carthage, Alexandria Bay, Clayton, Theresa, Antwerp, Cape Vincent, and Sackets Harbor to address regional issues.

The Chamber continued to be involved in many local issues including taxes, parking fees, programs to face-lift downtown businesses. In 1959 the Chamber changed its name to the Greater Watertown Chamber of Commerce to note its more regional effect and sold its building on Public Square. Also that year, it took over sponsorship of the Armed Forces Day Luncheon in a tradition that continues to this day. In 1959 the Chamber added its support the concept of the creation of a two-year college in the county, which we now know as Jefferson Community College.

The 1960s saw an emphasis on issues involving urban renewal and the creation of Jefferson Community College. Air travel surveys were undertaken as well as other transportation-related issues. The Chamber supported the acquisition of the J. B. Wise lot from New York Central Railroad. In 1964 the Chamber helped promote the county as "the gateway to the 1000 islands." In 1968 it helped sponsor the Miss Thousand Islands pageant.

1960's-1999

A TIME OF SPECIALIZATION

As the country's post war economy flourished, and business attraction efforts became more competitive nationwide, business leaders in Jefferson County identified a need for an independent economic development agency separate from the Chamber. So, in the early 70's, the Chamber helped to transition its economic development responsibilities to the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, the first dedicated economic development agency in Jefferson County. Tourism promotion, also a traditional role for the Chamber, shifted to the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council with the advent of the county's Occupancy Tax in 1988.

As a result, the Chamber began to focus more on community projects and events, many of which are still going on today. Throughout the last quarter of the 20^th Century, the Chamber introduced networking events, new agricultural programs, and business promotion events.

The Chamber's Farm & Craft Market started in 1977 at the Woolworth Store parking lot on Public Square with only 4 local vendors. In 1978, the Market moved to Washington Street and the 13 vendors who then participated elected Kay Plante to be the Market Manager, a position she has worked at as a volunteer to this day. The Farm & Craft Market is still one of Watertown's most enjoyable events, operating from May through October. Farmers and craftspeople from throughout Jefferson, Lewis and St Lawrence Counties feature their wares every Wednesday throughout the summer months attracting thousands to downtown Watertown weekly.

The Chamber's premiere monthly networking event, Business After Hours, started in the 1970's with only 10-20 participants in attendance. These monthly events have grown to be among the most significant networking opportunities in Jefferson County with attendance averaging more than 200 each month.

In the late 80's the Chamber began to provide affordable group health Insurance to its members. This program introduced for the first time the concept of providing group discount services, a principal that is still carried on today.

The ATHENA® Award has been presented by the Chamber, and sponsored by HSBC Bank USA, and WWNY 7 NEWS since 1991. The ATHENA® Award is a nationally recognized program that honors the achievements of an outstanding business and professional person who has assisted women in reaching their full potential. The award is presented annually at the Chamber's Fall Membership Dinner. The Athena Award and the Shapiro award are recognized as the most prestigious awards given in Jefferson County.

The Chamber's Jefferson Leadership Institute program was formulated in 1991, when a number of community leaders realized that the same few people were serving on many boards and that major community decisions were being made by a very small group of people. Recognizing that the future of the Jefferson County area is directly linked to the quality of its leadership and that dedicated, trained, and motivated community leaders shape and determine the future of any region, the Chamber determined that an educational program was needed to teach and cultivate new community leaders and to help move those new leaders into important positions within the community. The curriculum enables participants to develop their leadership capabilities and build strong relationships, and it encourages citizen involvement to effect positive change in the community. To date, over 200 individuals have graduated from JLI.

The precursor to the Business Fair was held in lieu of Business After Hours at the Ramada Inn in 1993 with 8 participating businesses. There was such a tremendous response by local businesses that wanted to participate but couldn't because of lack of space that the next year the Chamber held the first major Business Fair at the Watertown Center for Business and Industry. There were 90 exhibitors. The event has grown to feature nearly 150 exhibitors from throughout the region.

In 1999, the Chamber Board of Directors developed a strategic plan for the organization that reiterated the Chambers mission (to continually increase the economic strength and quality of life in the region by helping members grow and prosper, by supporting existing businesses, and by assisting in attracting and developing new businesses), vision (is to be recognized as a key organization that provides leadership in developing, organizing, growing and improving the region's business community), and goals. Recognizing foremost that our customers are our members, the goals were developed with their concerns in mind:

• The Chamber will be the "Voice of the Business Community" with regard to public policy issues.

• The Chamber will play an active role in business growth and development in our region.

• The Chamber will improve communications with both members and the community-at-large.

• The Chamber will be a provider of education services through partnerships with appropriate agencies, organizations and individuals.

• The Chamber will obtain accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce by the year 2003.

• The Chamber will explore advantages/disadvantages of creating a singular regional membership business organization in Jefferson County by February 2003.

• The Chamber will increase its membership base and expand other revenue sources.

Committees were expanded to incorporate each goal, and annually the committees and the Directors determine the objectives that will move the organization closer to its goals.

21^st CENTURY

One of the first accomplishments of the Greater Watertown Chamber of Commerce in the new century was to be designated as an accredited Chamber by the US Chamber of Commerce. Over 320 areas of chamber operations and management were audited and thoroughly evaluated at many levels by community leaders as well as the US Chamber's Board of Directors. A US Chamber representative interviewed local public officials, members, committee chairs and the Board of Directors to determine the effectiveness of the Chamber in the community. The GWNC met the criteria and standards of excellence set by the US Chamber and in 2001, the Greater Watertown Chamber received the highest honor awarded to Chambers in the United States - Accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce. Out of approximately 4,000 chambers across the country, there were only 400 that had received this national honor.

The technology revolution began to impact every facet of everyday Chamber work - desktop computers for staff, accounting software that helped provide accurate financial statements, and new ways to communicate, especially on the World Wide Web. A website was established to communicate to members, to respond to inquiries about the area, and to provide economic development and relocation information to prospective residents and businesses. Membership Directories were provided on a regular basis to Ft. Drum to distribute to soldiers and their families locating at the military installation.

The Travel & Tourism Expo was established in 2001 to promote the tourism related businesses in the region. A new Black River Travel Guide was published as a result of the Chamber's efforts to promote the River, once the industrial core of the county, but now recognized worldwide as one of the best recreational rivers for rafting and kayaking in the world. The brochure is currently being used to attract more adventure sports enthusiasts to Watertown. The Chamber's White Water Rafting Day, established in 2001 was designated to promote the Black River locally.

New money saving benefits were developed to help local businesses stay competitive in a challenging economic time. The Chamber's Energy Alliance, created in 2001, has had the biggest impact on the participating businesses by saving them $120,000 on electric and natural gas costs in the program's first two years. To promote local businesses, the Chamber started a Member-to-Member Discount program, and in 2002 the Chamber partnered with NASA to offer free technical assistance to businesses with unique engineering challenges.

To advance its workforce development role in the community, the Chamber has received two NYS grants for specialized education (Disney Keys to Excellence), for on-the-job training and incumbent worker training. These funds were used to reimburse businesses for training costs. As a result of the $176,000 invested, 19 businesses were positively impacted, more than 600 incumbent workers have received training to upgrade their work skills, and 38 new jobs were created.

Most recently, the Chamber changed its name to reflect its actual membership that now includes businesses from throughout Jefferson County as well as Lewis, St Lawrence, Oswego and Onondaga counties, and Kingston Ontario. The "Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce" boasts a membership of approximately 800 members.

On May 1, 2003 the Chamber relocated to its present site on Coffeen Street, and for the first time in decades is able to serve the community as a visitor's information center.

CONCLUSION

In reflecting on the history of the Chamber, it is clear that the members of the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce were, and are, visionaries. How different would Jefferson County be without the institutions the Chamber has worked to develop? Fort Drum, the United Way, the Watertown International Airport, the Thousand Islands Bridge, the St. Lawrence Seaway, Interstate-81, and Jefferson Community College represent just a few of the projects that the Chamber has spearheaded or helped to achieve over the last century. These accomplishments impact an even greater level than just Jefferson County. Things such as the U. S. Chamber of Commerce and the U. S. Farm Bureau owe their genesis, at least in part, to the Watertown Chamber.

As we begin our second century more individuals with vision and commitment to their community are needed. It is perhaps best said by Albert C. Hyde, president of the Watertown Chamber in his 1944 address to the membership. "As long as there is a difference in what a community is and what it should be, it needs a chamber of commerce."