Mission Statement:

To improve the economic prosperity and quality of life in the Joplin region, and to be the principal advocate for, and provider of services to, its business community.

History:

Since 1917, the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce has been the voice for business in the Joplin area. From a completely volunteer organization promoting the interests of business in a mining boomtown, the Chamber has grown to fourteen professional staff people, working with hundreds of volunteers to positively impact the business climate and quality of life in a growing metropolitan area.

Each business day your Chamber assists small businesses and major industries on issues that affect their ability to survive and grow. As the lead marketing organization, in a unique economic development partnership, your Chamber works to bring new companies to the area, to create a stronger economic base and to provide jobs for area citizens.

Your Chamber works hard with our area schools to improve education, particularly in those areas that will help youth become productive and participating members of the community. With all the benefits to be found in our area, we have no greater asset than our children and no higher calling than to make sure they receive the education needed to achieve their dreams.

Through your Chamber's community development division, work goes on to address direct business issues, particularly in working with local and state government. Transportation, workforce legislation, infrastructure development and other issues directly impacting business are among the topics we address. In addition, efforts are being made through our community development activities to improve the overall look of the city.