The mission of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce is to be the premier organization providing leadership that enhances the business climate and quality of life of the greater Winter Haven area.
The Chamber was founded in 1910 as a Board of Trade. It later incorporated as a Chamber of Commerce in 1923.
The organization has more than 700 members with nearly 2000 designated representatives. The Chamber is administered by a 19-member Board of Directors who set policy and strategic goals.
Major areas of Chamber focus include economic development, small business support and programming, public affairs, education, beautification and tourism. The organization is a strategic partner with the City of Winter Haven and the Central Florida Development Council.
The Winter Haven Chamber Foundation, Inc., is a 501 c(3) affiliate the supports economic development, education and beautification efforts. Its programs include Leadership Winter Haven, now in its 32nd year. Focus on Leadership, a special program to introduce ethnic minorities to civic involvement, is also a foundation initiative.
The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has been accredited for 25 years, most recently attaining "Four Star" recognition. Less than 4% of the nation's Chamber's achieve accreditation and only a small percentage earn three, four or five stars.