The chamber was launched at a public meeting held at the Technical College hall on May 31 1906.

A report of the meeting in the "Jubilee History of Ipswich" states that Mayor F Goleby presided "and all the leading businessmen of the city were presented as well as many connected with coalmining, dairying and other industries in the surrounding districts". Speakers at the launch included the president of the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, AJ Carter and  TC Beirne who headed his own company. AJ Foote moved the first resolution. "That in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that a Chamber of Commerce and Industry should be established in Ipswich.

In 1906 the objective of the Chamber was to promote the best interest of trade and commerce, to assist the development of industries and to discuss and deal with any subject affecting the best interests of the city and surrounding districts.

Originally the Chamber had 40 financial members who went on to elect the first President of the Ipswich Chamber Ambrose Foote of Cribb and Foote.

The ties between Ipswich City and the country area were strong to being with and the Chamber aimed to "work together in the best interest of the whole district".

The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to providing support to the local business community. The Chamber is currently undergoing a series of changes in order to modernize our approaches and maximize our effectiveness for Members to ensure collectively we are all benefiting from working together.

A few reasons to join the Chamber

• Promote your business to the right people
• Enjoy networking opportunities at Chamber functions
• Be kept informed of important local business developments
• Every new member strengthens the voice of the Chamber

We look forward to helping support the local community for the next 100 years and without you our valuable members and supporters this would not be possible.