About the Alpine & Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce

Mission Statement: To advance the commercial, industrial, civic, agricultural and general interest and prosperity of the community of Alpine and the surrounding areas.

Progressive, proactive and professional, the Alpine Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the business community and the community at large. It relies on an energetic group of volunteers known as the Chamber Ambassadors and professional staff to help direct and influence business activities.

The Chamber is membership driven with 400 members that include businesses, individuals and service organizations. Alpine Chamber programs include economic development, community development, public policy and member benefits. The Alpine Chamber continues to take a leadership roll in advancing the recognition of Alpine and the East County region as the best place to live, work, play and visit.

History

The Alpine Chamber of Commerce was established in 1961, operating at 2121 Highway 80. The first full year of operation, 1962, was a surprisingly busy one for the budding organization. Chamber staff answered mailed questions from all over the U.S. and foreign countries, including Great Britain. Numerous visitors also stopped by the Chamber office wanting to know more about the area.

The office was open weekdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Chamber members were already starting to have an impact on Alpine, according to the first Chamber newsletter printed in January 1963. During that first year the Chamber presented a horse show that was so successful that plans for another one were quickly generated for 1963.

The Chamber also substantially contributed to Alpine’s zoning effort that year and worked with fire district officials to set up a study group of residents. The study group evaluated Alpine’s fire hydrant problem, and determined three hydrants would be installed in the business area. Among other projects that first year, the Chamber was instrumental in getting a drug store and a bank in Alpine. The organization also worked with two local newspapers to start an annual Christmas decoration contest.

Among the first projects for 1963 were a membership drive and a business directory for visitors and tourists. Throughout the years the Chamber has continued to play an active role in the growing community, addressing issues as far ranging as health care, maintaining the 619 area code, preparing for any Y2K problems, and hosting evenings with local elected representatives.

By the year 2000, the Chamber was answering more than 5,000 calls a year for business referrals, visitor information and business development. The Chamber’s technology has been improved, the web site updated, staff added and another 15,000 new business directories made available. The Chamber actively participates with other regional agencies to promote Alpine, attending regional forums and supporting regional programs. Member benefits continue to grow as Chamber staff addresses every situation as another challenging opportunity to help local businesses and the community

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