The Denver Board of Trade was founded in 1867 for a simple reason: to connect Denver to the transcontinental railroad and the promise of commerce and mobility that came with it. In 1884, after almost 20 years of service to the business community, the members of the Board of Trade contemplated their next steps as an organization.
At 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, 1884, a meeting was held at which the Board of Trade recommended consolidating with the Chamber of Commerce. The consolidation was unanimously adopted by the board on Feb. 28 in 1884 – referred to as a “marriage of mother and son.” And on March 27, 1884, the Board of Trade formally dissolved itself into the Chamber of Commerce and the last meeting was adjourned.
Since its founding the Chamber has worked to “promote general prosperity in all the varied interest of Colorado and Denver” – not much has changed since 1884, except maybe use of the phrase “marriage of mother and son.”
As we celebrate our 150th year, we’ll be sharing not only our history, but Denver’s history. Stay in the know with #dmcc150 and help us celebrate our 150th year.
Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce