Chamber History
On October 26, 1920, 50 local business owners and members of the Board of Trade gathered at the courthouse to officially incorporate the Sanford Chamber of Commerce. Their mission was clear—to enhance the lakefront and position Sanford as the leading town in Central Florida.
Originally, members contributed $10 annually, later increasing to $25 as the Chamber grew in influence. By 1921, the Sanford Chamber had joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, solidifying its role in the broader business community.
Throughout its history, the Chamber has undergone several name changes, but its purpose has remained steadfast: to cultivate a thriving business environment that enhances the quality of life for all. In its early years, the Chamber established committees focused on agriculture, city development, education, infrastructure, legislation, municipal affairs, publicity, waterways, and transportation—laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth.
In recent decades, the Chamber has evolved with shifts in leadership and vision while staying true to its core mission. Today, it continues to serve as a vital force in the community, advocating for local businesses, fostering economic development, and strengthening connections between business leaders and policymakers. With the united support of our members, we remain dedicated to building a prosperous future for Sanford and the surrounding region.
1920
On October 26, 50 local business owners and members of the Board of Trade gathered at the courthouse to officially incorporate the Sanford Chamber of Commerce.
1921
In January, the Chamber adopted the slogan “Sanford, the City Substantial” to highlight the city's diverse resources beyond its well-known celery industry. By March, a new emblem was unveiled, reading “Member of Sanford Chamber of Commerce, Sanford, Florida, The City Substantial.” Members were encouraged to display the emblem on their car windshields to promote civic pride.
1925
By this year, the Chamber had become the premier civic organization in the city and county. It was recognized as the largest Chamber of Commerce in the world on a per capita basis, boasting an impressive membership of approximately 4,200.
1946
Following World War II, the local USO vacated its building next to Ft. Mellon Park and recommended that the city repurpose it as a tourist recreation center and office space for the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce. The motion was approved, and the Chamber has occupied the building ever since.
During this time, a Junior Chamber of Commerce was also established, composed of young men dedicated to assisting the Senior Chamber in its initiatives, fostering leadership and civic engagement among the next generation.
1947
The Coast Guard Auxiliary submitted a request to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for assistance and sponsorship of a Labor Day Regatta, officially sanctioned by the Florida Outboard Association. In support of this initiative, the Chamber pledged to transform the event into a city-wide celebration. Plans were set in motion for a Labor Day festival, culminating in a grand dinner and dance at the historic Mayfair Inn.
1948
Charles Marian, a representative of the New York Giants and a Chamber Director, publicly expressed his appreciation for the Chamber’s support of the Giants’ activities in Sanford. He highlighted that the Giants were actively promoting the Mayfair Inn through extensive advertising campaigns across newspapers, billboards, radio, and television, significantly enhancing Sanford’s visibility.
1949
The Chamber proudly sponsored Miracle Soil Conservation Day, a groundbreaking agricultural event that saw 385 acres of land converted into farmland within a single day. The event drew an estimated 50,000 visitors from 42 states, generating nationwide publicity for Sanford.
Additionally, the Chamber played a pivotal role in securing the construction of a new bridge and improved approaches along State Road 46 at the Lake Jesup Bridge, strengthening regional transportation infrastructure.
Chairman
1920 - J.G. Ball
1930 - Clyde A. Byrd
1940 - P. P. Campbell
1950 - W.A. Patrick
1960 - Brack Perkins
1970 - George Touhy
1980 - Janice Springfield
1990 - Anthony Russi
1991 - Jim Young
1992 - Bobby Douglas
1993 - Larry Strickler
1994 - Robbie Robertson
1995 - Brent Adamson
1996 - Bobby Von Herbulis
1997 - Sandra Glenn
1998 - Doug Sills
1999 - Helen Stairs
2000 - Bob Parsell
2001 - Jeff Triplett
2002 - Brian Volk
2003 - David Gierach
2004 - John Williams
2005 - Dorothy Mondo
2006 - Paul Osborne
2007 - Lisa Porzig Finnerty
2008 - Joe Montisano
2009 - Charles Davis
2010 - Charles Davis
2011 - Leigh Ann Lyon
2012 - Barbara Coenson
2013 - Michael Caraway
2014 - Ceci McClure
2015 - Scott Sturgill
2016 - Scott Sturgill
2017 - Scott Williams
2018 - Scott Williams
2019 - Suzanne Kelly
2020 - Rick Vaughn
2021 - Brandyn Seiferth
2022 - Brady Lessard
2023 - Ian Schneider
2024 - Amanda Meadows
2025 - Amanda Meadows
1993
Renovation plans for the Chamber’s main office and conference room included updated workspaces, new doors and windows, central air installation, improved lighting, additional electrical outlets, drywall, and new flooring—totaling a cost of $23,000. During construction, workers discovered a time capsule hidden within a wall, containing newspaper clippings and membership rosters.
1994
The Education Committee launched the inaugural Realtor Tour, designed to encourage realtors to showcase Sanford homes to prospective buyers, promoting the city as a desirable place to live.
1998
The first annual Heritage Festival took place from November 13-15, featuring performances by Chubby Checker, Loverboy, and Lonestar, along with rides and a Bahamian market. As the largest event in downtown Sanford since the 1915 Seminole County Fair, it generated $112,000 in revenue for the Chamber and contributed over a million dollars to the local economy.
2009
Reflecting its continued growth beyond Seminole County, the Chamber officially changed its name to The Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce, recognizing that more than 20% of its members now came from West Volusia and Orange Counties.
2013
The Chamber partnered with the City of Sanford to launch a new Economic Growth Initiative, designed to support small businesses and solidify Sanford’s role as the hub and heart of Seminole County’s business community.
2019
The Chamber relocated its offices to the Historic Sanford Welcome Center in Downtown Sanford, forming a strategic partnership with the Sanford Tourism Group. Within the Welcome Center, the Sanford Chamber, Seminole Cultural Arts Council, and Visit Florida collaborate to promote local business, culture, and tourism. This move marked an exciting new chapter, reinforcing that there has never been a better time to be involved with the Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce.
2020
In 2020, the Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated its Centennial, marking 100 years of dedication to community building and industry leadership. With a rich history of fostering growth, the Chamber's vision today remains as strong as it was when first established in 1920.
Join us as the Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to forge partnerships, support business development, and provide essential tools and resources to address challenges facing businesses across Seminole, West Volusia, and Orange Counties.