History & Mission

The Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce is officially established with the mission to support and promote the local business community. The Chamber quickly became a cornerstone of economic development in the region, focusing on local trade and transportation.

The Chamber plays a pivotal role in improving transportation networks, including railways, to facilitate trade between El Paso and other parts of the U.S. and Mexico. As a border city, the Chamber advocates for strengthening commercial ties with Ciudad Juárez, promoting El Paso as a vital trade hub.

The Chamber promotes the establishment of Lincoln National Forest, known previously as Sacramento National Forest.

Presidents Taft and Diaz visit GEPCC

Elephant Butte Dam’s construction, finished in 1916, was supported by a $4.5 million apportionment from the El Paso Chamber in 1910.

The Chamber mobilizes local businesses to support the national war effort, assisting with production and logistics for the U.S. military. This establishes El Paso as a strategic logistical hub due to its proximity to military bases.

GEPCC establishes the first Women’s Department in the nation

GEPCC paves the way for El Paso’s air mail service

GEPCC takes steps in establishing the municipal airport

During World War II, the Chamber supports local industries involved in supplying goods to the military, including the nearby Fort Bliss. The post-war era sees a rise in manufacturing and retail, driven in part by the Chamber helping businesses expand and attract new investments to the region.

• With the post-war economy booming, the El Paso Chamber emphasizes cross-border trade and strengthens ties with Ciudad Juárez, promoting the region as an ideal location for manufacturing and export businesses.

The Chamber is instrumental in bringing the 100-year-old Chamizal boundary dispute to an end. A treaty between the U.S. and Mexico returns 437 acres to Mexico.

The Chamber catalyzes the establishment of the $15 million El Paso Civic Center Complex throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Chamber supports the establishment of maquiladoras (manufacturing plants) in Ciudad Juárez, which leads to significant job creation in the Borderplex region. This marks a major economic shift, with El Paso becoming a central player in U.S.-Mexico trade and manufacturing.

Leadership El Paso is created with the goal of identifying and recruiting emerging leaders who reflect the diversity of our community to enhance their knowledge, develop their leadership skills, and encourage them to advocate for change for the betterment of our community.

Greater El Paso Affordable Housing Corp. is formed as a subsidiary of the Chamber to focus on housing development for low-income families.

With the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the El Paso Chamber advocates for policies that would benefit local businesses engaged in cross-border trade. The Chamber’s efforts help position El Paso as a key player in U.S.-Mexico trade under the new free trade agreement.

The Chamber launches the Community Legislative Agenda, bringing together community leaders and groups to identify key community issues as a basis for lobbying at the Texas Legislature’s biennial sessions.

The SENTRI trusted traveler program is expanded to El Paso and deployed at the Stanton Street bridge following lobbying efforts from the Chamber.

As El Paso’s population grows, the Chamber launches new workforce development programs to align local talent with the needs of expanding industries. These initiatives include collaborations with local educational institutions and city officials to promote economic sustainability.

The Pentagon recommends transforming Fort Bliss into a heavy armor training post through the 2005 BRAC Commission amidst a series of base closures following years of advocacy trips by the Chamber to Washington, D.C.

GEPCC successfully led coalition to promote the growth of Fort Bliss

The Chamber strengthens its role in fostering binational relations by organizing business forums and cross-border trade conferences, promoting regional economic cooperation between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.

GEPCC is rebranded to El Paso Chamber

Leadership El Paso is revamped.

The Chamber plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic through relief programs, government advocacy, and resource offerings. EPC launched the Business Solutions Center (BSC) and facilitated the distribution of CARES Act funding to help businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

EPC partners with Hospitals of Providence to vaccinate local small-businesses

The Chamber actively opposed the Prop K measure, voicing concerns that it would negatively impact the local business climate, raise energy costs, and create regulatory hurdles that would deter investment. The Chamber coordinated efforts to educate the public on the potential downsides of the proposition, leading campaigns that highlighted the economic risks, particularly to industries like manufacturing and logistics, which are central to El Paso’s economy.

The El Paso Chamber celebrates its 125th anniversary, marking a century and a quarter of contributions to local business and economic development.