Serving the Greater Defiance Area as a most effective community development organization for over 75 years
In June of 1938, The Defiance Civic Club, Inc. was formally created by E.H. Fuller, President and A.A. McLain, Secretary. Shortly thereafter in April, 1941, J.P. Reed, President and E.E. Bair, Secretary formally changed the name of the organization to the Defiance Chamber of Commerce. By February of 1966, and due to the growth of the organization, Charles Caughron, President of the organization and T.H. Bridenbaugh, Secretary again changed the name to its present day form: The Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber is a membership funded organization and is independent of all other organizations and groups. The Chamber is effective because motivated and dedicated volunteers work for the mutual benefit of the total community. The Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce touches virtually every aspect of community life and provides assistance through data research, organization, administration and leadership. The Chamber program of work involves economic development, small business assistance, legislative affairs, tourism, long range planning, beautification, business alert, community image, and so much more.
The Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce is a resource center providing complete information for visitors, newcomers, business prospects and clients, and provides current demographic information about the area, its assets and benefits. The Chamber has played a key role in the formation of the Defiance County Economic Development and the Defiance Development & Visitors Bureau and works closely with these organizations for the planned development of our community. Looking to the future, the Chamber is playing a large role in the development of future leaders in our community, working with local educators to provide a quality work force, and is providing a strong voice in legislative matters. If these issues are important to you, we invite you to join over 400 members who invest their time and talents in the work of The Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to have working relations with the following organizations: Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio, Fort to Port Route 24, Defiance 2100, Community Improvement Corporation of Defiance County, Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor, Junior Achievement, Defiance County Workforce Investment Agency, GAIN (Grassroots Action Information Network), Defiance College, Northwest State Community College, Farm Bureau, Defiance New Car Dealers Association, Maumee Valley Planning Organization, Northern Ohio Regional Economic Development, Regional Growth Partnership, Ohio State University Extension, and so many more. We know our relationship with these organizations augments our ability to serve our members.