Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce - Home Page
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Leading Businesses. Leadins Communities. (TM)
Sponsor Web Banner. Contact the Chamber at 776-8829 or email chamber at manhattan.org for details
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Chamber History
A History of Business Success!

For eight decades the Chamber of Commerce has been deeply involved in the fabric of the community as it has worked to improve the business climate in Manhattan and the surrounding area.

Twelve charter members came together in 1925 to create an organization that would advance the business climate in Manhattan. Together they became the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.


Early Efforts
Early Chamber efforts included:
  • Workeding for additional street lighting
  • Leading effort to build water softening-purification plant
  • Working to establish sewage disposal plant
  • On campus housing for students
  • Establishing student loan fund
  • Financial campaign to build Memorial Stadium
  • Securing lease on Prospect Hill for concrete KS
  • Supporting Fort Riley families
  • Working on first Fort Riley expansion
  • Developing Future Manhattan leadership program
  • Leading campaign to build city swimming pool
  • Supporting creation of first county fair
  • Supporting first municipal band
  • Assisting in library building effort
  • Serving as an employment bureau
  • Establishing Community Chest, United Way, Manhattan Arts Council
  • Leading flood recovery of 1951
  • Working in redistricting, zoning and building codes

Our Mission
The mission of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce is to foster a changing environment for business success that enhances the quality of life in our region. Every day is spent working to make sure that the mission continues to be true.

The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce has had much success in its existence. Today, the Chamber employs 18 people and has over 800 member businesses who continue to build on that success.

After many years of growth and change, the Manhattan area, with the help of the Chamber, remains a desirable place to live and prosper.