About

Mission Statement

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial and professional interests of the community of Lakewood.

The Chamber provides educational opportunities & networking events, works for business-friendly legislation, promotes business in the community, and offers many cost-saving benefits to our member businesses.

Vision

Founded on the belief that we are stronger together than we are apart, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce empowers businesses to connect with each other in order to collaborate and maximize growth.

History

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has existed since 1911 to serve the Lakewood business community. That’s over 100 years of service! The first President of the Chamber was Frank L. Thurber, a “veteran of experience and achievement in the insurance field” (A History of Cleveland and Its Environs: Biography, by Elroy McKendree Avery). Mr. Thurber was the first of more than 90 business leaders who have led the Chamber since 1911 – see a complete list here.

Over the years the Chamber has evolved to become a bigger and better resource for the business community. We offer monthly meetings with topics of interest, networking opportunities through Business After Hours, Task Forces, Special Events, and Business Roundtables.

More than 375 businesses and organizations belong to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) business membership association. The organization is governed by an Executive Committee and a voting Board of Directors, and is funded by membership dues and special events. The day-to-day operations are handled by Patty Ryan, CEO & President, and Valerie Mechenbier, Director of Marketing & Public Relations.

Visit These Other Chamber Sites:

Ohio Chamber of Commerce
Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC)
COSE Council of Smaller Enterprises