About the GSCC
About The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) is a major force in our community's economic prosperity and outstanding lifestyle. An award-winning not-for-profit membership organization, the Chamber provides the leadership to achieve a diverse balanced economy that enhances the quality of living and working in greater Sarasota.
The GSCC strives to keep programs current and responsive to the demands of Sarasota's modern business climate. In our continuously evolving marketplace, The Chamber is a bridge that links businesses, organizations and residents together with innovative programs that strengthen Sarasota's long-term economic vitality, business success, job creation and quality of life. By being a partner to our businesses we work to connect, promote, and support our members with opportunities to grow.
“The voice of business - creating bold opportunities and solutions for our community”
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's dynamic group of 1,400 member companies and organizations recognize the value of working together to accomplish what no single member could hope to achieve individually. Using our members' collective vision, resources and energy, we work to maintain a healthy environment in which our community can grow and prosper.
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce was established in 1921 and is located on the West Coast of Florida. Our four divisions and eight councils continually look for exciting and progressive ways to help our members, employees and community.
We believe that our active Chamber is one of the reasons that greater Sarasota is consistently identified as one of America's most desirable areas to live, work and enjoy the best that life has to offer.
Our Mission
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce works to cultivate Sarasota's prosperity and quality of life through our member businesses.
Our Purpose
The voice of business – creating bold opportunities and solutions for our community.
Our Vision
The Chamber's vision is to create the best business climate in the United States. Our vision is not about having more. It is about having better. Our view of the ideal business climate is a balance between quality of living and quality of working. It is a community abundant with talent, embracing of technology, and encouraging of diversity.
Accolades
The Greater Sarasota Chamber’s impact extends beyond business success—it plays a vital role in shaping a community that’s consistently recognized for its excellence. From economic growth to quality of life, Sarasota continues to earn national acclaim. Here are some of the recent accolades that highlight why Sarasota stands out as an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
2024
- #11 - Best Places to Live in the U.S., U.S. News & World Report
- #18 - Best Places to Retire in the U.S., U.S. News & World Report
- World's Greatest Places, 2024 - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, TIME
- #3 - 10 Healthiest Communities in Florida, U.S. News & World Report
2023
- #1 - Best Places to Live in Florida, U.S. News & World Report
- #5 - Best Places to Live in the U.S., U.S. News & World Report
- #7 - Safest Places to Live, U.S. News & World Report
- #1 - Best Places to Visit in Florida, U.S. News & World Report
- #4 - Most Neighborly City, Neighbor
- 10 Best Cities in FL for a Family Vacation, FloridaRentals.com
2022
- #3 - The 25 Healthiest Communities in Florida, U.S. News & World Report
- #1 - Best Places to Visit in Florida, U.S. News & World Report
- New York Times' 52 Places for a Changed World List, New York Times
2021
- Top 15 Best Places to Retire, Forbes
- #1 - Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2021 - 22, U.S. News & World Report
- World's Greatest Places, Time Magazine
- #1 - Best Restored Beaches (Lido Beach), American Shore and Beach Preservation Association
- #9 - Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021 - 2022, U.S. News & World Report
2020
- #1 "Top Stop" (Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall) worldwide for venues with a capacity of 2,000 or fewer, Venues Now
- #1 - Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2020 - 21, U.S. News & World Report
These accolades are referenced from The City of Sarasota Government
Our History
C.V.S. Wilson, editor of Sarasota’s first newspaper, the Sarasota Times, said it best in 1901 when he wrote, “what Sarasota needs more than anything is a progressive Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce.”
The foundation of Sarasota’s modern-day Chamber of Commerce can be traced back to 1911 when local business leaders established the Board of Trade, which became instrumental in establishing the first locally owned bank and advocating for the creation of an independent Sarasota County. The Board of Trade looked to bring new industries to the area, such as cigar production and aviation. It wasn’t until 1920 that the Board of Trade reorganized to become The Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce, honoring local ice company owner, Hamden S. Smith, as Chamber President.
Over the next century, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has continued to evolve. Each decade has brought new challenges to the area and along the way The Chamber has consistently answered those challenges with the steady support of business leadership. The history of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce runs deep within this community and has always focused on one underlying theme: making Sarasota the best place to live and work. It has been through the leadership of its members and board of directors that The Chamber has taken a lead on key initiatives that have brought solutions to some of our community’s biggest struggles and opportunities.
Early Chamber leadership quickly realized the need to attract visitors and new residents to the area and did so through specialized marketing and business development. In 1922, Chamber leaders and City officials worked with developer Andrew McAnsh to build a hotel in hopes of drawing new visitors to the area. Through a deal struck with Chamber and City leaders, McAnsh built the Mira Mar Hotel, which was fully outfitted with modern amenities. Through the 1920s, The Chamber advocated for projects that made visiting the area easier and faster, including road signs, highway projects, and tourist conventions. Publications, including the “Apartment and Hotel Guide,” and the “Visitor Guide,” created and promoted by The Chamber, drew thousands of visitors each year. Listeners as far away as Saskatchewan and Hawaii could tune in to the WJBB Radio Station, “The Voice of the Semi-Tropics,” for special programming arranged by The Chamber.
As Sarasota grew, so did the need for municipal projects. The Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce was heavily involved in bringing about the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, the Lido Beach Casino, recreational facilities, and water main projects. In the 1950s, Chamber leadership advocated to improve the Intracoastal Waterway, and was integral in supporting the development of the area now known as Bayfront Park.
The Chamber also had a major role in attracting and supporting Major League Spring Training throughout the years: the New York Giants in the 1920s, the Boston Red Sox in the 1930s, the Chicago White Sox in the 1950s, and most recently, in 2010, the Baltimore Orioles.
As The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce approaches its 100-year anniversary in 2020, it continues to bring the business community together to solve problems, create opportunities, and strengthen Sarasota’s long-term economic vitality and quality of life.
Timeline
1911
Board of Trade established (the precursor to our modern Chamber). Donates $10 to build the Roth Cigar factory in an effort to bring the cigar industry to Sarasota.
1920
Board of Trade reorganizes to become The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Hamden S. Smith is the first Chamber President. Hamden owned a local Ice Company.
1926
Advocated for highway projects to connect Sarasota to southern cities, including Miami.
1935
Mayor E.A. Smith represents the City and The Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. to lobby for extension of water mains, a Municipal Auditorium, and recreational facilities.
1946
Chamber sponsors the Florida Outdoor AAU swimming and diving championship at the Lido Beach Pool.
1950's
Chamber advocates for a university, citing Sarasota as “a college town without a college.” College Committee of The Chamber plays important role in the establishment of New College.
1958
Sports Committee of The Chamber of Commerce seeks a replacement team after the Boston Red Sox leave Sarasota, and recruits the Chicago White Sox to hold their spring training at Payne Park.
1960
(March) Sarasota Chamber proposes city develop a marina park at the foot of Main Street in Sarasota Bay.
1975
Members of The Chamber’s Economic Development Committee propose the establishment of an airport commerce center to the Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority. Chamber Board also works with Chambers around Florida to advocate for the prompt commencement of construction of I-75.
1993
Chamber’s Impact Fee Task Force presents to the County Commissioners about reducing road impact fees.
2005
The American Chamber of Commerce Executive’s Membership Development Division recognizes GSCC with the “Award for Excellence” as one of the top three chambers in the nation in terms of membership development.
2010
Chamber leads the charge to bring baseball back to Sarasota, Baltimore Orioles sign on with 30-year commitment.
2020
The Chamber celebrates its 100th Anniversary