About Us

When a dozen men gathered for their first meeting in 1938, they demonstrated unique vision and purpose.  Having just lived through the worst economic times of our country’s history in the late 20’s and early 30’s during the Great Depression, the founders of the Shelby Merchant’s Association and Credit Bureau knew that their very livelihood depended upon a united effort.  The members of the Merchant’s Association who first met on September 26, 1938 were interested in promoting business in the uptown area.  After World War II, the focus then shifted to seeking industrial diversification in Shelby, Kings Mountain, and the entire Cleveland County community.

Now, 70 years later, the staff and leadership of the Cleveland County Chamber are still focusing on a united, collaborative community effort to bring new jobs, new people, new “guests” and new hope to Cleveland County.  Since its 12-member humble beginnings as a Merchant’s Association, the Cleveland County Chamber has grown to over 750 member firms with a commitment to the best interests of the community and its citizens.  Today’s Chamber seeks to provide effective membership services to its members and proactive leadership within the community to enhance economic opportunity and the quality of life for our 100,000 citizens.  From the organization’s original purpose of simply “promoting business in the uptown area” to our current mission, the Chamber has operated efficiently and effectively to promote the primary interests of this wonderful community we call home.

As we move into 2008, we expect to be recognized in a significant way for the superior economic development achievements that have been part of the team approach of the Cleveland 20 20 Economic Development Partnership. Our Travel Tourism Division starts out this new year with the opening of the Cleveland County Visitors Center at the Mall. This year represents great opportunities for our chamber to grow much, much more as an organization and develop even better board directed policies that will assure that the Cleveland County Chamber would be even more effective in our objectives than we have been in the past!

As our 2008 Chair states, lets not blow the whistle (that just makes noise) but come aboard the train and be part of the engine for positive action in Cleveland County! We appreciate the support of our members and thank you for helping us with the action plan for our chamber in 2008!

Examples of the Chamber’s successes and achievements that have had a major impact on the Cleveland County community include:

• Assistance in establishing the United Way in 1952;

• Recruitment of Universal Manufacturing Company, one of the county's first economic development prospects, in 1955;

• Campaigning for the bond to build the airport in 1955;

• Recruitment of PPG in 1957;

• Initiation of efforts to fund a county economic development council in 1987;

• Merging the Cleveland County and Kings Mountain Chamber offices in 1994;

• Approval of countywide zoning in 2000;

• Consolidation of the Cleveland County Chamber and Economic Development in 2002.

Of course, the above efforts represent only a few of the initiatives for which the Chamber has been a passionate advocate.  There has also been significant involvement “behind-the-scenes” in the Chamber’s ongoing mission to put Cleveland County on center stage where its strengths and assets can best be viewed by newcomers and economic development prospects.         

Today, the Chamber is comprised of a 9-member staff that performs within a program of work approved at the beginning of each year by the Board of Directors.  The body of work is broken down into six key areas, known as councils or divisions.  The following information should provide a better understanding of the purpose for each council/division as it relates to the mission of the Cleveland County Chamber.

The 20/20 Economic Development Partnership

Marketing & Communications Division

Travel & Tourism Division

Education Division

Legislative Action Division

Membership Services Division

Your Cleveland County Chamber is committed to the task at hand.  Our goal is to provide effective membership services and proactive leadership to enhance economic opportunity and quality of life for our citizens.  We are moving mountains... one shovel full of dirt at a time.