The Superior Chamber of Commerce was known as the Association of Commerce prior to about September 1967. The Association of Commerce was founded in 1894. In addition to this organization, there also existed a separate group, incorporated in 1883, known as the Superior Chamber of Commerce and also known as the East End Chamber of Commerce. On May 10, 1967 the original Superior Chamber of Commerce voted to relinquish its name and charter to the Association of Commerce, and continued to exist and function solely as an East Side business association. The Association of Commerce continued to function under that name until about September 1, 1967, when it became known as the Superior Chamber of Commerce.
The Superior Chamber of Commerce is administered by a Board of Directors and is managed by a general or executive manager. A standing committee system is supplemented by ad hoc committees formed for special issues and projects. Membership has, since the Chamber's inception, been open to any individual interested in promoting community and commercial enterprise in the Superior area. Superior Chamber of Commerce activities have included fund-raising for community projects like park construction, development of tourism and commerce, and political involvement in issues affecting the Superior area, such as St. Lawrence Seaway development, snowmobiling regulation, and minimum wage laws.
In 1948, the Retail Division of the Superior Chamber of Commerce was established. The Division has gradually become increasingly independent of the Chamber. It is governed by its own Board of Directors and solicits its own funds for Christmas and special promotions, although it has also allocated funds from the general Chamber of Commerce fund.
