January Ambassador Article

Wouldn't you know it, at my very first meeting as an Ambassador for the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, I somehow agreed to write an article for this month's Chamber Newsletter. At the time, it seemed like a doable task even though I only had twelve days before the article was due. So, as I began to think of what I might say, my genealogical genes began to make themselves known. [I have an abundance of such genes since I have been a genealogist for 27 years, have written two books, and now research and publish ancestral histories for individuals.] So it was no surprise when I asked myself, "I wonder when the first Chamber of Commerce was formed?"

A little sleuthing revealed that the first Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1599 in Marseille, France. And that the first chamber of commerce in America was formed April 5, 1768 in New York City when twenty merchants met at Bolton and Sigel's Tavern. Present were such men as John Jacob Astor and J. Pierpont Morgan. Organized under the name The New York Chamber of Commerce, the society was designed to protect and promote the business interests of merchants in New York City. John Cruger (1710-1791), Mayor of New York City, was the first president.

In America today, there are over three million companies that are Chamber members, and over 3,000 state and local chapters throughout the United States. Closer to home, in 1946 the Kirkwood Chamber of Commerce was formed with Richard Mueller and David Lee Jones, Sr. serving as the first presidents. In about 2001, the Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce was formed. Today, we have over 600 members representing every possible occupation and service to our community.

So why did I join? Several reasons come to mind. First, in the sixteen years that I've lived in Kirkwood, I've appreciated everything about it - the merchants, the parks, and the schools to name a few. My four grandchildren graduated from or are now attending Kirkwood High School. I walked regularly in our beautiful parks. Although I was happy living here, I didn't really feel I was a real part of the community until I joined the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce. I wasn't connected. But now I know business men and women from all over the area. I feel that I truly "belong" and feel I can help shape the future of our community.

Second, I joined because I thought it would be a great arena in which to grow my genealogy business. And it has proven to be just that. One-on-one, face-to-face networking has proven to be the most productive means for me to obtain clients. By attending various Chamber activities on a regular basis, strangers have become friends, and for many of them I have had the privilege of researching their illustrious ancestors.

Finally, being a Chamber member has helped me focus on "Shop Chamber First." That is, we support one another's business when we need a product or service. And that's what community is all about, isn't it?

Rick Miller, Genealogist
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