Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

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Vision Then & Now
 

Col Eli Lilly

A Man Ahead Of His Time

In 1892, Col. Lilly predicted what Indianapolis would be like in 1900. Curiously, his vision touched upon many of today’s hot issues: rapid mass transit, sewer systems, transportation and more. Read on >>

Founded in 1890 by Colonel Eli Lilly and a group of Indianapolis business leaders, the “Indianapolis Commercial Club” assumed the new title of “Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce” in 1912 when it merged with other local business organizations. The Chamber has sought from its founding to create a community that would be attractive to current and future business ventures.

The key measure of the Chamber’s success is that it has been able to understand and serve the changing commercial needs of the city, attracting to its ranks and to its leadership positions business leaders whose energy and ideas have shaped its messages and programs.

In 2002, the Chamber assimilated a new designation as the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and all that name change implies. This was more than a cosmetic move; it reflects our intent to think and act regionally and to treat the larger metropolitan area as one vast market to be served.

“No simple listing can expose the depth to which Col. Lilly committed himself to civic life. Moreover, the remarkable similarity between the problems he dealt with and those that still face Indianapolis today cannot be overlooked in appreciating the man’s endeavors to improve his city and state.”

Gene McCormick,
former Lilly Historian

Today, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber is still a voice for progress and improvement, bringing together businesses for a thriving community.

A not-for-profit organization with more than 4,200 members, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber's primary activities include:

  • Savings, including 600+ member-to-member discounts and a group health insurance program
  • Visibility and networking opportunities
  • Business advocacy initiatives, including local issues identification and management
Commercial Club building 1905
The Chamber of Commerce Building was the largest and most modern building ever. In 1891, Lilly arranged for the financing of the entire project and laid down the specifications himself.		   Monument Circle 1902
- Monument Circle 1902. The list of major projects accomplished by the Commercial Club from 1890 to 1897 is impressive from the first paved streets in the city to a new modern sewages system.

2007-2008 Business Agenda

Based on the input of our members here are the issues we're focusing on, now through 2007. Read now>>