2013 is a very special year for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. It's the 90th anniversary of this organization.
Formed in 1923, the Chamber has a unique role in the development of this great city. Back when Carlsbad was only 1,500-resident town, before it even was an incorporated city or had a city council, for that matter, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce was the voice of the community, advocating on behalf of its residents and businesses and the quality of life. The Chamber tackled such pressing issues as tree trimming, raising and painting street signs, and lobbying for a daily postal route. With no real local elected body, the Chamber provided guidance in leading with problems, and worked with county officials and residents to find solutions.
Today, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce still has a powerful voice in shaping the quality of life in the community. "Speaking for Business, Listening to the Community," is not only our motto, it's guides our organization. We recognize the importance of a strong community, and to this day we support local education, transportation and other vital cornerstones to a strong civic foundation.
To celebrate our 90th anniversary, we're taking a look at our past, but also framing our present within that context. Recognizing that we're part of a tradition that has brought 90 years of excellence and leadership to Carlsbad, we've chosen "Our Place in Time" as the theme of our 90th anniversary. You'll be seeing more of that in 2013, both in the pages of the Carlsbad Business Journal and during our events.
We're also extending the celebration over the course of 2013. Our signature events, including our Annual Business Awards Dinner on March 8, will be about commemorating the Chamber's list of past accomplishments, but also about celebrating the things we do to continue that legacy.
Here are a couple of things to look forward to this year. Some of these are still being planned, so visit www.carlsbad.org or future issues of the Carlsbad Business Journal for details.


Business Walks, The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is coming to you. We recognize that part of what makes this community great is all of the businesses that are housed here in Carlsbad. So in 2013, we want to thank each and every one them, personally. Chamber staff will be making rounds looking to stop by each business and thank them for doing business in Carlsbad.


Who's-who in Carlsbad, We'll be profiling some of the city's movers and shakers and their companies with regular profiles in the Carlsbad Business Journal throughout 2013.


Tell Us Your Story, Do you, a relative or a friend have a special story that relates to the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's past? Are you related to one of Carlsbad's earliest residents, were you employed at one of the city's now-defunct historic businesses, or do you have a special business-related memory of the city? If so, share it with us and we might publish a story in the Carlsbad Business Journal. Send your information to [email protected].


An Open House, We'll be opening our doors for a special event to celebrate our history. Stay tuned for a date and time.


"Our Place in Time," a publication, We're planning a special edition of our member directory that will explore our history. Look for it in February, right in time for our Annual Awards Dinner.


Annual Awards Dinner, This year we'll be having a special anniversary-themed edition of our signature event, which will take place on Friday, March 8 at the La Costa Resort and Spa. Finalists for our annual awards will be chosen from previous years winners and we'll open voting to the community.
These are just some of the anniversary-themed events that are taking place this year. We're looking forward to celebrating the Chamber's accomplishments with you.