Chambers, all chambers are political. Chambers of commerce are defined by the IRS as Business leagues, they are 501c6 organizations and are charged with the representation of the businesses and economy of a particular community.

Prior to incorporation, the Chamber helped settle land disputes and co-sign loans for the earliest Novato pioneers.

Orchards, Dairies and businesses were brought to Novato by the Chamber so that the first inhabitants would be able to find SOME of the comforts of 'home'.

In the 20s and 30s the Novato Chamber fought and lobbied for the bond that would build the Golden Gate Bridge.

Few people realize that the Golden Gate Bridge was NOT a sure thing. As most of Marin was in the pockets of the ferry companies and Novato remained unincorporated, the bond measure to build the bridge was NOT easy to pass. If it were not for the efforts of the early Novato Chamber, the campaign to build may not have been so successful.

During the depression, the Novato Chamber brought in rail cars to house the many residents of Novato who lost their homes. The cars were paid for by the Chamber directly through political action of the board of directors.

The Novato Chamber does not necessarily reflect the behavior of ALL chambers, but one thing is for sure, the Novato Chamber has routinely put the community FIRST.