Yankton Chamber History

The Chamber is a vehicle for professionals and businesses to join together to work towards the betterment of the community. Members work to create job opportunities, new businesses and seek improvement of community facilities such as: streets, highways, parks, schools and housing. Chamber members bring meetings, conventions, industry and visitors to the community.

Today’s membership exceeds 400 business owners, professionals and individuals who share the common goal of wanting growth, development and promotion of our community.

Chamber of Commerce History
Yankton was settled in 1859 and chartered in 1861. The Chamber of Commerce was chartered on April 8, 1920; its first major project was the Meridian Bridge – designed to increase retail trade and traffic in the community. The original incorporators were P.B. Gurney, Olof Nelson and E.J. Dowling.

In 1972, the Chamber reorganized and changed its name to the Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce. Programs expanded and the Chamber became a full-service information center and community development organization.

The Chamber moved its office to 218 W. 4th St. in 1982 and expanded to 2,400 square feet in 1988.

In August of 2003, the Chamber offices moved to 803 E. 4th St. The new location includes a spacious 1,100 square feet Visitors Center, large conference room and office space for the Chamber, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Office of Economic Development.