East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce
A Brief History about our Long History...
A non-profit, membership-based organization, originally known as East Providence Business
Men’s Association, founded on June 15, 1897 for the original purpose of social, literary and
educational relations among its members.
Founding members of the East Providence Business Men's Association:
Benjamin Wilson – probate judge, was president of the town council of East Providence for
nearly ten years, and a member of the board. Cousin of George Wilson, the founder of Rumford
Chemical, lived on Wilson Avenue in Rumford section of East Providence
George N. Bliss– judge, State House representative, school committee member, lawyer, the
former Bliss School in East Providence was named after him. Veteran of the Spanish-American
War and recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Simeon Hunt – Earned Doctor of Medicine from Dartmouth Medical School. Medical examiner
for the Tenth District of East Providence. He also served as East Providence’s health officer from
1885 to 1887, and as a member of the school committee from 1886 to 1888.
Harmon Seeley Babcock – educator, lawyer, poet, author. Brown University graduate earning
an A.B. degree, valedictorian of his class. Also earned an A.M. degree and was admitted to the
bar in the same year. A superintendent of public schools of East Providence, R.I.; was town
solicitor.
John McCausland – co-owner of Boston Store, a dry goods emporium in downtown Providence
In 1956, name was changed to East Providence Chamber of Commerce.
In 2005, the Chamber was renamed again to East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce to
better reflect the communities it serves. Membership is comprised of 200+ businesses based
and/or doing business in East Providence & Barrington, Rhode Island and Seekonk & Rehoboth,
Massachusetts.
What is a chamber of commerce?
A chamber of commerce is a voluntary partnership of business people working together to build a
healthy economy and improving the quality of life in the community in which they work and/or live.
Chambers of commerce are operated by their members. It is not a government agency nor
supported by tax revenue. The board of directors is elected by the membership and their role is
to determine the policies and goals of their individual chamber. The board chair presides over
board meetings. The chamber’s executive director/president oversees, performs and/or
coordinates the day-to-day operations and activities of the chamber office.
Mission Statement
We are a dynamic group of respected and trusted businesses, organizations and individuals who
identify and advance the business, civic, cultural and social interests of our membership and the
communities that we serve. We promote and encourage doing business with other members.
Adopted by the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
June 16, 2005