Since 1906, the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce has been the leading business organization in the greater Olean area. We are the Southern Tier’s largest business organization. Our work includes lobbying local and state leaders, developing programs, enhancing workforce development, and working to support the small business owners, large corporate entities, non-profit organizations, manufacturers, and residents who call our area home.

The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce marked its 100th anniversary in 2006. We have much to celebrate as a chamber and as a community. We’ve come a long way over the past 100 years. The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1806 and has since grown from a handful of members to more than 700 with a diverse economic base.

In 1906, Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House, and what was called the “Olean Chamber of Commerce” incorporated in that same year. Olean Chamber of Commerce back then and now the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce still conjure up mixed feelings about business and its role in the community. Some see the organization as an elite group that benefits only a few; others see it a group of volunteers that has helped grow a prosperous community.

1906—imagine downtown Olean… the trolley clanging up and down the widest main street in New York. As the area progressed and grew with newly-created businesses and industries, so did the population. Schools and churches began to dot the residential neighborhoods. Many of these families today remain the cornerstones of the region and the surrounding areas. It was and is their dedication that makes the greater Olean area what it is today, different from what it was 100 years ago.

After poring over 100 years’ worth of history in scrapbooks, newspaper archives and annual reports, I found that education, business development, infrastructure upgrade, health care, labor supply and tourism were just as important in 1906 as they are in 2006. The scale is obviously different, but the focus has remained constant. Views and vistas may have changed, but it was the commitment of the volunteers who began the Chamber in 1906 and laid the groundwork that is today Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and becoming “Greater”… 

It was GOACC that, in 1929, amid the nation’s worst economic depression, inaugurated the first Olean “Santa Claus Lane Parade” decorating the span of Union Street with garland and lights that today still provide the trademark of our traditional community’s Christmas season. To further illustrate, it was GOACC that rallied to bring cheer back to our residents, rebuilding Santa’s house and replenishing the decorations, garlands, and lights that were lost in the June 1972 flood.

Just as business must be sensitive to the needs and wants of its customers, GOACC has been extremely sensitive to the needs and wants of its members. As a result, over the past 100 years, we have experienced not only a growth of the organization as far as membership, but there’s also been an expansion of leadership projects, programs, and influence in moving the community toward progressive and continuous growth opportunities. GOACC has played a significant role in the progress of the greater Olean area communities. The cornerstone of GOACC’s long tradition of providing the community with a healthy and happy place to raise a family, to manage a business, and to visit, have not changed over the last century.

Throughout 2006, we invite you to explore and learn how much GOACC has accomplished during its first century. Experience and reflect upon the area’s natural beauty and the treasures we all encounter living in this magnificent area. This year-long celebration will not be possible without all the member volunteers who will no doubt commit to planning, organizing and developing memorable centennial events. GOACC has a lot to celebrate in 2006. GOACC has had a remarkable past 100 years and we look forward to an even more remarkable and “Greater” future.