The history of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is inextricably tied to several notable Brooklyn institutions, such as the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture (BSEC), Long Island University (LIU) and Brooklyn College.  The Brooklyn Chamber shares a common history and philosophy with these organizations through their mutual founder, Ralph Jonas.

Ralph Jonas, a prominent Brooklyn attorney, for many years attended the lectures of Felix Adler, the founder of Ethical Culture at its headquarters in Manhattan. He was so moved by the philosophy and the noteworthy achievements of the Ethical Society at that time (the first free kindergarten in the U.S., the founding of the Hudson Guild, one of the first Settlement Houses in the country and the forerunner to the Visiting Nurse Association) that he decided to spearhead the founding of an Ethical Society in Brooklyn in 1905.

During this same time period he helped to establish Long Island University and convinced the State Education Department of the University of New York to open a branch in Brooklyn (Brooklyn College).

In addition, Mr. Jonas foresaw the need for an advocacy organization for Brooklyn-based businesses and thus in 1918, founded the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Jonas served as the Chamber’s president during its critical formative years and by 1927, it was the second largest chamber in the United States with 7,500 Members.

While the business and economic landscape in Brooklyn has changed dramatically over the years, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's dedication to serving Brooklyn businesses and improving the quality of life for all Brooklynites remains.

Research by Tony Severo, Corporate Account Manager, New York Job Partners and Vice President of the Board of Directors, Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture.