
Phillip Bell
Ipswich Chamber of Commerce President
Message from the Chamber President
The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce & Industry is an independent, apolitical organisation, committed to working with all levels of government to support and strengthen the Ipswich business community.
Strong partnerships underpin the success we are enjoying as a city. The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce & Industry is your partner in business, focusing on economic, social and environmental issues that affect Ipswich business.
This site is updated regularly and includes information of all upcoming Chamber events, a members listing by industry type, as well as a section of relevant local and national media items so please visit often to stay up-to-date on what is happening with your Chamber.
We welcome your feedback and I would invite you to contact our offices with your thoughts on the website or for any other ideas or enquiries.
Our History
The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry was launched on 31 May 1906 at a public meeting held in the Technical College on Limestone Street.
The formation of the Chamber emerged in response to the growing and diverse business activities in the wider Ipswich region including retail, mining, milling, heavy industry and a wide range of farming interests. Speakers at the launch included the president of the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, Mr A.J. Carter and T.C. Beirne. Mr Ambrose J. Foote of the famed Ipswich retail icon Cribb and Foote moved the first resolution โ โThat in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that a Chamber of Commerce and Industry should be established in Ipswichโ.
The very first Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed forty financial members who then elected Ambrose Foote as the first president.
The agenda for the Chamber in its first year is much the same as today: to promote the best interests of local business and industry and to discuss anything affecting the best interests of the city and surrounding districts.
The Chamberโs membership of forty in its first year has grown to number in the hundreds today. This is a tribute to the breadth of business resilience and talent in our region, and to the Chamberโs commitment to renewal in order to meet the evolving and changing needs of members.
The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues to build on its proud past and look to the future with positivity and confidence.
Did you know?
The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry was launched in 1906.
The agenda for the Chamber in its first year is much the same as today: to promote the best interests of local business and industry and to discuss anything affecting the best interests of the city and surrounding districts.
Today's Chamber
Theย Ipswichย Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been an integral part of the business community since 1906 and the primary goal is to inform, connect and represent local businesses in the region. The Ipswich Chamberโs most fundamental mission is to generate more business activity for the community.
We help business owners grow and prosper and provide businesses the opportunity to connect and engage with each other to form strong business partnerships that have real value.
The Chamber acts as an advocate for business and has an established inter-regional collaboration with other key business groups.
Our Vision
The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the leading organisation promoting and enhancing business and community development in the Ipswich region.
Our Mission
To provide leadership in the Ipswich business community to promote, facilitate and stimulate economic growth, business development, advocacy and education through programs and events.
Our Team
Our Board

Phillip Bell
Bell Pastoral
President

Steve Harling
St Mary's College Ipswich
Senior Vice President

Bec OโConnell
Bank of QLD
Treasurer

Stephen Holden
University of Southern QLD
General Board Member

David Wiltshire
River 94.9
General Board Member

Paul Morris
TAE Aerospace
General Board Member

Elly Ross
Elly Rae Fashions
General Board Member

Steve Lacey
Windy Cottage Consulting
Junior Vice President

Katey Cochrane
TAFE Queensland
General Board Member
Ready to connect with the Ipswich business community?
Join the Ipswich Chamber & start benefiting your business today.