Verne Dyson was the temporary chairman of the organization committee to establish the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. He writes in a letter dated January 1, 1952 “Brentwood has developed to the point where a Chamber of Commerce is much needed. For some time a committee has been quietly working on plans to form such an organization. This committee invites you or your representative to attend a luncheon at noon, next Monday, January 7, at the Station Restaurant to discuss plans”.

The plans to form the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce became a reality on March 6, 1962 when 40 people met to form the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. Thirty four applications for membership were signed and a Board of Directors was elected that night.

The Board elected William Higgins President, and Kenneth Pollick Vice President. They appointed Thomas Johnson Treasurer and Allen Grafton Secretary-Manager.

The Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit volunteer organization of business people in the community. Their purpose is stated in the original By-Laws as follows: “To promote and perpetuate the business, commercial, manufacturing and civic interests of the community of Brentwood; to develop a unified public spirit in all, whereby we may put forth a unified effort in aid of our community to make it more prosperous, more beautiful, and a better place in which to live and work”.

Today, in 2008 the mission of the Chamber continues to be the same but with more programs. They are a community organization that unites businesses and professional people to serve residents and help businesses grow. The Chamber provides community forum programs, networking functions, leadership programs and membership programs.

The current president of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is Anthony Quintal who can be reached at Brightwaters Farms. The website for the Chamber is www.brentwoodchamber.org

-A Bennet, Local History Newsletter, August 2008