About Us

Founded in 1966, the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce served the Central Hillsborough County area for 58 years, working together with local businesses to drive economic development and community involvement for a vibrant and prosperous future. In 2024, in an effort to better reflect the members of the Chamber and the area it serves, the Chamber changed its name to the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce.  Its ever expanding membership covers over 77 zip codes, including Riverview, Brandon, Valrico, FishHawk, Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Tampa, and more!

History of the Chamber

Before 1966, Riverview lacked a coherent community focus, and property development occurred without a clear plan for the future. Kenneth Brandon took the initiative to rally businesses and homeowners in the area, leading to the inception of the inaugural Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, which took shape around his kitchen table. One of the primary challenges during this period was the absence of zoning regulations. Much of Riverview consisted of sprawling acres of woodland or farmland, dotted with only a handful of small family-owned grocery stores, gas stations, churches, and a school. The absence of zoning allowed individuals to construct buildings wherever they pleased, raising concerns about land use and future development among early civic-minded residents. Successfully addressing the zoning issue played a pivotal role in shaping Riverview into the community it is today.

During the 1960s, recreational options in the area were limited, with social activities predominantly revolving around local churches or schools. Accessing amenities like cinemas, quality dining establishments, or medical facilities necessitated a lengthy journey to Tampa. Recognizing the community's need for essential services, particularly banking facilities, Chamber President Kenneth Brandon and the newly formed Chamber prioritized addressing this issue. At the time, branch banking had yet to gain traction, making it challenging to entice a bank to establish a presence in Riverview, which was perceived as remote from Tampa. However, the Chamber's efforts proved fruitful, leading to the establishment of a bank in the area. This milestone attracted businesses catering to the burgeoning population, ushering in a period of growth and development for Riverview.

The Central Hillsborough County area of Florida has experienced significant growth and a business boom over the past few decades. The region has seen a substantial increase in population, fueled by factors such as migration from other parts of the country, domestic migration within Florida, and international immigration. This population growth has created a demand for housing, services, and amenities, stimulating economic activity and attracting businesses to the area.  With the growing population and need for centralized economic activity, the Central Hillsborough County area has benefitted from its strategic location within the broader Tampa Bay area. With access to major transportation arteries like Interstate 75 and proximity to Port Tampa Bay, the area now serves as a vital hub for commerce, logistics, and distribution. Its location provides businesses with access to regional, national, and international markets, fostering economic growth and attracting investment.
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The Central Hillsborough County area boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing, finance, and tourism. This economic diversity has contributed to the resilience of the local economy, allowing it to weather economic downturns and capitalize on emerging opportunities.  In order to reflect this astounding growth, and to better represent the businesses of the Chamber, a decision was made to return to the former name once held by The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, that being Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce.  Overall, the growth and business boom in Central Hillsborough County, Florida, can be attributed to a combination of population growth, strategic location, economic diversity, a business-friendly environment, and a high quality of life. As the region continues to evolve and expand, it is poised to remain a dynamic and thriving economic center within the broader Tampa Bay area, and the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continue serving this broader base of members for many years to come.