About Pahokee Chamber of Commerce

Our History

Unofficially, there was a chamber of commerce in the early days of Pahokee's existence. However, it wasn't until the summer of 1950 that a group of citizens were called upon by Mayor Lewis Friend to discuss the official organization of the chamber.

A group of dedicated citizens attended the inaugural meeting. Those in attendance decided to pursue the organization of the chamber. Attorney Ralph Johnson was requested to draw up a charter and by-laws, and temporary officers were elected for the purpose of reorganizing. Elected were Rupert Mock, Treasurer; and Directors were Manning Keen, Marshall Lair, F.M. Shaughnessy, W.A. Keen, Bill Golden, Joseph Kahn, Abe Dobrow and Claude Shirley.

The first regular meeting of the Pahokee Chamber of Commerce, Inc., was held on October 10, 1950. This meeting was held at the Pahokee City Hall. The following officers were elected:

• Manning Keen - President
• Frank Rozelle - Vice-President
• Ralph Johnson - Secretary
• Rupert Mock - Treasurer

Directors elected to serve in that first exciting year were Gil Gabaldon, John Sutterfield, Clyde Alley, Marshall Lair, Abe Dobrow, F.M. Shaughnessy, Ed Jensen and Tom Baldwin.

Many worthwhile projects can be attributed to the influence and persistence of those men and women who diligently served Pahokee through the Chamber's fifty-four years. To list all would take countless pages. Following are only a few:

• The wooden fishing pier, commonly known as the T-Dock.
• The construction of the first sign at 20 Mile Bend.
• Proper directional, safety and informational signage.
• The addition of electricity on the T-Dock.
• The construction of the breakwater.
• The Glades Airport.

The Chamber has continuously served its community through dedicated and professional people while maintaining a close partnership with the city's elected officials. The Directors and staff stand ready to meet the challenges of today and the future, building on the strength of the past.

If you have any questions after browsing our site, please feel free to contact us. We are only too happy to answer your questions.