History of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce has been serving our community since 1912. For more than a century, the Chamber has played a leading role in promoting business growth, strengthening the local economy, and showcasing the beauty of Rockport-Fulton as a coastal destination.

Early Years (1912–1929)

• 1912 – Chamber of Commerce founded.

• Before the 1919 Storm – The Rockport Development League was active, attracting tourists to the area by railroad.

• By 1929 – The groundwork for Highway 35, the causeway, and the dredging of the original harbor was accomplished by the Chamber in partnership with local government officials.

Challenges and Reorganization (1930s–1940s)

• 1936 – Chamber reorganized after the Great Depression.

• World War II – Tourism efforts slowed as the nation focused on the war effort.

• 1945 – Chamber reorganized again with a more business-focused approach.

  • Sponsored visits from outdoor writers to highlight Rockport-Fulton’s fishing, beaches, and water sports.

  • Helped re-establish tourism as a cornerstone of the local economy.

Tourism Growth & Promotion (1950s)

• Early 1950s – Chamber promoted Rockport-Fulton through “bathing beauty” contests, sending local representatives across Texas to market the area as a premier vacation destination.

Marketing Slogans Through the Years

• 1945 – “Port of Play” and “Port of Industry”

• 1949 – “Toast of the Coast” (selected through a Chamber-sponsored contest)

• Later – “Where the Oaks Meet the Sea”

• 1987 – Official slogan and logo adopted: “The Charm of the Texas Coast.”

  • This remains the Chamber’s slogan today and can be seen across materials and at www.rockport-fulton.org.

Lasting Legacy

Since its founding, the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce has remained an effective and contributing partner in building the economic well-being of the community. From infrastructure advocacy to creative tourism promotion, the Chamber’s history is a reflection of Rockport-Fulton’s resilience, charm, and coastal pride.

(ROCKPORT AND FULTON, TX) The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce announced today that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Rockport-Fulton Chamber with the Five-Star Accredited designation, the highest such designation in the Chamber industry.

This is the third time (re-apply every five years) the Chamber has earned the distinction.

"Each day, our Chamber works hard to put the American dream within reach of hardworking Rockport-Fulton business owners. The U.S. Chamber Accreditation designation tells Chamber members and the Rockport-Fulton business community that we have effective programs, sound finances and we are strong advocates for their interests," said Diane Probst, CCE, Rockport-Fulton Chamber President/CEO.

The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is one of only twenty-one Chambers in Texas to hold the 5-Star distinction.

Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in Chamber planning and recognizes Chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the Chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes Chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a Chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

"Only 204 chambers carry this distinction out of approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States. These strong Chambers represent the top 3% of all Chambers in the United States. And only 128, less than 2 percent of these Chambers are accredited at the highest 5-Star level," added Probst. "We achieved a perfect score in five of the nine sections: human resources, program development, technology, communications, and facilities. This designation is the Rockport-Fulton Chamber's third time to be recognized with 5-stars and we are very proud of this accomplishment."

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.

The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce represents almost 800 businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals. Since 1952 the Chamber, as a catalyst for business growth; a convener of leaders and influencers; and a champion for a stronger community, has served as a unified voice of actively advocating for a strong economy. Through strong promotion of the community and businesses, leadership training on all levels, advocacy programming, networking opportunities galore, and constant efforts to build the economy, the Chamber stays steady and focused to achieve results.