The West Fargo Chamber of Commerce had its beginning with an organizational meeting May 15, 1958; it was organized as a non-profit corporation; bylaws were adopted, and its first dues were $25 per member firm. The following local business people were elected as its first Board of Directors: Arnold Lorentzsen, Blain Hanson, Earl Northrop, Lee Tarvestad, Gudrun Kaiser, Herb Tintes, Gerry Redmond, Lawrence Fradet, Dale Montgomery, Keith Junge, John Leaman, Elmer Hogeboom and Richard Goldberg, who served as its President the first two years, Gerry Heisler was made Secretary-Treasurer, Homer Ludwig an honorary member.

Charter members were those who joined prior to January 1, 1959. That year its members began working toward relocating the Fairgrounds from Fargo to west of West Fargo; meetings were held with State Highway Department regarding the highway through town; Traffic and Retail Committees were formed; a contest was held to originate a slogan for the Chamber. Mrs. Clarence Lind of Dilworth, MN, submitted the winning slogan: "OUR GROWING IS SHOWING", winning a calf as the prize.

Other Chamber projects throughout the years: work with youth activities and school; city wide Christmas decorations; highway and access roads planning assistance; opposed making the West Fargo post office a branch of the Fargo post office; sponsored High School band banquet for a number of years; developed brochures for the City of West Fargo; instrumental in working to attract new businesses to West Fargo area; endeavored to promote the city and its relationship with the agricultural community.  The Chamber supported the city's Urban Renewal program and was instrumental in the name change from Southwest Fargo to West Fargo. The city's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and home Christmas decoration contest, Arbor Day celebration and Yard of the Month were organized and sponsored by the Chamber.  A major accomplishment for the community is West Fest Community Days.  This celebration is a two day event that includes activities for the entire family from fun runs, softball and horseshoe tournaments, family fun activities, classic car show, fireman's ball, chili cook-off and a parade that, in 2007, drew an estimated 12,000 people. 

From 1958 to 1975 the Chamber had seen the city's population grow from 3,000 to over 8,000 with the main industries of farm machinery manufacturing and farm related products.  Businesses were forced to be more competitive within and in proximity to Fargo-Moorhead. Now, in 2008, the community has grown to approximately 24,000 and has attracted a well diversified workforce and many industries including, major manufacturing, aviation, engineering, building supplies, large retail, senior living, financial and in recent years the boom in the construction industry.  

The very composition of the city of West Fargo today bears the imprint of the Chamber, with their activities over the past 50 years reflected in nearly every major improvement in the community, such as layout of streets and highways, library, fairgrounds, etc. These were projects accomplished through the cooperation and work of many.

The Chamber, by encouraging its members and directors to be active in supporting certain projects of growth and development, have helped the city commission, school board, educational programs of the educational community; worked with the Cass County Commission, cooperated with the Fargo City Commission. West Fargo Area Chamber of Commerce has made itself felt in many ways.

The Chamber had seven previous homes in the past fifty years and now resides at the Lodoen Community Center at 109 3rd Street East.

In 2007, the name was changed to The West Fargo "Area" Chamber of Commerce because of the ever increasing membership from surrounding communities.  The Chamber also adopted new mission and vision statements and unveiled a new logo to better represent the Chamber membership.  The Board of Directors and the Executive Director believe that continued growth and service to the membership and the community will continue to be excellent.

Please feel free to visit this website and especially look at our Business Directory and Events Calendar.

Please view our "Network of Opportunity" Video