The Golden Age ~
In 1851, the separation of Victoria from NSW to form its own colonial government provoked the first formal and fully documented moves to establish a Victorian chamber of commerce in Melbourne.

The Road to Federation ~ Victoria's early years saw merchants dominating its economy. By the end of the nineteenth century the balance had begun to shift. With the improvement in communications came larger companies. Wholesalers and manufacturers could bypass merchants and undertake more service functions. Merchants were overshadowed by the rapid growth of manufacturing and associations of manufacturers soon joined the Chambers.

'One People, One Destiny' ~
On 01 January 1901 the Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed. With the opening of the First Federal Parliament in Melbourne came a push for a united parliamentary voice for Australian business through the combined efforts of the Chambers of Commerce in each colony.

War and Peace ~
The First World War saw many Melbourne firms' principals and employees answering the call of duty. Those staying at home devoted their time to cooperating with the government in its wartime tasks. Australia's commercial strength and growing industry was also used to back up its courageous soldiers with vital supplies.

Turbulent Times ~
After world-shaking events such as the First World War and the Great Depression, the twentieth century saw Victoria shifting its position as the 'the granary of Australia' into wider agriculture like dairying and irrigation. Along with this development came the factory growth. Gross value of production of Victoria's rural industries rose from £50 million in 1938-39 to £148 million in 1948-49. It then soared to £192 million in 1949-50.

Correlation and Cooperation ~
As the Melbourne Chamber entered its centennial year it was functioning smoothly and effectively, campaigning for the defence and progression of Victoria's commercial interests. very successful 'Businessman's Convention' at Bendigo.The theme of the convention was the prevailing framework of industrial legislation and its effect on a changing industrial pattern.

Pressure and Power ~
Political events during the 1970s changed the distribution of power within our own local and national political system. A forum on 'The New Power Game' at the Australian Chamber of Commerce Conference in Melbourne in 1978 influenced the Melbourne Chamber's thinking on industrial matters.The debate changed from a discussion in terms of cooperation and responsibility to one in terms of power.

Planning for Success ~
During the 1990s VECCI's objective was to provide its members with a high-quality, cost-effective service and to give business a greater voice in determining federal and state laws that govern enterprise.The Chamber became Victoria's most influential employer organisation, after a merger between the Victorian Employers' Federation and the State Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As we approach 2010, VECCI is increasingly becoming an advocate of Business Excellence in all spheres.