On of the most notable groups historically involved in increasing investment in the city is the LA Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 1,600 local businesses. By advocating for local businesses, the Chamber's primary goal is to improve investment to the city and surrounding region. The organization prides itself on advocating for economic growth, business prosperity and quality of life.

Early on in its existence, the group promoted the West Coast region's numerous opportunities in the farm and international trade industries. As the city developed into a major urban area, the Chamber turned it attention to civic and political activities, involving trade, education, transportation and advocacy.

At that time the organization had two major objectives: to stimulate migration to the area and to broadcast its products. They attempted to woo Midwestern farmers to LA because of their demonstrated expertise in that field. For the second goal, the Chamber embarked on an ambitious 'California on Wheels' expedition, which involved a railroad car loaded with the state's farming products, and visited every major town in the Midwest and South. During the two-year tour, more than a million people viewed the exhibit and appropriated products proffered by the Chamber.

The Chamber also assisted in boosting grassroots investments in some important manufacturing businesses. The beet sugar industry significantly benefited from advancements in energy sources that helped its growth. Among these advancements was the discovery of oil and the new utilization of electric power generated from water. The Chamber also helped bring aircraft manufacturing to the region in 1920 by supporting international air competitions at the local Dominguez airfield. The region's livestock market increased when the Chamber helped to create the Central Manufacturing District, serviced by the LA Junction Railway.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the Chamber changed from being an organization that tried to attract new business to Los Angeles to one that began to focus on modern issues associated with a large industrial area. It also moved from a county-sponsored group to a private business organization financially supported only by its members. At the advent of the modern era, the Chamber changed its name to the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.