In 1887, Grand Rapids businessman Henry Van Asmus convened 147 local businessmen and established the Grand Rapids Board of Trade, the precursor to the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. The volunteer group was determined to solve the city’s transportation problems, caused by high freight rates and not being located on a raiload trunk line. The vision and ambition of Van Asmus and the original members laid the cornerstone of the organization; a commitment to progress, economic prosperity, members’ interests, and the future of the city of Grand Rapids.