The Chamber of Commerce in Decoto was organized around 1907. As early as 1910, it was trying to open F Street, secure a central Township telephone office, and improve library service and railroad crossing bells.
A Decoto Chamber of Comerce leaflet published in 1913 stated that Decoto was a land of "opportunities, which will bear careful investigation." It further stated the "Decoto's splendid railroad facilities and its nearness to the great commercial center of the coast make it especially adapted for large industrial enterprises. Coupled with these, an equable coast climate, an extremely fertile soil and fine educational advantages, make it a most desirable residence section."
The leaflet reported 950 people living in Decoto that time. Willett & Burr, California's "largest railroad constructors,"had located their repair and storage plant in Decoto. A lovely pastoral scene was described: "From the background of beautiful hills, tilled to their summits, the eye sweeps a great domein, from Oakland to the north, taking in the entire lower bay and the San Mateo and Santa Cruz mountains, and culminating in historic Mission Peak, sharply dominates the landscape, a crowning feature of perpetual beauty. The soil is a deep alluvial loam, its richness proven by the luxuriant growth of wild grasses and the thrifty oaks, eucalyputus, elm, bay and medrone that adorn the town site. In the village, many front yards are made handsome with beautiful orange trees."
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In 1916, Harry C. Searles was President, J. J. Sandholt, Vice President, Leon Ed. Simmons, Secretary and J. L. Olson, Treasurer. Directors were Henry May, Frank Swartz, V. G. Higgins, Manuel Brown, J. Abroa and Albert Silva.
Their function was community development which included encouraging industry and trade, handling civic activities, publicity and public relations for the community, increasing community payrolls, improving the buying power of its citizens, attracting more customers to the trading and retail area, solving city zoning problems, improving the parking situation and much more. They worked closely with other organizations and public officials.
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Published bulletins outlined efforts and successes of the community to attract residents and businesses.
Officers and members of the Decoto Chamber of Commerce worked hard during their times to improve the community, with incorporation of Alvarado, New Haven and Decoto as Union City in 1959, the chamber became the Union City Chamber of Commerce. In the '70s, Bruce Stull and Winston King were among those who headed the Union City Chamber of Commerce.
