The Chamber of Trade in Okehampton dates back to before the start of World War II. Although there seem to be no records from that time, a few publications still survive.

The Chamber has always been an important organisation in town and in the 1960's to 1970's the Annual Banquet was a major event in town; only rivalled by the Mayor's Civic Ball.

Okehampton's Town Guide is a publication that has always been produced by the chamber. Early editions from the 1950's still exist and make interesting reading to glimpse a bygone age when the town attracted firms' representatives or 'travellers' to stay in the hotels and promoted Okehampton as a good place to spend a short-break holiday.

The Christmas Lights were first started in town in the early 1970's and have now reached a stage where they are admired throughout the county and give the town a warm, traditional Christmas atmosphere. For many years Mr Don Rooke of Donald's Menswear has been responsible for organising, repairing and replacing these lights. In the early days Mr Howard Downing of Downings Motor Works was responsible for constructing the strings of lights and cajoling other traders into helping.

Throughout the summer months the hanging baskets that adorn the town are provided by the chamber and have been for the past 10 years. Each year more baskets are provided in town and help keep the town colourful and bright. The display is kept watered and maintained by Don Rooke and his team who spend hours during the summer looking after them.

Over the past 5 years the chamber has produced town maps and 'where to stay', 'Where to eat' and 'What to do' in Okehampton guides, all of which are provided free for visitors to the town.

Mr Mike Wreford of SWEB, served as secretary for 14 years from the mod 1970's taking over from Mrs Joy Vaughan who also served for many years in that role.  During the late 1980's the chamber declined in membership and this was not revived until the 1990's when the then secretary Mrs Jane Seigal worked tirelessly to promote the chamber and Okehampton.

One of the longest serving Chairmen is Mr Ian Bailey, of Ink Print, who was in the chair from 1995 until 2004 and again in 2007. Also Mr Peter Sworm who was the landlord of the Plume of Feathers, served for many years and was honoured by being made a Life Member of the Chamber.

The chamber has recently introduced a position as president and that is currently held by Mr William Cornish of W J Cornish & Son Jewellers. William's father was a past chairman of the chamber and was an active committee member for many years, William is following in his father's footsteps as he is also a committee member and is active within the chamber.

The chamber has a current membership of over 60 members and looks forward to maintaining the position it has held for many years in town. The chamber meets once a month and has a varied diary that includes speakers on issues that effect local businesses, visits to other companies, discussions of local issues and social events.