State Guide: Chambers of Commerce. As a small business owner in the U.S., it is important to be familiar with your state's chamber of commerce. A chamber of commerce is a local organization of businesses designed to help protect and promote business interests. Some say they are essential to the economic growth of a community. However, if you own a small business, your membership in a chamber of commerce is not mandatory.
Washington became the forty-second state of the United States of America on November 11, 1889. After a hiatus of thirteen years when no new states were admitted to the Union, the United States Congress passed an act enabling the territories of Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana to seek statehood.
On April 20, 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed that West Virginia would be admitted to the United States as a separate state 60 days later. On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became a member of the Union. From 1864, West Virginia Day was celebrated informally and became a state holiday in 1927. If June 20 falls on a Sunday, West Virginia Day is observed on Monday June 21.