The Northern Chamber of Commerce began in the latter part of 1997, when sixty businessmen from Szczecin decided to bring it to life. It is the greatest representation of the economic autonomy of western Pomerania. At present it incorporates several hundred firms and enterprises from Poland and from Germany. From the beginning of its existence it has maintained constant relations with over one hundred and fifty organizations of similar activity profiles, mostly from Poland, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. It benefits all manner of services incorporated in its businesses.