The Mission of the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce is to create, nurture, and expand diverse economic growth, and be an advocate for business in Hamblen County and the Lakeway region.
Since 1911, The Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of the business community in the Morristown area. Beginning as the Board of Trade, the Chamber has always sought to improve the economic well-being of the area. To accomplish this goal the chamber knows a community needs:
- Jobs for citizens
- New and expanding industry
- A healthy retail and service sector
- State-of-the-art medical facilities
- Educational opportunities and good schools
- Good roads
- Cultural and recreational activities
- A clean environment
- A civic-minded population
The Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c) 6 non-profit organization. We have a membership base of over 700 businesses from the local and regional economy. Those businesses invest in the Chamber to be an advocate for the business sector.
Timeline and History of the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce
| 1911 | The Morristown Board of Trade was formed. W. B. Whittaker was President. | |
| 1913 | The Morristown Board of Trade and the Young Mens’ Commercial Club of Morristown adopted a resolution consolidating the two clubs under the name Board of Trade of Morristown. Mr. J. N. Fisher was the first elected President. | |
| 1920 | The Board of Trade officially changed their name to the Morristown Chamber of Commerce. The President was Mr. Lynn Sheeley | |
| 1924 | A Charter of Incorporation was issued to the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce | |
| 1952 | The Chamber hired the first full time manager, Mr. Richard Ordway. | |
| 1959 | The current building at 825 W. First North St. was constructed and dedicated. | |
| 1971 | The building underwent an exterior facelift | |
| 1971 | The title of the Chamber Manager was changed to Executive Vice President | |
| 1972 | The name of the organization was changed to Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. to reflect the Chamber’s service to the surrounding trade area. | |
| 1979 | The building underwent extensive interior renovation. | |
| 1985 | The Chamber purchased the Gus Helm property at 814 W. Main St. now known as Commerce House | |
| 1988 | Maudie Morrison Briggs was elected as the first woman to serve as President of the Board of Directors. | |
| 1994 | The building underwent another renovation and was expanded to double the size of the facility | |
| 2004 | The title of Executive Vice President was changed to President & CEO |