The Athens Chamber of Commerce, with more than 650 members is a valuable tool for businesses and offers many services to its members.

Located at 13 North Jackson Street, across from the McMinn County Courthouse on the square in Downtown Athens, the Chamber offers programs, services and resources that give member businesses a competitive edge.

The people of Athens pride themselves on having the best of all possible worlds, beautiful natural settings, a growing business and industry climate and a solid emphasis on quality of life.

Some of the services offered by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce include:

• Leadership McMinn, a program designed to develop, train, motivate and recognize future leadership among the citizens of McMinn County. The program is offered each year.
   
• A referral service for members when requests are received for the availability of goods or services.
   
• A brochure display for members to describe their goods and services in the Chamber's lobby.
   
• A membership directory listing each member by category to promote their business.
   
• Seminars and workshops on a variety of pertinent subjects.
   
• Published surveys, reports and statistics geared toward enhancing the information base which can help businesses grow. Survey results, business reports, demographic statistics, growth projections and other information sources are accumulated by the Chamber and available for members use.
   
• A monthly newsletter that includes information on what is happening in the local business community and the status of various chamber programs and activities.
   
• A membership window sticker to identify business members.
   
• Fact sheets and specialized brochures for promotions.
   
• Business After Hours, a monthly program which offers a unique opportunity for chamber members to meet, share ideas, promote their businesses and make new acquaintances.
   
• Diplomat services, which provide a communication line between members.
   
• McMinn Tomorrow Class, a program which provides an opportunity for high school students to learn about their community prior to becoming leaders themselves
   
• Program of Work, a program providing legislative issues, public affairs, education, existing industry, small business, special events, tourism promotion and economic and community development services to the community.
   
• Sponsorship of the annual Jimmy Liner Memorial Christmas Parade in Downtown Athens.
   
• Establishing a Minority Business Assistance Committee to assist minorities to establish a business.