Since 1903 the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has helped its members and its community grow and prosper.  Today the Chamber is on the move. Under the leadership of former Mayor Doc Eldridge, today's Athens Area Chamber of Commerce exudes vitality, enthusiasm, strength.  

Members turn out in large numbers for both the Chamber's annual meeting each winter and its mid-year event every summer. Attendance doubled from 2007 at the 2008 Annual Meeting featuring keynote speaker U.S. Senator from Georgia Johnny Isakson. Members take advantage of effective networking at monthly luncheon meetings at Outback Steakhouse or Business After Hours the third Thursday of the month. Other business-to-business opportunities include the Northeast Georgia’s largest tradeshow, EXPO, which features 100 corporate displays plus in 2008 an invigorating seminar series.  In addition, the Women in Business Committee, the Young Professional Network, and the Minority Business Council offer programs geared to specific segments of the Chamber. The Women in Business Council and Heyward Allen Motor Company sponsor the ATHENA Award annually to recognize individuals who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishments, who excel in their chosen field, and who devote time and energy to their community.  The Chamber and Athens First Bank & Trust also sponsor a Spirit of Athens Award that recognizes a Chamber volunteer who makes a sacrifice of time,, shares one's talent toward improving our quality of life, motivates others, and enhances the integrity of the Athens community.

Chamber members are strong participants in the community, providing leadership as a co-convener for One Athens, formerly Partners for a Prosperous Athens, a coalition working to reduce the county’s poverty rate.  In addition, the Chamber has been heavily involved in workforce development, the designation for an entrepreneurial friendly city, economic development and water conservation. Future and present leaders of the community also benefit from the Chamber’s L.E.A.D. Athens program, formerly Leadership Athens.

Education is a strong focus of this Chamber.  The mentor program is one of the largest in the state, and the community, the University and Chamber membership didn’t hesitate to respond to the school district’s request for an additional 350 mentors during 2007-2008 school year and met that goal within a few months. This year, monthly orientation for new mentors has exceeded all previous records. Chamber members and their companies also provide support to Adopt-A-Class program that helps middle school students appreciate the value of an education.

The Athens Chamber offers many benefits to both the community and its members. Come join us!

One Phone Call Problem Solving

Chamber staff can usually provide quick referrals to help solve operational issues, cut through red tape, and provide critical (and confidential, if need be) information vital to your success.

Workforce Development and Education

AACC’s strong partnerships with local, regional and state training and staffing resources can make a difference when you need help. Working to improve the workforce through mentoring, Adopt-A-Class, Georgia Work Ready Certification and other programs.

Advocate for Business

We support the largest industries and small business as well.

Cost-Saving Services So Small Business Can Compete

With a Chamber membership every business can offer affordable health care, savings on telecommunications and payroll check services, and participate in innovative health promotion programs offered by our partners such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Delta Com and others.

Member-To-Member Discounts

Hundreds of AACC member businesses offer significant discounts on products and services.

Ongoing Chamber Support of Current and Future Economic Generators

Every key economic generator in our market area is a member of the Chamber. From the University of Georgia to global, world class companies such as Eaton, Merial, Noramco, CertainTeed and 24 others…..