About the Chamber

The mission of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce is to "create an environment for healthy economic growth and provide superior value for its members". It is an organization that plays a pivotal role in building communication between business leaders who work to improve their community and the area's business climate. The effectiveness of the Chamber is entirely dependent on member support and involvement. A professional staff of nine runs the day-to-day operations.

As a membership organization comprised of over 850 businesses and professional firms, the Anderson Area Chamber is the largest business and professional association in Anderson County. It is the cornerstone for communication, dialogue, and collaboration between the leaders in both public and private sectors. As such, the Chamber shares with pride the task of bringing people to Anderson County and helping them work together and grow. Of its total membership, 87% represents small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. The Chamber is a private organization funded by dues paid by member businesses.

In 2003, the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce was honored with a Five-Star Accreditation award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This accreditation signifies that the Anderson Area Chamber is maintaining its operations at the highest level of accountability in areas of governance, finance, human resources and staff, government affairs, program development, communication, technology, and facilities.

The Chamber strengthens the community by identifying needs, problems and opportunities. It then develops programs to solve those problems and satisfy the needs. Committees of member volunteers help the Chamber implement and achieve its goals through the Annual Business Plan. Each year, the Chamber reviews the Business Plan as part of its annual strategic planning process, as well as celebrates its accomplishments for the previous year.

As an information resource to newcomers and visitors, the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the "face" or "front door" of the community, reaching out nationally and worldwide to share the things that make Anderson special. Each year over 3,000 people visit or call the Chamber to receive information about Anderson and its housing, lodging, community activities, demographics, maps, community contacts, licenses, taxations and area attractions.