Like other small, non-profit organizations, the Chamber manages to accomplish so much on behalf of the community through the generous and able efforts of an army of volunteers.

Volunteers range from the minister who offers the invocation at our luncheon meetings to the CEO who serves as chair of our board of directors to the ambassadors who applaud new enterprises at grand opening festivities.

The fundamental structure of our Chamber volunteers is 11 area councils, composed of businesses in the same geographic region, who hold monthly meetings to network, hear talks from business leaders and engage in community projects.

Especially in recent years, these councils have become essential to the work of the Chamber as they encourage business growth in their communities, address issues that affect their business climate and recruit new members for the Chamber.

In 2003 the Chamber developed a plan that would furnish more staff support to the councils and at the same time make them more businesslike in their operations. Councils now gain certification by developing a business plan and annual budget, building membership in the Chamber and promoting the Chamber’s programs.

Two years ago council referrals accounted for 35% of the new companies that joined the Chamber. Today, the councils are the first point of contact for 60% of the companies that become new member-investors.

A summary of council accomplishments reveals how the achievements correspond with the Chamber’s goals.

The North Chattanooga Council has mobilized businesses on Frazier Avenue to sustain commercial vitality despite the closure of the Market Street Bridge and other construction projects in the area.

The Brainerd/East Brainerd Council has raised $62,000 for Junior Achievement with an annual arts and crafts auction. Through JA students learn how business works, and JA’s hands-on experiences help many young people identify a career path.

At the same time, the Eastgate/Ridgeside Council has, in only two years, contributed $10,000 to the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization that helps prepare at-risk youth for useful, productive lives. The council is also committed to promoting commercial development along the Brainerd Road corridor and attracting a mix of enterprises to complement existing businesses.

In a year’s time, thousands of Chamber volunteers devote their efforts to realizing our community’s shared vision of achieving greater prosperity. The councils provide the core of the volunteer commitment that allows an organization as small as the Chamber to effectively take on a mission as big as helping to grow our local economy.