Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce

What Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce does

The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce (legal name: Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce) is a 501(c)(6) regional business association founded in 1887 and headquartered at 811 Broad Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It serves approximately 1,775 member businesses across the Chattanooga metropolitan area, Hamilton County, and Southeast Tennessee through tiered annual memberships ranging from $450 (1–5 employees) to $10,000 (Chair's Circle), with Premier ($1,500), Executive Circle ($5,000), and Chair's Circle tiers offering enhanced visibility, peer networking, and public-policy access. The Chamber's core programs include Leadership Chattanooga (a premier civic-leadership program operating since 1984), Protégé Chattanooga and Young Professionals of Chattanooga (YPC) for emerging leaders, the INCubator entrepreneurial program supporting 70+ startups (with over $70 million in client economic impact), and nine geographic councils plus the International Business Council for hyper-local engagement.

The Chamber operates as a hybrid event- and community-led organization, running more than 200 events annually that draw approximately 5,000 attendees, and channels revenue through event sponsorships, program fees, ribbon-cutting services, and member-benefit discounts. Economic development work is delivered through the separately chartered Chattanooga Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity established in 1969 and funded through a 60% private / 40% public partnership branded "Chattanooga CAN DO: Building Tomorrow Today." Strategic priorities are organized under the Chattanooga Climbs Higher ten-year plan (2019–2029) and the cross-sector Chattanooga 2.0 cradle-to-career partnership, with named partners including the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County Government, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga State Community College, EPB, the Tennessee Valley Authority, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Volkswagen Group of America, and the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga.

The Chamber has accumulated multiple third-party validations — 5-Star U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accreditation (held by fewer than 2% of U.S. chambers), the 2017 Chamber of the Year award, and national recognition for recruitment and marketing — alongside quantifiable outcomes such as nearly 30,000 new jobs and $7 billion in capital investment over two decades, $1 billion in FY 2024-25 capital investment, 742 new jobs at a $63,973 average wage in that single year, and $1 million in new revenue for minority- and women-owned businesses through its Business Literacy Series. Diversity and inclusion programs (Diversify Summit, CEO Pledge for Racial Equity, Procurement Pilot, Business Literacy Series) sit alongside the economic-development engine as a second strategic pillar. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and operates with 11–50 staff under President & CEO Charles Wood.

Name

Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce

Legal name

Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

Website

https://chattanoogachamber.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1887

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) regional business association serving 1,775 member businesses in the Chattanooga metropolitan area through tiered memberships, leadership and entrepreneurial programs, 200+ annual events, and economic development services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Association and Economic Development Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

Keywords

• Business association services
• Regional economic development
• Business membership networking
• Leadership development programs
• Entrepreneurial incubation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The Chamber generates revenue through tiered membership dues based on business size, ranging from $450 for 1-5 employees to $1,000 for 51+ employees, with Premier ($1,500), Executive Circle ($5,000), and Chair's Circle ($10,000) tiers offering enhanced benefits and recognition.
2. Events and Sponsorships: The Chamber hosts over 200 events annually including networking events, signature events, council meetings, and leadership programs. Revenue is generated through event fees, ticket sales, and corporate sponsorships at various investment levels.
3. Program Fees: Revenue from leadership development programs (Leadership Chattanooga, Protégé), entrepreneurial programs (INCubator), and professional development offerings. Also includes fees for ribbon cutting ceremonies at Gold ($500), Silver ($400), and Bronze ($150) levels.
4. Chattanooga Chamber Foundation Public-Private Partnership: The Foundation is funded through a public-private partnership called 'Chattanooga CAN DO: Building Tomorrow Today' with 60% private funding to 40% public funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce is a regional business association that sells tiered membership subscriptions to local businesses, enterprises, and organizations, providing networking, advocacy, marketing visibility, and economic development services. It also delivers paid events and sponsorship programs, leadership and professional development programs (Leadership Chattanooga, Protégé, YPC), and entrepreneurial support through the INCubator and INC Connect facilities, generating revenue through membership dues, event sponsorships, program fees, and public-private partnership funding.

Product overview

The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce operates as a business association delivering member services through a portfolio of interconnected programs and services. The core offerings include leadership development programs (Leadership Chattanooga, Protégé Chattanooga), young professional engagement (YPC), and entrepreneurial support (INCubator and INC Connect co-working space). The Chamber provides business networking via 9 geographic councils, signature events, ribbon cutting services, and the Chattanooga Trend publication. Economic inclusion initiatives include the Business Literacy Series, Diversify Summit, CEO Pledge for Racial Equity, and Procurement Pilot. Strategic planning is anchored by Chattanooga Climbs Higher (2019-2029) and Chattanooga 2.0 cradle-to-career partnership. Additional services encompass public policy advocacy, existing business support, site selection, workforce development, and a searchable member directory serving approximately 1,775 members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Chattanooga Chamber Foundation: 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation delivering economic, community, and leadership development services
• Young Professionals of Chattanooga (YPC)
• Diversify
• INCubator
• Leadership Chattanooga
• Protégé Chattanooga
• Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association (LCAA)
• CEO Pledge for Racial Equity
• Procurement Pilot
• Chattanooga 2.0
• Chattanooga Climbs Higher
• Chattanooga Trend

Products and services

• Leadership Chattanooga Premier leadership development and civic-engagement program for established professionals in the greater-Chattanooga region, cultivating nearly 1,900 civic, nonprofit and business leaders since 1984 through experiential learning, community service projects, and access to top community leaders.
• Protégé Chattanooga Immersive, team-based mentoring program for early-to-mid career professionals offered by Young Professionals of Chattanooga, connecting emerging leaders with local executives through eight distinct monthly mentor sessions.
• Young Professionals of Chattanooga (YPC) Connects and supports emerging leaders ages 21-40 through opportunities to build relationships, grow professionally, and make a lasting impact on the community via social, professional, and volunteer experiences.
• INCubator Chattanooga's premier business development hub providing office and manufacturing spaces for small, highly scalable, and growth-oriented businesses, offering a comprehensive 3-year program with training rooms, networking, monthly programming, and industry mentorship.
• INC Connect Chattanooga's first co-working manufacturing space designed for early-stage entrepreneurs building physical products who aren't ready for full-scale commercial space, offering prototype development and MVP refinement support.
• Business Literacy Series Nine-month educational initiative designed to empower minority- and women-owned businesses through education and connection to resources, having helped generate nearly $1 million in new revenue for participants.
• Area Councils (Geographic and Sector-based Councils) Nine geographic and sector-based councils (City Center, East Brainerd, East Ridge, Enterprise Gateway, Hixson/North Hamilton, MidTown, Northside Business, Ooltewah/Collegedale, and International Business) providing networking, local issue discussions, and civic engagement opportunities.
• Ribbon Cutting Services Business celebration services with Gold ($500), Silver ($400), and Bronze ($150) packages offering media promotion, framed proclamations, social media coverage, and Chamber representative presence for grand openings and anniversaries.
• Chattanooga Trend Online and print magazine featuring regional business and economic development news, advice for working smarter, and Chamber updates.
• Diversify Summit Chamber's signature DEI event highlighting culturally diverse businesses and best practices for growing diversity, equity and inclusion across the region.
• Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association (LCAA) Alumni association supporting Leadership Chattanooga graduates with ongoing professional development and networking.
• Tiered Business Memberships Tiered annual membership subscriptions for businesses ranging from $450 (1-5 employees) to $1,000 (51+ employees), with Premier ($1,500), Executive Circle ($5,000), and Chair's Circle ($10,000) tiers offering enhanced benefits, recognition, and access to Chamber leadership and public policy initiatives.
• Signature Events (Annual Meeting & Sponsorship) Multiple signature events including Annual Meeting with sponsorship opportunities at various investment levels for businesses to engage with the regional business community.
• Online Business Member Directory Searchable business directory on the Chamber website with approximately 20,000 monthly visitors, providing visibility and promotion for member businesses.
• Business Events Calendar & Networking Over 200 events annually including councils, networking opportunities, and signature events connecting members with fellow businesses, officials, and the broader community.
• Chattanooga Calling (Career & Talent Platform) Career opportunities platform highlighting Chattanooga as the best city in the Southeast, featuring unique communities from downtown districts to scenic rural landscapes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 30,000 new jobs and $7 billion in capital investment over two decades
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• University of Tennessee at ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey educational partner collaborating on workforce development, talent pipeline initiatives, and economic development strategies. UTC serves on the Chattanooga Climbs Steering Committee and participates in Leadership Chattanooga programs.
• Chattanooga State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey workforce development partner providing training programs and educational pathways. Rebecca Ashford serves as Board Chair of the Chamber. Partners on apprenticeship programs and skilled workforce preparation.
• Hamilton County Department of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical partner for workforce development and talent pipeline initiatives. HCDE participates in Chattanooga 2.0 cradle-to-career partnership and provides educational alignment for business needs.
• City of ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey government partner in economic development initiatives. Mayor Tim Kelly serves on Chamber Board. Partners on Chattanooga Climbs Higher strategy and public policy advocacy.
• Hamilton County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey government partner. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp serves on Chamber Board. County co-invests in Chattanooga Climbs Higher initiative through public-private funding.
• Chattanooga 2.0 (Cradle-to-Career Partnership)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCross-sector partnership led by Chamber to ensure every student has resources and support from birth to career. Executive Director Sonia Stewart leads the initiative housed at the Chamber.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional economic development partner identifying strategic sites for future development. TVA collaborates on workforce development and economic growth initiatives.
• River City CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDowntown development partner working on urban revitalization and economic growth initiatives. Kim White serves on Chattanooga Climbs Steering Committee.
• Co.Lab (The Company Lab)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit startup accelerator partnership supporting entrepreneurial growth. Co.Lab collaborated on business resiliency program and SXSW Chattanooga activation reaching 4,000 visitors.
• EPBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor community partner and Tier 1 investor in Chattanooga Climbs. EPB provides fiber optic infrastructure and partnered with Chamber on SXSW activation showcasing Gig City innovation.
• Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides business development support and resources for INCubator clients and entrepreneurs. TSBDC offers training and consulting for early-stage businesses.
• Proof IncubatorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood and beverage ecosystem support partner. On-site partners Kaleena Goldsworthy and Mike Robinson support INC Connect co-working manufacturing space.
• Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology sector partnership connecting tech-related and tech-enabled businesses. ChaTech connects innovation community with Chamber programs and economic development.
• Urban League of Greater ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiversity and inclusion partner supporting economic equity initiatives. Reggie Smith serves on Chamber Board. Partners on Procurement Pilot and DBE support programs.
• Public Education FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation reform partner supporting workforce development and talent pipeline initiatives. Daniel Challener serves as Advisory Director on Chamber Board.
• Tennessee AquariummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTourism and quality of life partner. Andrew Wood serves as Advisory Director. The Aquarium is a Signature Event Sponsor and Tier 6 Chattanooga Climbs investor.
• Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors BureaumajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTourism development partner supporting regional economic growth. Barry White serves on Chattanooga Climbs Steering Committee.
• Southeast Tennessee Development District (SETD)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional development partner providing small business funding and economic development support. Serves on Chattanooga Climbs Steering Committee.
• United Way of Greater ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit community partner collaborating on social services and workforce initiatives.erran Anderson from United Way serves as Past President of LCAA Board.
• Tennessee Association of ManufacturersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing sector advocacy and workforce development partner supporting industrial growth initiatives.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce: Tennessee-based regional chamber of comparable scale and economic-development focus. Operates a similar mix of membership dues, leadership programs, policy advocacy, and signature events, and competes for the same set of enterprise members and event sponsors across the state.
• Greater Memphis Chamber: Regional 501(c)(6) chamber running tiered membership, councils, and economic development for the Memphis metro. Closely comparable structure (membership dues, events, EDO function) with similar scale of corporate sponsor engagement.
• Knoxville Chamber: Tennessee regional chamber with comparable member tiers, leadership programs (Leadership Knoxville), economic development mandate, and event-driven engagement model serving a mid-sized metro.
• Charlotte Regional Business Alliance: Mid-sized regional business association formed via chamber/economic-development merger. Comparable hybrid model combining membership, EDO, and talent/workforce programming with enterprise sponsor base.
• Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber: Large regional chamber with a similarly diversified program portfolio — leadership programs, small-business support, DEI initiatives, talent pipeline, and policy advocacy — serving a mid-sized metro economy.
• Greenville Chamber: Mid-sized southern regional chamber with a comparable structure (tiered membership, economic development, leadership programs, DEI initiatives) and similar brand-led positioning in a comparable-sized metro.
• Birmingham Business Alliance: Regional chamber/economic development hybrid with similar membership tiers, leadership programming, and enterprise sponsor relationships in a comparable mid-sized southeastern metro.

Regional players

• Huntsville/Madison County Chamber: Chamber serving a fast-growing southeastern metro; overlaps in tiered membership, EDO function, and event-driven GTM but operates in a different geography with a heavier defense/aerospace industry skew.

Broad incumbents

• Metro Atlanta Chamber: Much larger regional chamber/economic development organization. Broader portfolio, deeper corporate relationships, and stronger talent attraction resources, but a similar membership-plus-economic-development business model.
• Greater Houston Partnership: Large regional chamber/economic development hybrid with a similar public-private model and enterprise sponsor base. Operates at a materially larger scale but is the most comparable 'chamber-as-EDO' archetype in the U.S.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CHAchamber
• Facebookfacebook.com/CHAchamber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chattanooga-area-chamber-of-commerce
• Instagraminstagram.com/chachamber

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce