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The Townsend Chamber of Commerce Townsend, Tennessee Chartered 1992 |
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The Townsend Chamber of Commerce Townsend, Tennessee Chartered 1992 |
The Townsend Chamber of Commerce is ...
Townsend Chamber of Commerce Services
- focused on the Townsend, Tennessee area ... and nothing else;
- Internet oriented ... to reach people wherever they live;
- service oriented ... providing information for visitors and potential residents.
Townsend is a destination for those who come primarily to enjoy the natural beauty and grandeur of the mountains, streams, wildlife, and forests, and history of the Smokies region. The areas around most of the other entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have become heavily commercialized - with entertainment, shows, and other tourist attractions that could exist anywhere. For those who are looking for a restful solace away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, Townsend is the Smokies destination of choice. Members of the Townsend Chamber of Commerce operate the businesses that provide the necessary accommodations, products and services to make our visitors' stay comfortable and enjoyable.
There are numerous organizations and web sites touting businesses and activities throughout the Great Smoky Mountains region. Our purpose is to provide information focused on the Townsend region - not for the rest of the Smokies area.
People in East Tennessee who visit the Smokies are quite aware of Townsend - and often make it their portal for visits to the National Park. But many of the visitors to the Smokies come from all over the USA - and from other countries, and may not be as aware of this "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" TM. We know that, in the Internet age, potential visitors expect to find much of the information they need on-line. The Townsend Chamber, through this web site, provides a focal point for information about the Townsend area and about services and products available through businesses and organizations that are Chamber members.
Our Business Directory strives to list all of the businesses serving Townsend. For those who are Chamber members, the listing in the directory is a link to a web page or to a complete web site for that business. Through these links, plus the information on this web site, we hope that you will find the information that you need in order to plan and make arrangements for your visit.
Information for Potential Chamber Members
Why Join the Townsend Chamber of Commerce?
Many of the businesses serving Townsend have long been members of one or more of the organizations comprising the Blount County Partnership. The interests of the Blount Partnership are very broad - covering topics as diverse as industrial development and tourism. It serves members ranging from very small family businesses to corporate giants like Denso and Alcoa. It is concerned with issues ranging from back country trails to a large regional airport. In contrast, the Townsend Chamber of Commerce is very focused on the Townsend area. The organizations may be complimentary - but, if you do business in Townsend, potential visitors and potential residents are far more likely to find you through this web site.
How Was the Chamber Established and How is it Operated?
The Townsend Chamber of Commerce was originally chartered through the efforts of R.G. Heinsohn, Jr., former Townsend resident and owner of White Oak Realty and a long-time promoter of Townsend's business interests. From his experience in marketing his own businesses, Mr. Heinsohn recognized the potential opportunity for Townsend businesses to utilize the Internet in a cooperative effort to publicize Townsend and Townsend businesses in a way that had never been done effectively before. The Chamber was chartered as an independent entity for that purpose. After a kick-off meeting of Townsend business owners to organize this cooperative venture in February, 2001, administration and management of the Chamber was transferred to Internet Business Images, LLC. IBI performs these functions for the TCC membership as an independent, objective party - having no direct vested interest in any particular Townsend businesses.
The Chamber was originally chartered in 1992 - and the charter was renewed and updated in 2000. It is intended to be a "virtual" chamber - one with little in the way of physical assets, but with a lot to offer in terms of information assets regarding the Townsend area and Townsend businesses. By providing an on-line focal point for such information it serves both the needs of visitors and the interests of the businesses that provide products and services for visitors to Townsend. Since it is primarily an on-line entity, most of the Chamber's operations are conducted via this web site and via electronic mail. The web site and related communications, as well as TCC administration, are handled for the Chamber by Internet Business Images, LLC.
How do I Join the Townsend Chamber?
To be a member, you must have an active business presence in Townsend. Potential TCC members should send a message to tcc@townsendchamber.org. You will receive more information regarding becoming a TCC member via e.mail.
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Townsend Chamber of Commerce Townsend, Tennessee |
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