Anderson County

people of the community together informally, and there will be no program for the hour, or whatever time those attending wish to stay.” Coffees were held on the third Thursday of the month.

The 1980s brought about an incredible number of changes, new initiatives, and “firsts.” Membership stood at 159 in 1982. In 1984, the name of the organization was changed to the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce. Other highlights from this decade include the first annual Small Business Expo and the May Day celebration in 1983. Author Alex Haley spoke at the monthly coffee in April of the same year. In 1986, the Chamber and Melton Hill Regional Industrial Development Association (MHRIDA) moved into a joint suite in the First American Bank Building at 245 N. Main Street, Suite 200. Bernadette Highfill Renfro was appointed executive director in 1987 and was the first full time employee of the Chamber. The following year, the first annual Health Run, the first annual Anderson County Boat Show, and the first annual Golf Classic were all created. In 1989, Greta Stoutt was selected as the new President, and the chamber hosted the first annual Clinch River Softball Classic and the first annual Walleye Tournament. The new Leadership Anderson County program was announced. Charlie Daniels, editorial cartoonist for the Knoxville News Sentinel, spoke at the annual banquet.

The chamber’s Junior Leadership program was launched in 1991. This was the same year that Kathleen Delozier was hired as president of the chamber. The annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet began in 1993, and Brian Jenkins was appointed as president in 1994. The chamber had 235 members in 1998 and 360 members in 1999 when Jackie Nichols was named president.

1983 1990 2001

1980s brought about an incredible number of changes, new initiatives, and “firsts.” Membership stood at 159 in 1982. 1983 saw town leaders welcome a new Welcome to Clinton city limit sign. Anderson County entered the new millenium, it celebrated its bicentennial in 2001 with a celebration on Market Street, by the chamber. Hundreds attended to celebrate the county’s birthday.

The creation of Leadership Anderson County

As Anderson County entered the new millennium, it celebrated its bicentennial in 2001 with a celebration on Market Street, sponsored by the chamber. Hundreds attended to celebrate the county’s birthday. In response to the community, the chamber agreed to sponsor this as an annual event. What began as the Market and Main Street Festival became the incredible Clinch River Antiques Festival in 2004, undoubtedly one of the chamber’s and community’s favorite traditions. The years 2004-2005 brought more firsts: the “Let’s Do Business” Expo, Youth Leadership Anderson County, Women’s Holiday Expo, and the chamber newsletter.

Moving into yet another new decade, the chamber hosted the first Today’s Woman Expo in 2010. In 2012, the chamber started Anderson County’s Retail Development Initiative, hired a full-time membership director and a retail coordinator. Rick Meredith was selected as the chamber’s new president in 2015 and the following year of 2016 brought about the birth of even more programs: Dream It, Do It, Young Professionals and, through a joint effort with the Anderson County Economic Development Association (formerly MHRIDA), brought Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) to Anderson County. A beautiful black-tie gala was held in 2017 to celebrate the chamber’s 85th birthday.

As we begin a new year in 2022, we look back on not only on the 90 years of chamber history, but also the amazing 221-year history of our beloved community. A strong, resilient, solid foundation was laid for us long ago. Let us continue that tradition and carry the hopes and dreams of those that came before us.... onward and upward!

Summary by Joey Smith

2001 2017 2022

Anderson County entered the new millenium, it celebrated its bicentennial in 2001 with a celebration on Market Street, sponsored by the chamber. Hundreds attended to celebrate the county’s birthday. The Chamber celebrating its 85th birthday at Hoskins Drug Store and Soda Fountain

We begin a new year in 2022, we look back on not only on the 90 years of chamber history, but also the amazing 221-year history of our beloved community.