The Townsend Chamber of Commerce is …

• 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. The Townsend Chamber of Commerce represents 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.

Townsend Chamber of Commerce
Townsend, Tennessee

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.

How Was the Chamber Established and How is it Operated?

The Townsend Chamber of Commerce was originally chartered through the efforts of a long-time promoter of Townsend’s business interests who, from his experience in marketing his own businesses, 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 performed these functions for the TCC membership as an independent, objective party, having no direct vested interest in any particular Townsend businesses, until May, 2015. At that time the Chamber became relatively inactive with ongoing responsibility assumed by a local community leader and long-time Townsend resident.

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, the Chamber’s operations are conducted via this web site and via electronic mail.