About the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce started in 1949 under the leadership of Jackson Square pharmacist, Carl Harmon. The organization of the business community was difficult due to the Korean conflict and the high demand of goods and services. Through the early years, the Chamber was instrumental in the fight for the private land ownership and self-government of Oak Ridge. Chamber committees and councils were established to unite the businesses and develop resources to build up the community, and has since grown to include over 500 members.


In 2024, we are proud to celebrate our 75th anniversary and the forefathers who had a vision for the Chamber to be “THE VOICE” of the Oak Ridge business community. A historical Chamber document from 1949 perfectly illustrates the main goal of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce to this day. “The operation of a progressive Chamber represents the efforts of individuals acting collectively to find answers to the problems which impede progress and to devise methods, plans and programs which contribute to the community’s growth and process.”

Learn More

Enjoy the Benefits of Membership

Membership in the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce offers numerous benefits to businesses and organizations. Firstly, members gain access to a wide network of local businesses, fostering valuable connections and opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, the Chamber provides various marketing and promotional avenues, such as listing in the online directory and inclusion in Chamber publications, increasing visibility and exposure.


Members can also participate in Chamber events, workshops, and seminars, which offer valuable educational and networking opportunities. The Chamber advocates for the interests of its members and provides a platform for voicing concerns and addressing local business issues. Furthermore, members receive access to important resources, including business development tools, economic data, and industry-specific information.


Overall, membership in the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce offers a range of benefits that contribute to business growth, visibility, and success in the local community.

Learn More

Join in on the Fun

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce organizes a diverse range of events throughout the year. These events serve various purposes, from promoting local businesses to fostering community engagement. Some notable events include the annual Business Expo and Christmas Parade, which bring together businesses, organizations, and community members in a festive celebration.


The Chamber also hosts monthly networking events, such as Small Business Networking and Coffee & Commerce, providing members with opportunities to connect and build relationships. Additionally, they organize educational workshops and seminars on topics relevant to businesses, including marketing strategies, leadership development, and workforce training. The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce presents a dynamic calendar of events that cater to the diverse interests and needs of every industry in the local community, most of which are free or low-cost for members!

Small Business Networking

April 6, 2024
Our in-person Small Business Networking is your chance to promote your business to about 25 other businesses in a round-robin introduction. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and information about your services! We gather in our Joyce Conference Room on the second Thursday of each month from 8-9AM. Attendees have the opportunity to present a 1-2 minute elevator speech, enjoy refreshments, hear from our sponsor and our featured business of the month, and enjoy open networking. In the end, it's all about the networking! Stay as long as you'd like and make new contacts while renewing old ones.

Coffee & Commerce

April 5, 2024
Coffee & Commerce is a brand-new networking event, to be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 8-9 AM at alternating host locations. This event is free and exclusive to Chamber members. Attendees can expect light breakfast, networking, and a short program mid-event. We’re excited to foster more opportunities that will: • Strengthen connections between members • Give the host a chance to showcase their business • Keep members informed with high-profile guest speaker briefings • Give a restaurant/caterer Chamber member a business opportunity Visit our website calendar to register and learn who our monthly speakers and hosts will be! If you are a Chamber member interested in hosting a Coffee & Commerce (with space to accommodate 30+ attendees), contact events@orcc.org . (LINK TO C&C GUIDELINES)

Business After Hours

April 5, 2024
Business After Hours is an informal quarterly networking event for business professionals to connect after work. We encourage our members to bring a guest, which can be a co-worker, client, or prospective Chamber member. Business After Hours is also a chance for the host location to showcase their business, services, and facilities to our Chamber community. Attendees can expect a word from the host, complementary refreshments, beverages, and a chance to win door prizes! You’ll want to make sure to bring plenty of business cards! Visit our website calendar to RSVP! Recent hosts have included the American Museum of Science & Energy, The Backyard, Holiday Inn Express, and Calhoun’s of Oak Ridge! If you are a Chamber member interested in hosting a Business After Hours (with space to accommodate 30+ attendees), contact events@orcc.org.

Oak Ridge Human Resource Alliance

April 5, 2024
The Oak Ridge Human Resource Association, a separate nonprofit organization, has been merged into the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce and is re-forming as the Oak Ridge Human Resource Alliance. The new Alliance is led by a steering committee who are HR practitioners or closely associated with the same. This group will guide the programming of meetings and events, under the leadership of its new chairman, Angelia Myers with Express Employment Professionals. The annual membership of $40 will be continued, with funds being used to offset program costs and special projects. The hybrid lunch meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, at the Chamber (1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike) or online via Zoom and will run from 11:30 AM to 1PM. There is a free in-person and free virtual option for registrants, but guests can choose to pay $15 for lunch to be included. Visit our website calendar to register and learn about monthly speakers and topics! Meeting sponsorships are also available at $75 per meeting. (LINK TO SPONSOR) (LINK TO REQUEST TO BE A GUEST SPEAKER)

Member Mimosa Monday & Orientation

April 4, 2024
We offer a quarterly opportunity to learn how to maximize your membership and hear more about our Chamber's current initiatives. During this event, you will meet our staff, briefly network with other members, learn about ways you can get involved, and see exactly how the chamber can help your business grow! This is ideal for new Chamber members, new employees of an existing Chamber member, or anyone who just needs a refresher on what's included in your membership. For a fun element, we offer mimosas and do a toast to your membership! 2024 Member Orientations : Dates and locations are to be determined, but the time frame will be 3:30-5PM. Visit our website calendar to RSVP!

Nonprofit Roundtables

April 4, 2024
The growing Nonprofit sector faces different challenges than for-profit businesses and we want to engage and support our nonprofit members and their staffs. We have recently developed a Nonprofit Council of local nonprofit executives that will guide our nonprofit initiatives moving forward. The first event series they’ve developed are Nonprofit Roundtables, to be held on a quarterly basis from 11:30-1PM at the Chamber. These roundtables will include catered lunch, a training component on trending nonprofit topics, and will ultimately foster connections among nonprofits in our community. This is a great chance for nonprofits to share brochures, business cards, upcoming events, current needs, and other pertinent information with those in attendance. Visit our website calendar to register and learn about quarterly speakers and topics!

2024 Golf Classic

April 3, 2024
In celebration of our 75 th anniversary, we are bringing back a fun team-building event intended to get everyone beyond the confines of the office environment. Members can enjoy quality networking time, make memories, and foster comradery with a round of competitive golf at our Chamber’s Golf Classic on May 20. To add to the experience, we’ll have celebrity guest and former football player Lee Smith joining us! (ADD LEE SMITH HEADSHOT AND SPONSOR LOGOS) Save the date and get your teams ready! Sponsorship opportunities are now available, and registration will be open by the end of January. (INSERT SPONSORSHIP FORM) Visit our website calendar to register for our event!

Oak Ridge Periodic Tables

January 3, 2024
 Visit our website calendar to register and learn about quarterly speakers and topics!

2024 Christmas Parade

January 2, 2024
The Oak Ridge Chamber is proud to organize the City’s annual Christmas Parade, with the help of many City departments and volunteers. The event has grown each year, and now has more than 100 parade entries – everything from music, faith-based, youth groups, dance, animals, and business floats, many of which decorate in theme and/or to compete for one of the awards below. The 2024 Christmas Parade’s theme is “Home for the Holidays.” Although it’s not mandatory, you may use this theme to tell the story of your old home or your new home in Oak Ridge! Best part of all, parade entry is free! The Oak Ridge Christmas Parade is always held on the second Saturday of December, beginning at 6PM, along the Oak Ridge Turnpike. This year’s parade date is December 14, 2024.

2024 Oak Ridge Housing Tour

January 2, 2024
The Oak Ridge Housing Tour is hosted by our Chamber’s Housing Committee to educate attendees on the housing options available, in addition to key attractions and resources that appeal to new residents. This event is ideal for human resource professionals, those involved in hiring new talent and/or relocation for local employers, and real estate agents. We want Oak Ridge to be the first choice for recommendation and consideration! This free tour includes catered breakfast at the Chamber, a guided motorcoach tour of many housing options in the City, and a lunch presentation with several special guests. Participants will have the opportunity to tour and hear from representatives of sponsoring apartment complexes and residential developments featured on the drive. Participants will also receive a bag containing literature and various promotional materials from sponsors and real estate agents. The 2024 Oak Ridge Housing Tour is scheduled for Friday, June 21 from 8 AM – 1PM. Space is limited! Visit our website calendar to register for our event!
Show More

Building Something Better

A large building under construction with cranes and scaffolding in Oak Ridge, TN.
a group of people raising their hands in front of a projector screen that says getting started
A small business owner is typing on a laptop while holding a cell phone.
A group of volunteers hugging each other in a huddle after a work day.
a row of voting booths with the word vote on them
a woman in a blue jacket is leading a Leadership Oak Ridge class tour.

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of businesses and individuals in the community through a wide range of initiatives and programs. With a strong focus on economic development, the Chamber actively supports local businesses by providing resources, guidance, and networking opportunities that foster growth and success. Learn how we do it.

Learn More

We're Here When You Need Us

We’d love to hear from you. Call us now at (865) 483-1321 or send a message using the form below we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Share by: