Athens Area
Chamber of Commerce

Applications for LEAD Athens 2020 are now live!

LEAD Athens is an intense year-long program of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce designed to develop effective leaders committed to building a vibrant community. The vision of LEAD Athens is to be the premier program inspiring leaders to exceed both their individual and collective potential.

Apply for LEAD Athens 2020

Did You Know?

Athens is home to 4 different colleges, including the University of Georgia.

55% Increase in Business Licenses over the past five years

“Best Places to Retire 2018” (four consecutive years), Forbes, April 23, 2018

14% of Athens’ labor force is employed in Manufacturing

“Top places to go in USA and Canada in 2020," Fodor, November 2019

Serving Our Members & Community

Since 1904, we have served our members and the community by fostering relationships and strengthening the ties that have secured Athens’ position as the hub of northeast Georgia.

The Chamber has become the regional leader on issues vital to a thriving business community and works hard to support other organizations dedicated to making Athens, GA the best place to live.

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Testimonials

Avid Bookshop

“We love being able to interact with people whose paths we might not have crossed were it not for the Chamber gatherings.”

-Janet Geddis, Owner/Founder of Avid Bookshop, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Small Business of the Year

Terrapin Beer Co

“The Chamber does a great job of connecting people so businesses like ours are more aware of opportunities within the city to connect and serve. I cannot think of another organization that represents our community as a whole and speaks closer to the Athens vernacular.”

-Terrapin BeerCo.

Java Joy

“Being a Chamber member has allowed us to foster many relationships throughout the community that have turned into bookings for our business, which has allowed us to create more jobs for adults with disabilities.”

-Laura Graben, Java Joy

Primrose Schools

Not only is it FUN being a member, but we’ve also seen the impact in working with others in our area who share the same passion for our community and making it such a great place. The Chamber is the perfect connectivity between industry, education, non-profit, and so many other wonderful organizations that serve the Athens community.”

-Will Beasley, Primrose School of Athens

Books for Keeps

“Being part of the Athens Area Chamber as a nonprofit gives us the critical opportunity to put our brand in front of the Athens business community and engage more deeply in shaping our community for the better. It takes an effort across many sectors to build the community into the best version of itself for people to work, live, play, and do business.”

-Leslie Hale, Books for Keeps