The Henry County Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the business climate and making our community the best place to live, work and play. Founded 40 years ago and accredited with four stars by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, your Chamber is a highly proactive and visible influence in Henry County and the entire South Metro Region.
The ultimate task of the Chamber is economic development. Not only do we work to bring new business into our rapidly growing county, we also strive to ensure our existing businesses thrive and that newcomers and visitors recognize what Henry County has to offer. As such, the Convention and Visitors Bureau operates under the umbrella of the Chamber.
The Henry County Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1967 when the decision to build Interstate 75 through Henry County was announced. Entrepreneurial citizens recognized the significant impact and opportunities provided by the construction of a major thoroughfare and took steps to ensure Henry County would be ready. From these visionaries, the Henry County Chamber of Commerce was born. The creation of the Henry County Development Authority and the Water and Sewerage Authority paralleled the development of the Chamber in preparation to provide vital support for the expected growth. Today the Chamber, these entities, and the city and county governments all work closely to continue to plan for future growth.
In the more than 40 years since the Chamber was formed, much has changed in Henry County, and in many cases as a direct result of the Chamber's efforts. Committees were formed to tackle a variety of issues and projects and over the years have been instrumental in the expansion of Henry Medical Center, approval of numerous Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendums and Henry County's designation as "Entrepreneurial Friendly."
In addition to being a public advocate, the Chamber has worked diligently to maintain and improve Henry County's quality of life. The Chamber has sponsored such programs as the Adopt-a-Road/Adopt-a-Highway program and the Leadership and Youth Leadership Henry Programs.
As a result of Henry County location and Atlanta Motor Speedway, a major national sports venue being housed in Henry County, tourism is significant to Henry County's economy. In the early 90s the Convention and Visitors Bureau was formed as a division of the Chamber and has grown into an active organization that works to attract tourists, particularly those traveling on Henry County's largest economic engine - Interstate 75.
Despite the Chamber's wide-spread involvement, its main focus has always, and will always be the development and promotion of Henry County businesses. The Chamber works to provide educational programs, networking opportunities and exposure for both small and large businesses throughout the county. The Chamber is extremely proud of what it has been able to offer its members and continues to look for new ways to provide added benefits.