Premier Partners

Premier Partners are the area's leading businesses. These fine corporate citizens make a vital commitment to the economic development of the region through their enhanced investment in the Chamber. They also serve as key advisors, enjoy additional benefits and maintain a close link to the organization.

Premier Partner contributions are focused on funding the Chamber's economic development activities. These funds are used to actively recruit new companies to the area, to nurture entrepreneurs and their new businesses and to assist existing businesses grow here at home.

In 2005-06, Premier Partners contributed to the Chamber's tremendous economic development successes. Those include helping thirty-six existing companies expand facilities -- resulting in a total of 648 new jobs and $95.5 million in capital investments. The Chamber's economic development professionals also attracted three new industrial projects, which represented over 600 jobs and $50 million in industrial capital investment.

Premier Partners also receive some exclusive Chamber benefits. These include invitations to economic development groundbreakings and events and small group meetings with business and community leaders.

Premier Partners learn about economic development happenings early and are able to have first contacts with companies coming to Knoxville. These contacts often lead to long-term business relationships that are beneficial to both the new company and the Premier Partner. In addition, Premier Partners also get to see fruits of our economic development efforts firsthand.

Exclusive, small group meetings are a fantastic way to interact with other top business leaders and to receive briefings straight from community newsmakers. Each year, the Chamber organizes six to eight Premier Partner exclusive events. In the past these have featured Coach Philip Fulmer, Coach Bruce Pearl, Mayor Bill Haslam, Mayor Mike Ragsdale, and many others. The meetings are prime opportunities to discuss the issues that shape our region and the future of our business community.

Click here for a complete list of Premier Partner benefits, or call Michelle Kiely at 637-4550 for more information on the becoming a Premier Partner.