DICKSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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or over 90 years, the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce has been working to develop economic opportunities, support community initiatives and promote Dickson County as a great place to live, work and visit. One of the Chamber’s key objectives is to attract new industries to the County. Working together with the Dickson County Industrial Development Board, the local utility companies, local and state governments and volunteers, the Chamber actively markets available properties and engages with prospective employers on a state, regional and national basis. Dickson County’s close proximity to Nashville, the 840 loop and Interstate 40—together with the natural beauty, great schools and quality of life—make it an ideal location for new industry, according to Chamber President and CEO David Hamilton. But that’s not their only focus. “As a staff, we are often the county’s ‘front door,’ serving as an information center for residents and visitors,” Hamilton said. “The Chamber handles an average of 450 calls each month from people seeking information on businesses, services or local events, and we mail out packages every week to people and companies considering relocating to or visiting Dickson County.” The Chamber also recruits through its Web site, www.dicksoncountychamber.com, which includes everything from vital statistics to event calendars to more in depth detail on Dickson County communities and landmarks. Most recently, the Chamber launched the “Buy Local” campaign, which is designed to encourage and educate residents on the importance of shopping within the county—they’ve sold more than 1,000 “Buy Local” tshirts to local businesses to help promote the campaign. On an ongoing basis, monthly coffees and luncheons are held to facilitate networking and keep members abreast of important local, state and federal issues. The Chamber also sponsors seminars to assist business owners with marketing, customer service, taxes, technology and other issues affecting their businesses. In 2012, the Chamber announced the inaugural Dickson Farm, Home and
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Pictured, from left, Chamber Board Member Dana Ramsey, Chamber President and CEO David Hamilton, Chamber Information Specialist Jennie Wagner and Chamber Tourism Director Rhonda Adams. CHRIS GADD/THE HERALD
“As a staff, we are often the county’s ‘front door,’ serving as an information center for residents and visitors.” DAVID HAMILTON
Chamber of Commerce CEO/president
Garden Show, held each March at the Dickson County Fairgrounds. The event promises to become a new County tradition, and an important fundraiser for the Chamber. Today, the Chamber comprises more than 400 members and a 15-member board of directors. Hamilton manages the office and staff, recruits new industry, assists current manufacturers and business people with various needs and oversees the Industrial Park. Tourism Director Rhonda Adams has increased tourism expenditures by 36 percent over the last decade, bringing more than $50 million in tourism dollars to the county. The Chamber’s efforts have increased the number of sports tournaments, attendance at festivals and other events, and brought new tour groups and conferences to the County. The Chamber promotes Dickson
County at trade shows, through targeted advertising and in magazines such as Bank Travel, Farm and Home, Tennessee Connections and the Tennessee Vacation Guide. Education Edge is an organization of educators, civic groups, parents, local government and business leaders dedicated to constantly improving local educational opportunities. Chamber Board Member Dana Ramsey leads a steering committee, made up of many alumni of Leadership Dickson County, in developing the goals and strategies for the program, which has been recognized as one of the top 10 programs in the nation by the Council for Corporate and School Partnerships. The Chamber also administers Leadership Dickson County, an intensive, ten-week program designed to develop a diverse network of leaders throughout the County, ensuring a broad understanding of the community’s assets, needs, and challenges, and nurturing an ever-growing group of advocates who work to support it. The Dickson County Chamber of Commerce is located at 119 Highway 70 East in Dickson, and is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dicksoncountychamber.com.
DICKSON FACT BOOK 2013