Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce: 75 Years of Advocacy and Growth

Courtesy of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024 in recognition of its existence as a community advocate organization since 1949. Seven years before, during World War II, Oak Ridge was established as a “Secret City” by the federal government and identified as a site to support the development of the atomic bomb. 

A Legacy of Advocacy: From Secret City to Self-Governance

Courtesy of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

In its early years, the Chamber helped fight for self-government and private property ownership for its new citizens. The Chamber primarily worked with federal legislators and the United States Atomic Energy Commission to eventually achieve those goals. 

“The Chamber was also at the forefront of shop-local campaigns, holding its first one in 1951 by spending $342 to market the area for Christmas shopping,” says Christine Michaels, Oak Ridge Chamber president and CEO. “A major constant through the years is that we have always supported shopping local.” 

Courtesy of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

Another notable Chamber achievement in its history was spearheading the rerouting of state Routes 62 and 95 through the city. The organization also has a reputation for backing many tourism promotion campaigns. 

“In addition, the Chamber helped create the Oak Ridge Rowing Association,” Michaels says. “Over the years, hosting various rowing events has been at the forefront of tourism promotion and economic development.” 

Courtesy of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

Supporting Local Businesses Then and Now

It wasn’t until 1966 when records of Chamber membership were kept digitally, and seven area companies that joined the Chamber that year are still members in 2024. That list includes Regions Bank, Howard Hildreth Insurance, Oak Ridge Schools, Oak Ridge Utility District, AT&T, and Joyce, Meredith, Flitcroft & Normand Title Service. 

The other original member is Rogers Group, the largest privately owned construction aggregate (graded stone, sand and gravel) company in the U.S. The company is headquartered in Nashville and has offices at several other locations, including a management office located in Knoxville. 

“The Chamber allows our company to get involved with as many programs as possible and be a real presence in the community,” says Josh Royer, a senior sales representative for Rogers Group. “It’s fun getting to network and know several people within the Chamber and what their businesses are all about.” 

Royer says he attends many Chamber breakfasts, luncheons, mixers, summits, ribbon cuttings and expos. Since becoming a board member in 2024, his involvement with the organization has expanded. 

“Christine Michaels is a great president who does a fine job of keeping all members in the loop and involved,” Royer says. “I’m happy to be on the board and happy to see what fun things the Chamber gets into.” 

Courtesy of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

Adapting To the Business Climate 

Today, Michaels says the Chamber is doing many of the same things today as it has always done, such as supporting small businesses, advocating for pro-business decisions in government, promoting members through marketing, and offering training programs to give members skills for success. 

“What has changed is the global environment in which business happens these days, with the advent of artificial intelligence and social media and the need to be mindful of including those in everything that the Chamber does,” she says. “We have also added new programming to serve our nonprofit members, and we have added an Industrial Council for our manufacturers, contractors and tech companies.” 

Looking to the future, the council aims to attract and retain industrial companies while continuing to enhance the region’s global competitiveness. The initiative includes representatives from Consolidated Nuclear Security, CoorsTek, Navarro Research and Engineering, Solomon IT, Tennessee Tool & Engineering, Rogers Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Tennessee Knoxville, United Cleanup Oak Ridge, and Energy Solutions. 

Courtesy of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

Celebrating 75 Years: A Year of Reflection and Progress

As for celebrating its momentous 75th, Michaels adds that the Chamber will incorporate glimpses of its past into everything it does in 2024. It started in January with a business awards ceremony titled “An ExtraORdinary Evening” — with the OR capitalized for Oak Ridge. It continued with the revival of the Chamber’s Golf Classic, held in May at Oak Ridge Country Club. All year, memorabilia from the Chamber’s 75 years is also on display at its offices and events.