Chamber Programs

Leadership Polk

A Program for Tomorrow’s Community Leaders

Program Overview
The program was begun in 2006 with a generous grant from the US Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to recruit and train potential community leaders and volunteers and give them a well-rounded perspective of the synergy between local leadership, government and economic development.  Leadership classes have generated change through education in other communities of similar size. Building future leadership capacity is the first step to facilitating that change. 

Leadership Polk is sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce, which actively solicits applications from all sectors of the community without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, and physical or mental disabilities.  Participants are selected on their own merits through an application process conducted by the Leadership Committee.  The committee is comprised of the facilitator, the previous Leadership Polk class president and the current Chamber president.

Leadership Polk hopes to provide tomorrow’s leaders with a practical and sophisticated understanding of major opportunities and challenges facing the Polk County area.  Its purpose is to facilitate access between emerging leaders and the current leadership of the community by improving the communication network and stimulating increased participation and commitment in the community.  Several sessions comprising a minimum of 40 hours of class time are scheduled to provide class members a better understanding of these purposes.  Leadership Polk is designed as a total experience in which class members attend an orientation lunch, a half- to full-day session once a month, an on-going class project and a graduation ceremony. 

Leadership Class Member Benefits

  • Personal contacts and networking with key people in the community
  • Vehicle to make a difference and demonstrate commitment
  • Class participation will enhance resume
  • Develop sense and knowledge of the community
  • Identification as a responsible volunteer

Three-Star Program

Polk County has participated in the Governors Three-Star program since 2005.

The Governor’s ThreeStar Program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD), is designed to help communities build a healthy and educated workforce supported by a strong and stable local government that provides security and safety and promotes county progress in the areas of economic development, responsible fiscal management, public safety, health and education.

To view our report card, visit http://www.tn.gov/ecd/threestar/Scorecards.html

Networking Opportunities

Shine the spotlight on your business by hosting a networking event, or just come introduce yourself! Networking with like-minded professionals builds connections, helps develop your personal brand and encourages new business opportunities. So why not have a great time doing it? Our networking events are the perfect opportunity for you to meet and greet new contacts in a fun way!

People do business with those they know, like and trust!

Don’t forget to bring business cards and/or brochures to share with other attendees! Networking events are FREE for members. We ask that you please RSVP so our hosts are prepared. Check the event calendar for locations and times of the next networking mixer.

Morning Mingle
Jump start your morning at a Morning Mingle. Hear from our Morning Mingle business host, showcase your organization and promote your products all before the coffee kicks in! Check out the events calendar or schedule a Morning Mingle.

Business After Hours
Showcase your business by hosting a Business After Hours. Business After Hours is the perfect event to generate exposure for your company and is ideal for promoting new locations and grand openings.

What’s in it for you?

  • Provides a way to develop new business contacts
  • Gather business ideas and network with fellow Chamber members
  • Allows for the perfect opportunity to show off a new business and gain valuable leads in a relaxed setting
  • Develop business relationships and sharpen your networking skills in an atmosphere that is new, fun and ever-changing

How it Works
Morning Mingle and Business After Hours events are hosted by various members around the community at a different location each month. The member company that hosts the event provides food, beverages, and entertainment for Chamber members and guests. Call the Chamber office at 423.338.5040 to schedule your networking event.

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings

Is your company planning a grand opening, ribbon cutting, groundbreaking, or other event? Are you aware that the Chamber can help?

As supporters of a pro-business environment, we are pleased to see thriving commerce in Polk County. We would like to help make this moment special and successful for you and your business.

For more information on scheduling a Ribbon Cutting or Groundbreaking, please contact us at 423.338.5040.

23.338.5040 to schedule your networking event.

Ribbon Tyings 

Businesses celebrating special events, anniversaries, new business expansion, retirement of key personnel – the Polk County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-tying.

Ribbon tyings will celebrate, commemorate, and promote your special events with newspaper and social media publication.