Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

⏰ Happening Tomorrow!

Stay informed on the issues and policies impacting Tennessee's business community during our June Government Affairs program featuring Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Josh Brown.

From legislative priorities to statewide economic trends, Josh will provide valuable insights into what's happening in Nashville and what it could mean for employers, industries, and communities across Tennessee.

A special thank you to our session sponsor, Oklo Inc., for supporting this program.

📅 June 16
📍 Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce
🔗 Registration is requested: https://app.asforms.net/api/as/3851d

By Shakeira

✂️🎉 Another Ribbon Cutting is on the Horizon! 🎉✂️

Join us this Thursday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to noon as we celebrate new member, Club Car Wash, with a belated ribbon-cutting ceremony! While they officially opened their doors on June 4, we’re excited to officially celebrate and welcome them to the community.

📍 330 South Illinois Avenue
🗓️ Thursday, June 18
⏰ 11 a.m. – Noon (ceremony to begin shortly ~11:30 a.m.)

Come out and show your support! 🚗✨

🏡 As Oak Ridge continues to grow, housing remains one of the most important factors in attracting and retaining a strong workforce.

🚌 Our annual Housing Tour offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand how new residential developments, redevelopment projects, and future housing plans are helping meet the needs of current and future residents. Along the way, participants will hear from community leaders, developers, and planning professionals about the opportunities and challenges shaping our local housing landscape.

📈 Whether you're involved in talent recruitment, employee relocation, economic development, or real, this tour provides valuable insight into one of the region's most important quality-of-life and workforce issues.

👏 Special thanks to our sponsors who help make this program possible:
🏆 Presenting Sponsor: The Preserve
🍽️ Lunch Sponsor: Methodist Medical Center
🏡 Supporting Sponsors: Main Street Lofts, Bristol Park, and Poplar Creek by Right Time Homes

✨ Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available, and several more sponsors will be announced soon! If you'd like to showcase your development, organization, or services to this audience, reach out to [email protected] to secure your spot and promotional exposure before opportunities are filled.

📍 Seats are limited and advance registration is required:
🔗 Reserve your spot today: https://app.asforms.net/api/as/y327o3

What a great morning at this month’s Small Business Networking yesterday! ☕🤝

A big thank you to our sponsor, Sam The Concrete Man Knoxville, for helping us treat guests to a delicious breakfast spread from Shoney's Oak Ridge and for the thoughtful homemade cinnamon rolls and gift bags!

It was wonderful to see both new and familiar faces around the table, making connections and growing our business community together.

Thanks to everyone who joined us — we look forward to seeing you on the 2nd Thursday next month!

Leadership Oak Ridge applications are now LIVE! 🎉

Ready to grow your leadership skills, expand your network, and deepen your connection to our community? This is your sign to apply for what just might be the best class ever.

Applications for the Class of 2027 (begins in Aug. 2026) are open now through July 31st. Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/261376110078150

Chamber Millennium Partners receive exclusive discounted tuition at varying rates based on membership level and invoices will be sent separately in August following application submission and acceptance.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the — apply today!

Last Thursday, we held another great program in our Ask the Experts series!

We were grateful to welcome Chamber Board Member and our Workforce Committee Co-Chair Tim Waldo, Workforce Consultant for University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, who led an insightful discussion on The Hidden Impacts of AI on People Development Systems. With a full room and strong engagement from attendees, the conversation sparked thoughtful dialogue around how AI is shaping the workplace and workforce development.

The discussion doesn’t stop there!

Save the date for our next Ask the Experts on August 4, featuring Tech 4 All Tennessee as they lead a conversation on Rooted in the Age of AI: How Grounded Leaders Outperform When Everything Keeps Changing — exploring how small business leaders can stay adaptable, grounded, and ready in an ever-evolving landscape.

As a reminder, Ask the Experts will now take the place of our former ORHRA program and dates, allowing us to expand into a broader range of topics and audiences while still bringing valuable workforce and training-related conversations to our business community.

☕🌿 Small Business Brews & Issues – June Edition 🌿☕

Join us for June’s Small Business Brews & Issues, a casual, small-group conversation designed to connect, collaborate, and tackle topics impacting today’s workplace.

📍 Hosted at Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping
🗓️ Thursday, June 18
🕔 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

This month’s conversation will focus on Workplace Security — an important topic for businesses of every size.

We’re excited to welcome Lieutenant Jeremy Huddleston with the Oak Ridge Police Department as our special guest. Bringing professional insight and real-world expertise, Jeremy will help get the conversation started and share practical perspectives on creating a safer workplace environment.

☕ Come grab a drink, join the discussion, and be part of the conversation.
RSVP here: https://app.asforms.net/api/as/y320x3

Raise a Glass to Your Membership at Mimosa Monday & Member Orientation! 🥂

Whether you’re a brand-new member, a new employee of an existing member business, or a longtime member looking for a refresher, our quarterly orientation is the perfect opportunity to reconnect and learn more about your Chamber membership investment.

Join us on Monday, June 22 from 3:30–5:00 p.m. at the Chamber for our second one of the year and get an inside look at current Chamber initiatives, programs, benefits, and opportunities designed to help your business thrive.

Enjoy:
✨ A fun toast to your membership
✨ Optional mimosas & refreshments
✨ Networking with fellow members
✨ A deeper dive into Chamber offerings and involvement opportunities

RSVP today and come sip, connect, and learn: https://app.asforms.net/api/as/o8jjl5

This series is proudly sponsored by OHANA HOME CARE, LLC!

✂️ What a wonderful celebration Monday as we officially welcomed new member Mountain Dental and congratulated Dr. Amber Dalal, DMD, on opening her very first practice here in Oak Ridge! We’re excited to see her new office thrive at 106 Tulsa Road.

Thank you to everyone who came out to show their support and help make it such a special day. If you're in need of dental care, be sure to reach out as they are currently accepting patients.

Join us in wishing Dr. Dalal and her team continued success! 🦷🎉

📣 Reminder! Join us tomorrow for our monthly Small Business Networking Meeting from 8:00–9:30 a.m. at the Chamber.

Start your morning by connecting with fellow small business professionals, sharing more about your business, and building new relationships in our community.

Don’t forget your business cards — and enjoy breakfast courtesy of sponsor, Sam The Concrete Man Knoxville!

Registration requested although not required: https://app.asforms.net/api/as/dw0lkk

See you there!

By Shakeira