Our Mission:

The Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization that welcomes, enhances, supports, promotes and encourages tourism, a healthy business environment, and quality of life.

A Message From
Executive Director Linda Harbuck

Welcome to the online extension of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. We are here to serve your needs. As a visitor, we welcome you and are here to provide information and guidance. As a resident, we are here to support the community in a variety of ways. And as a business, we're here to support you through our many member benefits. Feel free to e-mail me or come by the Chamber office and let us know what we can do for you.
-Linda Harbuck

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for 2005 includes representatives from all sectors of our membership. Please feel free to communicate with any or all of them to express your concerns or wishes in terms of Chamber direction.

Monthly Board Meetings:

The Board of Directors of the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce meets the 4th Thursday of each month in the Chamber Board Room at 12 noon unless otherwise posted. Members are welcome to attend meetings. Those wishing to address the Board must notify the Chamber office at least one week prior to the meeting date to be placed on the agenda.

2008 Board of Directors

Rick Westerman
President
Macon County Habitat for Humanity
828-369-3716
rickwed@smnet.netCaterpillar

Eddie Bateman
President-Elect
Macon Printing
828-524-7045
ebateman@dnet.net

Ric Neal
Immediate Past President
Caterpillar
828-371-0052
neal_patrick_d@cat.com

Kim Angel
Angel Innovations
828-369-7037
kangel@maconnc.org

Donnie Bishop
Secretary/Treasurer
Bishop's Home Center
828-369-5275
donniebishop@verizon.net

Jennifer Berger Brown
Jones, Key, Melvin & Patton PA
828-524-4444
jbb@joneskey.com

Jim Breedlove
United Community Bank
828-524-6197
jim_breedlove@ucbi.com

Jeff Cloer
Wayah Insurance Group
828-524-4442 Ext. 237
cloer@wayah.com

Scotty Corbin
Overlook Theatre Company
828-524-6467
Scotty.corbin@mcsk-12.org

Connie Gruberman
Oak Hill Country Inn
828-349-9194
oakhillcountryinn@verizon.net

Martha Holbrook
Drake Enterprises
828-524-2922
holbrook@dnet.net

Ashley Matthews
RBC Centura Bank
828-524-0554
ashley.matthews@rbc.com

Linda Cherry
Mary Kay Cosmetics
828-369-5615
LCherry1@marykay.com

John Norris
Cullasaja River RV Park
828-524-2559
john@campnc.com

Bonnie Pickartz
Goshen Timber Frames
828-524-8662
bonnie@goshenframes.com

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Staff
Our staff is delighted to assist visitors, residents, and businesses. Please feel free to call upon them.

Diane Baldwin, Administrative Assistant

Cindy Cavender, Special Events/Marketing Director
Norma Marks, Information Specialist
Carol Olson, Information Specialist

Volunteers

The Chamber could not function without the gracious help of many, many people. Our volunteers provide many hours of services so that we might better serve the community.

We can use your unique abilities and services as well! If you would be interested in volunteering at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce contact:
Executive Director -Linda Harbuck

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Chamber Committees
All Chamber members are urged to actively participate in our many activities. Volunteer for a committee, help out in special events, spend a few hours at the Chamber or contribute a service or some goods. We have several committees in which we invite your participation.

Special Events
This committee assists the Chamber Director and staff in the organization and execution of the Fourth of July celebration, the Christmas Parade and other activities of a general community service nature that the committee shall create.
Chair - Rick Neal Neal_Patrick_D@cat.com

Membership Development
This committee is to develop plans and implement strategies to recruit membership and to enhance member services and value. Chair - Martha Holbrook holbrook@dnet.net

Tourism Development
The purpose of this committee is to create and support events and activities that enhance tourism opportunities in the greater Franklin area. Developing a long-range plan and implementing strategies that take into account new opportunities and expansion of existing opportunities to accomplish this.
Chair - John Norris john@campnc.com

Facilities
This committee is to assist with the maintenance, staffing, and improvement of the Visitor Center, insuring that visitors are provided with a welcoming, safe, and informative experience in an environment that properly reflects the Chamber and its members.
Chair - Jeff Cloer cloer@wayah.com

Business & Industrial Development
This purpose of this committee is to assist industrial, construction, retail and other businesses in our community by facilitating communcation, developing work force and seeking growth opportunities.
Chair - Donnie Bishop donniebishop@verizon.net

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Community Service
The Chamber is a vital part of the community, sponsoring many events that contribute to our excellent lifestyle. These events include:

Easter Celebration
Fourth of July Celebration
Christmas Parade
Gem Shows
Dessert Theatre
Dinner Theatre
Showcase of Businesses

In addition, the Chamber maintains a local calendar of events, provides a free ticket service for many events, and is a resource center for new & growing businesses and visitors.

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Join the Franklin Chamber of Commerce
When you become a member of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, you're not only supporting the community, you'll also enjoy our many member benefits. For more information on becoming a member of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce follow these links.

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