The Partnership of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is working on several initiatives of importance to businesses and residents throughout the area, including education, governmental affairs, strategic business development, tourism and transportation.

The Partnership was formed in 2002 and has brought municipal and government leaders together with business leaders to find common understanding and to plan strategies to bring relief to Shelby County’s issues of concern.

The Strategic Business Development initiative has been developed to promote the creation, expansion, and preservation of Shelby County businesses through education, access to information and contacts, as well as assisting public and private efforts to improve the business climate in Shelby County.

The Governmental Affairs initiative is an effort to be the leading advocate for a pro-economic development business climate in local and state political areas.

Promoting the tourism and travel industry in Shelby County is the key focus of the Tourism initiative. The tourism Web site is a wealth of information for visitors and residents.

The Transportation initiative has helped increase citizen awareness of the relationship of infrastructure and quality of life. We continue to have dialoge with key leaders for ways to ease traffic congestion and transportation issues facing Shelby County residents and businesses.

Education is a key component to the quality of life in Shelby County. This committee works with key leaders in the Shelby County school system and businesses throughout the region to help promote educational development and workforce development opportunities. For more information about The Partnership, contact Lindsay Humphries at lindsay@shelbychamber.org or Heather Stripling at heather@shelbychamber.org.

Jennifer Trammell is president and CEO of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached by e-mail at info@shelbychamber.org