Wise County/City of Norton Chamber of Commerce

Mission:
The Wise County/City of Norton Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing and publicizing the commercial, industrial, agricultural, civic, tourism, and general business interests of Wise County and the City of Norton.

Services and Programs:

• Business Advocacy: Acts as a voice for local businesses on issues such as taxation, legislation, and transportation, representing members at legislative hearings, budget sessions, and VDOT funding hearings.
• Networking Opportunities: Sponsors meetings, receptions, and events that facilitate networking among business professionals, fostering connections and shared learning.
• Business Directory: Maintains a comprehensive directory of member businesses, providing exposure to other business people, new residents, and potential clients.
• Community Engagement: Responds to thousands of inquiries about the area and directs requests for products or services to Chamber members.
• Publications: Publishes 'The Catalyst' six times a year, featuring news of Chamber and community events.
• Tourism Promotion: Distributes thousands of brochures annually to help local businesses benefit from tourism.
• Educational Programs: Offers scholarships for graduating seniors from Lee, Scott, and Wise County/City of Norton, including the Ford C. Quillen Memorial Scholarship and the Cheryl Richardson Memorial Scholarship.
• Leadership Development: Runs the Forward Wise County 10-week leadership program, aimed at developing local leaders from diverse backgrounds in business, industry, education, and civic groups.
• Community Recognition: Presents awards such as Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Business Appreciation Awards at annual events.
• Special Events: Organizes events like Natural Resources Awareness Days, Best Friend Festival Days, golf tournaments, and holiday socials to engage the community and raise awareness of local resources.

Who They Serve:

• Businesses, professionals, and civic leaders in Wise County and the City of Norton.
• Graduating high school seniors in Lee, Scott, and Wise County/City of Norton (for scholarships).
• Community members seeking information about local businesses, relocation, and economic opportunities.

Eligibility:

• Membership is open to businesses and organizations interested in supporting the economic and civic development of Wise County and the City of Norton.
• Specific programs, such as scholarships, have eligibility limited to graduating seniors from designated counties.

Additional Information:

The Chamber provides a platform for collaboration to develop the area as an economic, financial, educational, medical, and cultural center. Sponsorship opportunities are available for various events and programs throughout the year.