Although not widely known, the first Chamber of Commerce in our community was actually chartered in 1955.  Coined as the Junior Chamber of Commerce, this early organization was a male-only fraternal organization.

Seven years later, in March of 1962, the Portland Chamber of Commerce was chartered. Its purpose was defined as "promoting the commercial interest and general welfare of the city of Portland, County of Sumner, State of Tennessee…" The names on the original Charter include: Melvin Briley, Dolphus Gregory, Val R. Lovell, Earl Jernigan, Gilbert Young, Pat Stovall, Woodrow Denton, Joe Jones and Mitchell Moore.

Although the Chamber has evolved throughout the years in many ways and is now represented by a more diversified group of professional men and women, we are rooted in the early visionary of the founding members.

We have grown in the community and in 2003 moved to our current location in the heart of historical downtown Portland at 106 Main Street.  As we approach 50 years of service to the community, we look forward to what growth the future will bring.