The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is an organization of businesses and professional men and women, as well as other interested members of the community, who have joined together to work for the solution of their mutual business and community challenges and the realization of their mutual business and community opportunities. Join us while we promote Franklin County by Building, Connecting, and Discovering!
What does the Chamber do?
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce provides many services to our members throughout our community such as business referrals, educational opportunities, networking, ribbon cuttings, exposure through promotion & advertising, and so much more!
The Chamber invests in the youth of Franklin County through the Junior Leadership Program. Each year, Juniors from six high schools across Franklin County have the opportunity to apply, interview, and participate in this ten month program. These young adults learn to be leaders while discovering what the county has to offer and gain lifelong friendships.
Each year we give two $500.00 scholarships to a Franklin County graduate in memory of Jim Webb of Russellville and Matt Hester of Red Bay. We also award two scholarships for our Junior Leadership Seniors: one from Russellville City Schools, and one from the Franklin County Schools.
The Chamber also hosts their annual Franklin County Partnership Banquet. This banquet highlights our businesses, industries, and individuals in Franklin County to honor their achievements and commitment to our county.
We also host and sponsor the annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival! Chamber staff, Directors, and Junior Leaders work hard to prep, organize, and promote the festival each year. The Watermelon Festival began in 1981 and continues to grow each year! Franklin County was designated as the Watermelon Capital of Alabama through a resolution in 2013. The Chamber strives for the perfect mix of vendors and entertainment to please the large attendance of over 35,000 people. This festival has activities for everyone: Watermelon Beauty Pageant, Watermelon 5K, Car & Truck Shows, Watermelon Contests, kids rides & inflatables, and live outdoor concerts!
The Chamber also assists with promoting and providing Junior Leadership service to other festivals in Franklin County: Phil Campbell Hoedown, Jam on Sloss Lake, Vina July Fest, Red Bay Founder’s Day, Spirit of Hodges, and Spruce Pine Day!
We Chamber also hosts a few different Holiday Events throughout the year. In the Spring, we have a Bunny Bash where children can meet the Easter Bunny, win prizes, and do fun Easter activities. In the Fall, we host Pumpkin Palooza. This mini street fair on the last Saturday of October is all things pumpkin! With costume contests, pumpkin contests, trunk-or-treats, and live music, it’s spooky fun for the whole family! At Christmas time, we have Holly Day in Russellville. This Christmas event is perfect for the little ones! Kids have a chance to write a letter to Santa, decorate a cookie, listen to Christmas music, and do various holiday crafts! Santa also makes a special appearance and takes pictures with all the kiddos! We can’t forget about the Christmas Parades! The Franklin County Chamber organizes the Russellville Christmas Parade & participates in the Phil Campbell Christmas Parade, Red Bay Christmas Parade, and Vina Christmas Parade!
What do I get from a Chamber Membership?
We are always adding new ways to assist our members as times are ever changing. Here are our main membership benefits:
1. New Business Contacts 2. Referrals 3. Monthly Newsletter 4. Publicity & Exposure 5. Networking Opportunities 6. Ribbon Cuttings 7. Invitations to Chamber Events 8. Periodic Events Updates via Email 9. Website Links 10. Website Advertising 11. Credibility 12. Job Postings 13. Sponsorship Opportunities 14. Connection to the Community 15. Air Evac Discount 16. Northwest-Shoals Community College Education Incentive 17. Faulkner University Education Incentive
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce works hard every day to promote Franklin County by Building, Connecting, and Discovering!
Join the Chamber and Connect with us! Let us know how we can improve Franklin County together!
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 44 103 Jackson Ave N Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1760
MISSION STATEMENT
“As a Board of elected volunteers working with a salaries Director, this Chamber coordinates, facilitates, and directs various activities to provide the most healthy climate possible for all businesses, as well as promote Franklin County and its special resources for tourism and to provide to our citizens various events that promote harmony and goodwill throughout the county.”
HISTORY
The first President of the Russellville/Franklin County Chamber of Commerce was C.W. James in 1941. On November 27, 1989, the Certificate of Registration for the Certificate of Incorporation of the Chamber of Commerce, Russellville-Franklin County, was recorded.
