Merchants and residents in Blount County are forming an organization geared toward furthering their community and business interests.

The newly-formed West Blount Chamber of Commerce had its kickoff meeting Thursday at CrossRoads Baptist Church in Hayden, with about 75 people in attendance.

So far, about 60 people have joined.

“This is where the corridor of growth will be for Blount County,” said Terry Lewis, one of the four primary organizers of the group along with Marlene Green, Jim McCullar and Greg Reid.

According to Reid, there are at least 65 businesses in west Blount County, from Hwy. 79 west to the county line. Most of those were represented at the meeting Thursday.

“That is a credit to the community,” he said. “This is a huge start. The enthusiasm is greater than we imagined. … This could be one of the most exciting announcements since Mr. Logan started selling biscuits.”

Bill Logan, owner of Logan’s General Store in Hayden, is one of the biggest proponents of the West Blount Chamber of Commerce.

“I think we’re on the right track,” he said. “This will bring the community together. We have great potential here.”

Reid, an attorney whose office is in Hayden, pointed out that west Blount County has three exits off of Interstate 65, has the largest school system in Blount County (Hayden), and has the largest number of registered voters in the county’s four districts.

Jo Young, owner of Forever Young Hair Studio in Hayden, said she hopes those factors along with the new chamber of commerce help kick-start the area economically.

“I hope it helps us get more business and advance the community,” she said.

Van Mulvehill, who signed up Thursday, said he anticipates west Blount County growing more as neighboring Jefferson County deals with its sewer debt, bankruptcy and other problems.

Reid agreed.

“Every time there is a bit of bad news in Jefferson County, five new mailboxes go up in Blount County,” he said.

West Blount County business owners and residents can join the chamber as charter members through July 15. The fees to join are: $25 for an individual; $35 for a couple or for businesses with fewer than 10 employees; $50 for businesses with 11-25 employees; and $75 for businesses with 26 or more employees.

The next meeting is July 19, 6:30 p.m., at CrossRoads Baptist Church. At that meeting, all paid members will vote on proposed by-laws and on the chamber’s board of directors.