Athens, Ga.-Area Chamber of Commerce Says Local Leaders Impair Development.

Byline: Allison Floyd Athens

Jan. 14--Leaders of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce didn't elaborate recently when they accused the local government of hampering business development, but some local business owners say they can guess what issues sparked the debate.

"I've always been concerned with what I consider the negative business atmosphere in Clarke County," said Ron Schwartz, owner of Trumps Catering in downtown Athens.

Business owners have to "raise a stink," Schwartz said, for county leaders to recognize how certain regulations and fees hurt downtown businesses owners.

Chamber of Commerce President Larry McKinney didn't point to any specific issues when he announced last Sunday that the chamber will develop a scorecard to …