Ambassador of the Year: Bridging Business and Community

Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors play a vital role in bridging the gap between business and community.

For more than 30 years, these volunteers have served as our Chamber’s welcoming arm – fostering close relationships with member businesses while assisting in grand openings, ribbon cutting ceremonies and other significant events.

Simeon Baskerville

Our Chattanooga Chamber takes time to recognize one Ambassador of the Year who exemplifies the highest degree of professionalism, knowledge and integrity.

In recognition of his commitment to championing member businesses, emphasizing the value of Chamber membership and encouraging participation in many activities and events, our Chattanooga Chamber names Simeon Baskerville, founder of Bushings Unlimited, as Ambassador of the Year.

An avid entrepreneur, Baskerville leveraged more than 30 years of manufacturing experience to establish Bushings Unlimited in 2019 – serving his community by providing high-quality bushings for industrial and commercial use. 

He began his ambassador journey shortly after joining our Chattanooga Chamber that same year.

“I looked into the ambassador program and saw another avenue to meet other business owners and serve as an extension of the Chattanooga Chamber,” Baskerville says. “Once I got used to being an ambassador and saw the opportunities it afforded me and my business, I was hooked.”

As a Chattanooga Chamber Ambassador, Baskerville assists in delivering membership packets, welcoming new member businesses and serving as a representative of the Chamber around his Ooltewah community.

He describes his Chamber experience as contributing to both his personal and professional growth.

“It has helped me become more confident in dealing with business owners and showcasing value. I knew that if I didn’t join the Chamber, I would miss a lot of opportunities. For me, this experience has been very beneficial and I encourage anyone who is new – or may be inactive – to join the Chamber’s ambassador program. It will change your life and help your business,” Baskerville says.

Looking toward the future, Baskerville plans to stay active within the ambassador program, serving as a guide for new ambassadors and encouraging them to grow. He sees this recognition as a time to reflect on his accomplishments and find new ways to help better serve his community.

“It’s truly humbling to be recognized by your peers. I appreciate all the ambassadors and encourage new members to get active in the program. We are here to help you along the way,” he says.

Chattanooga Chamber will celebrate these and other accomplishments during our virtual Annual Meeting, September 20 at 9 a.m.

Register for Annual Meeting at ChattanoogaChamber.com/Events.

To learn more about the Chattanooga Chamber Ambassador Program visit ChattanoogaChamber.com/Ambassadors.

Other Topics

While many companies offer fitness reimbursements or discounts, some local companies go the extra mile by providing on-site exercise facilities. Engaging in physical activity produces many benefits that extend into the workday, including improved mental and physical well-being, reduced absenteeism…

Last week the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Lookout Counseling Association and Chattanooga State Community College, hosted the annual College and Career Fair for local high school seniors.   The event is a unique opportunity for students…

The Chattanooga Chamber has announced that Jesse Branum will serve as Director of Accounting. "Jesse’s resourcefulness combined with over a decade of experience in financial management and exceptional team leadership will greatly contribute to the Chamber’s financial excellence,” Yolonda Hayslett, MBA,…

This year, 20 Chattanooga-area companies made the Inc. 5000 list – the highest number of local companies ever featured on Inc. Magazine’s annual list of fastest-growing companies. This is a huge accomplishment, not only for each company represented, but also…

Since its inception in 1927, Southern Champion Tray has risen to prominence as a leading producer of eco-friendly food trays and specialty boxes, proudly made in Chattanooga. With a workforce exceeding 920 members, the company crafts and dispatches an array…

Chattanooga is home to a flourishing network of health and wellness organizations. Here, you will find hospitals using the latest technology in patient care as well as new companies and dynamic startups leading the way in modern medical services and attracting…

Sign up for weekly updates.