Ambassador Program Recognizes Community Leaders, Celebrates Accolades

Holly Bonner

The Chamber's Ambassador program consists of an elite group of professionals who are highly visible volunteers in the Chattanooga business community.

One example of someone who goes above and beyond for our community is Carl Hames, our Ambassador of the Year, Vice President of Sales at Office Furniture Warehouse. Last month, Hames was nominated president of the Chamber Ambassadors Council.

“It has been a privilege and a joy to be associated with the Chattanooga Chamber. Whether it’s serving on a board, attending meetings or delivering food during the pandemic, I feel like my association with this organization has made me a better overall Chattanoogan,” Hames says.

Hames joined the Chamber Ambassadors in June of 2012. Since then he has made his mark on the Ambassadors as well as the Chamber at large.

“Carl exemplifies what it means to be an Ambassador,” says Melissa Martin, Chamber Membership Services Coordinator. “He goes above and beyond for our members and truly carries out the Chamber’s mission to champion our member businesses by being a connector at networking events and boosting up member businesses any way he can. Carl has compiled over 12,230 points in his eight years of being an Ambassador.”

Our ambassadors strive to invest in the people and businesses who make our community a worthy place to live, work and play. 

We celebrate these volunteers who work hard to pay it forward, even during social distancing and COVID-19.

So, what inspires them to work?

“At my printing company, I work to provide for my family and help my employers be successful. I want them both to know that I am here to serve them in any way I can. In my other life, as a musician, I work for the pleasure of creating, trying new things and honoring the song I’m working on.”

Bob McPeak | Marketing Executive | Print Cubes

“Success is what motivates me to do a good job. Knowing that my hard work and determination will help me achieve greater professional success is what keeps me going. I feel that aligning my company’s vision and values with my own is one way to achieve that.”

Stacey Barclay | Specialty Account Manager | BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

“Being a realtor is a privilege.  We are invited into people’s lives to help them make a purchase decision that will be part of their family for many years to come. Home is where our hearts are, where love is shared and where forever memories are made. Knowing this helps me give my all to every client so that they may achieve their dream of home.”

Julie Alcantara | Licensed Realtor | Upward Realty

Congratulations to Ambassador of the Year, Carl Hames, Vice President of Sales at Office Furniture Warehouse. 

To learn more, visit our website here or email Melissa Martin, Membership Services Coordinator, here. Check out our recent Annual Meeting, including Chamber volunteer awards, here.