This Wednesday, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce held the Chamber Awards luncheon at Stratton Hall. The ceremony recognized one Chattanooga Area Manager of the Year, six Community Engagement recipients and four Small Business recipients.
Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO, Chattanooga Chambered welcomed guests as they enjoyed a catered meal courtesy of Feed Table & Tavern. Michael Mathis, executive vice president, Chattanooga market president, Regions Banks, presented the first award recognizing Chattanooga Area Manager of the Year, Jim “JV” Vaughn, market president, Truist Bank.
“Truist is a purpose-driven company, and happiness is one of our values,” Vaughn said. “Not many companies have happiness as a value, but we are serious about it because we believe positive energy changes lives.”
Valoria Armstrong, chief inclusion officer, vice president, external affairs, American Water, followed to present the Community Engagement Awards — recognizing member organizations for initiatives in health, sustainability, education, diversity and inclusion, family focus, and leadership.
Community Engagement recipients are:
Healthy Business — Chattanooga Football Club Foundation, recognized for investing in employee and community health.
Sustainability Partner — Tennessee River Gorge Trust received an award for sound environmental conservation actions and business practices.
Business Education Investor — American Water, recognized for their partnerships with local schools in efforts to create stronger workforce pipelines.
Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement — BlueCross BlueShield Tennessee received the award for its demonstrated commitment to attracting a diverse workforce and building inclusive environments.
Family Friendly Workplace — SVN | Second Story Real Estate, recognized for creating flexible, friendly and enjoyable workplaces.
Velocity 2040 Community Collaborator — The Regions Foundation received the award for going above and beyond to address community challenges and encourage opportunities
Small Business Awards followed, presented by Donna Van Natten, Ph.D. CEO, Accountability Measures, SBA Committee Chair. The Small Business Awards recognize area companies with up to 300 employees, plus one nonprofit (three finalists in each category).
Small Business recipients are:
Non-Profit — Cempa Community Care
1-20 Employees —The Double Cola Company
21-50 Employees — Market Street Partners
51-300 Employees — Trident Transport
Chattanooga Chamber recognizes and thanks all Small Business Award finalists for their hard work and long-lasting commitment to advancing the Chattanooga area.
Missed the Chamber Awards? Watch the Livestream recording, here.
