International Business, Southside Chamber Councils Receive Recognition


The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting recently recognized its International Business Council (IBC) as Council of the Year and its Southside Council as a leader in recruiting Chattanooga Chamber members.

“The IBC is proud to be an advocate and resource for international companies in the Chattanooga region,” says Derek Daniel, IBC President. “We are committed to promoting a rich, vibrant and progressive international business environment that will help make Chattanooga one of the best cities in the world to conduct business.”

The IBC received the award based on innovative programming including:

  • An international C-suite program at Volkswagen featuring a panel of high level decision makers from international companies throughout the region.
  • Hosting a U.S. Department of Commerce business liaison who discussed trade tensions with China.
  • A plant tour of Komatsu.
  • Facilitating a Skype conversation between brew masters in Chattanooga and their counterparts at a Tono, Japan brewing event.

The Southside Council (board members pictured below) received the Council Membership Award for recruiting 16 new members in their footprint.


The Chattanooga Chamber's 12 area Councils are the backbone of the Chamber's volunteer presence. The Councils support businesses in specific geographic areas within Hamilton County, providing opportunities for Chamber members to get involved in solving problems, discussing issues and supporting events and civic projects that benefit businesses, schools and other constituencies within the Council's footprint.

At monthly meetings, members enjoy networking opportunities and stimulating speakers.

Each Council serves the unique needs of its members with its own board, strategic plan, annual budget, programs and initiatives.

Learn more here.

Other Topics

During November’s Apprenticeship Week – which formally launched a remarkable new program called Apprenticeship Works – one local woman from Unum who participated and graduated from its company’s apprenticeship program declared to a crowd of Chattanooga’s business leaders, elected officials, and…

With holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to dive into the spirit of celebration and find the perfect gift for your loved ones. As we deck the halls and spread the cheer, explore our handpicked selection of six local businesses, each offering the…

One day in high school, a man walked into Lovette Clay’s class with an offer that would ultimately change his life.  His name was Gerald Harris, principal of the Construction Career Center. He offered Lovette an opportunity unlike any other.…

In June 2023, seven graduates from Whitfield County and Dalton Public Schools celebrated their first full-time job opportunities after completing Project Purpose, a two-week workforce training program for high school graduates interested in careers with Whitfield County's leading manufacturers, organized…

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting, sponsored by Chattanooga Gas, celebrated the community's achievements from the past fiscal year. Charles Wood, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Chamber, kicked off the event by acknowledging the dedication of volunteers,…

In today’s rapidly changing world, it is crucial to a community’s prosperity to have a diverse industry base. As a result, some communities are reevaluating their traditional economic development models and shifting away from the industry that has defined them…

Sign up for weekly updates.