Commitment to our Members
Connecting and engaging members during the pandemic is one of the biggest challenges facing many nonprofit and membership-based organizations. Despite these obstacles, the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce continued supporting its members through 2020-21. Our membership department kept members engaged and informed through phone calls, online updates, council meetings, virtual networking meetings and four economic recovery surveys.
In 2020-21, the membership team continued offering incredible benefits to support local businesses including marketing tools, promotional materials and exclusive discounts on goods and services. Through organic, peer-to-peer networking, the membership team secured 11 new Executive Circle members to invest in Chamber programs. Complimentary U.S. Chamber membership also became available to all small business members, a new member benefit added in 2020-21.
Virtual Events and Membership Meetings
The membership department held 10 events in total, including two virtual EXPOS, and transformed seven Chamber Champion Signature Events into high-quality virtual events that received positive feedback from the community. Out of the Chamber Champion sponsors who took the event surveys, 100 percent felt the Chamber provided relevant content and 95 percent renewed their Chamber Champion contract.
The Chamber hosted 95 virtual meetings, 12 virtual member orientations and over 25 virtual networking events, which helped membership reach 1,774 total members representing nearly 120,000 employees. Our 12 Chamber Councils grew to 125 council board members garnering 231 volunteer hours.
Annual Meeting and Chamber Awards
The Annual Meeting recognizes our Chamber Councils and Ambassadors. This year, the East Ridge Council was awarded the Council Membership Growth Award totaling $3,300 in new membership dollars.
The MidTown Council received the Council of the Year Award for creating a community food bank to support those in need within their area.
Simeon Baskerville, Bushings Unlimited, won Ambassador of the Year. Michael Mathis won Chattanooga Area Manager of the Year.
The Chamber Awards celebrate the achievements of area nonprofits and companies with up to 300 employees. This event also recognizes member businesses in initiatives including health, sustainability, education, diversity and inclusion, family focus and leadership.
Small Business Award Winners
1-20 Employees: Acumen Wealth Advisors
21-50 Employees: P&C Construction
51-300 Employees: Chattanooga Lookouts
Nonprofit: Siskin Children’s Institute
Chamber Award Winners
Business Education Investor Award: Barge Design Solutions
Diversity, Inclusion, & Engagement Award: Chattanooga Gas
Family Friendly Workplace Award: Mike Collins & Associates
Healthy Business Award: North American Credit Services
Sustainability Partner Award: Skytec
Velocity2040 Community Collaborator Award:
The Digital Divide Project:
- EPB
- Hamilton County Schools
- City Of Chattanooga
- Hamilton County
- BCBST Foundation
- Smart City Venture Fund
- Enterprise Center
Congratulations to all award winners and thank you to the current Chamber Councils who helped our economy thrive through 2020-21.
