Talent & Economic Inclusion


The Chamber has been actively engaging the Chattanooga business community in our Economic Inclusion work. This year proved to be challenging for many, in light of COVID-19, but the team quickly pivoted our work to virtual platforms to continue conversations around inclusion.

The Chattanooga Chamber held four Unity Networking Breakfasts to encourage individuals to connect and grow their network. These event focus’ on underserved populations and help connect them to the larger business community. In light of COVID-19, these events shifted to focus on connecting diverse businesses in our community with available resources. The Chamber Talent & Economic Inclusion team partnered with the Marketing & Communications team to host a variety of webinars, with over 100 businesses attending seeking access to funding supports.

Focusing on diverse talent retention, The Styles L. Hutchins Fellowship is a collaboration between the Chamber, the City of Chattanooga and the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. The Styles L. Hutchins Fellowship works to create a plan that will elevate Chattanooga as a city where diverse talent can create a prosperous future. The cohort presented their initial research and recommendations in January 2020 to community members. Spring 2020 Fellows are continuing their research and work to implement recommendations.

In June, The Chamber held DIVERSIFY, a virtual summit highlighting diversity, inclusion and the 21st century workplace. The event provided a timely platform for diverse business owners and professionals as well as their allies during the unrest sweeping our country that spotlights the high cost of racial and economic inequality. To ensure the health and safety of our entire community, the DIVERSIFY Summit was held online this year. DIVERSIFY featured breakout sessions led by industry professionals and a keynote presentation by Manuel Pastor, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity at University of Southern California. We saw a 166% increase in attendance from last year.

Other Topics

Adam Myers will serve as Vice President, Economic Development, Charles Wood, President and CEO, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, has announced. "Adam’s decade-plus of experience in both the public and private sectors and a strong track record in economic development…

In Chattanooga - this bustling city where entrepreneurs are a driving force - veterans own fewer than 10% of businesses. However, through local university programs and Chattanooga-area company support, veteran entrepreneurs are equipping themselves with more essential tools and better…

This week in Chattanooga, government officials, industry leaders, and experts convened at the Tennessee Economic Development Conference, GovCon23, to discuss various aspects of economic development in the state. One of the highlights of the event was the Commissioner's Luncheon, where…

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,…

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