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

In 2019, Finland-based tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres opened its first North American Plant in Rhea County, thanks in part to the influence of the Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership (GCEP). Wes Boling, Senior Manager of Communications, Nokian Tyres, explains that the…

Chamber Chatt is a video series offering community members the chance to hear from elected officials and those in public service.  This month’s Chamber Chatt was recorded live inside the Chattanooga Chamber’s Connection Conference Center, Powered by EPB.  Matt Phillips,…

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce announced the promotion of Yolonda Hayslett, MBA, SHRM-CP, to Vice President, Finance and Operations. She will continue to be responsible for leading and managing a team that handles member-investor services initiatives, accounting, finance, human…

As the sun sets on another Protégé Chattanooga session, a bright future emerges for Chattanooga's young leaders. Over a nine-month period, Protégé Chattanooga participants connected with their peers and area business and community leaders to develop their business and civic-engagement…

In the ever-evolving professional landscape of today, the significance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace has surged to the forefront of discussions surrounding the creation and promotion of a healthy workplace environment. Acknowledging mental health is an important aspect…

Chattanooga Zoo, BNI Southeast Tennessee, (Be) Caffeinated, and Master Machine Inc., were recognized for growth and overall performance as they received top honors at the 2023 Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Awards program, presented by Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel P.C.…

Sign up for weekly updates.