CHATTANOOGA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
________________________________________________________________
The Chamber
Ambassadors
2014-2015
Handbook
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 - PURPOSE
Mission Statement
1
Purpose
1
Becoming an Ambassador
1-2
CHAPTER 2 - LEADERSHIP
2014 - 2015 Board
Past Ambassador Leadership
3
4
CHAPTER 3 - PROGRAM OF WORK
New Member Visits
Renewal Visits
Telephone Service Calls
Greeters
Ribbon Cuttings
Operation Thank You
Sub-Committees
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
CHAPTER 4 - AMBASSADOR RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Purpose
Jimmy Lou Lindsay
Ambassador of the Year Recipients
Point System
Recognition & Award Levels
7
8
8
9
10
CHAPTER 5 - AMBASSADOR SERVICE PROGRAM
Board Election Criteria
President Responsibilities
Past- President Responsibilities
President-Elect Responsibilities
Secretary Responsibilities
VP of Retention Responsibilities
VP of Communications Responsibilities
VP of Programs Responsibilities
At-Large Members
11
12
12
12
13
13
14
14
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CHAPTER 6 - CHAMBER LEADERSHIP
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PURPOSE
Chapter
1
Ambassador Program Mission Statement
To assist members in fully realizing all the benefits of Chamber membership,
to encourage participation in Chamber activities and to retain members
through personal contact.
The Purpose of the Ambassadors
 The Chattanooga Chamber Ambassadors are an elite group of business professionals
who volunteer to serve as the retention and greeting arms of the Chamber.
Ambassadors exhibit the highest degree of professionalism, knowledge and integrity
and help new members become acclimated to Chamber culture. Ambassadors
represent the Chamber at grand openings, ribbon cuttings and other important events.
 To assist in the orientation of new members.
 To maximize the Chamber’s retention efforts through personal contact with existing
members.
 To provide a “training ground” for future community leaders.
1
PURPOSE
Becoming an Ambassador
To become an Ambassador, you must:
 Be an active Chamber member with current dues
 Attend two Ambassador meetings (2nd Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m.)
 Complete the Ambassador general information form
 Complete the Ambassador commitment form
 Attend an Ambassador Orientation (Held semi-annually or as needed)
 Attend a Member Orientation Session (Held monthly, 1st Tuesday of every month)
After completing the steps to become an Ambassador, you may choose one new member packet and
one packet of renewal and telephone service calls at your third Ambassador meeting.
You may purchase a name badge that states you are an official Ambassador for $12.00.
Attendance at eight monthly meetings per year is required to maintain Ambassador status. This
allows for one meeting per quarter to be missed. You will also need to meet a monthly point
requirement of 50 points or 600 points a year. This equals about two to three events and/or packets
a month. If you are unable to meet the requirements, you will be removed from the Ambassador
list until your schedule permits you to participate. Absences may be excused for significant
situations, but should be submitted to the Ambassador Board for approval. Removal from the
Ambassador list will not affect your Chamber membership.
Each Ambassador will be asked to sign a commitment form, which states they understand the role and
duties of being an Ambassador. Your direct supervisor will also need to sign the form ensuring they
are aware of how you will be representing their company in the business community.
2
LEADERSHIP
Chapter
2
2014-2015 Board
AMBASSADOR PRESIDENT
Vanessa Cole, Coffee News
AMBASSADOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stacey Helton, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Past President
Jan Trousdale, March Adams & Associates, Inc., Secretary
Janell Case, Payroll Professionals, Vice President of Retention
Amanda Elmendorf, Woople, Vice President of Communications
Joel Henderson, North American Credit Services, Vice President of Programs
Rick Cadena, Chattanooga Courtyard I-75 at Hamilton Place, At-Large
Sarah Cook, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, At-Large
Penny Hughey, AIM, At-Large
Cathie Keegan, At-Large
Jennie Quarterman, Embassy Suites, At-Large Member
BOARD OBJECTIVE
To govern and direct all activities of the Ambassadors.
3
LEADERSHIP
PAST AMBASSADOR PRESIDENTS
2013-14
Stacey Helton
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
2012-13
Cathie Keegan
The Comdyn Group
2011-12
Christi Broom
Capital Financial Group
2010-11
Deanna Roberts
Citadel Broadcasting
2009-10
Chip Frazier
Panera
2008-09
Constance Ruff
Southeastern Communications Services
2007-08
Tammy Loper
Custom Insurance Solutions
2006-07
Lori Jenkins
Country Inn & Suites
2005-06
Laura Oakley
Professional Recruiting Services
2003-05
Dana Bolin
COMTRUST Federal Credit Union
Shea Johnson
Catherine Vreeland
Smart Furniture
National Bank of Commerce
2002
John Biondolillo
Edward Jones
2001
Cindy Bacon
FastSigns
2001
2000
Terry Durham
Sean McDaniel
Combustion Federal Credit Union
Computerized Payroll Solutions
1999
Raynell Littleton
Dodge of Chattanooga
1998
1997
Carolyn Johnson
Karen Hannifin
Chattanooga Goodwill Industries
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
1996
Lynda Minks Hood
Chattanooga Bar Association
1995
Liz Corrigan
CARTA
1994
1993
Madalyn Smith
Linda Addaman
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Chattanooga Marriott
1992
Lisa Rowland
Western Temporary Services
1990-91
Jean Payne
Memorial Hospital
1990
1989
Brenda Tucker
Terry Patten
Kelly Services
PB & S Chemical Company
1989
Pam Pettigrew
Southern Temp, Inc.
1988
Kay Harrison
Leadership Development Group
1987
Margaret Culpepper Southern Temp, Inc.
1986
Jean Dake
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
1985
Suzanne Burch
Hutcheson Medical Center
1984
Loretta Friend
Chattanooga State Technical Community College
1983
Jean Dake
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
1982
Hilda Murray
TPC Printing & Packaging
1980-81
Ann Weeks
Office Outfitters, Inc.
1978-79
Marie Smith
Electric Power Board
1976-77
Polly LeBlanc
Tennessee-American Water Company
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PROGRAM OF WORK
Chapter
3
Program of Work
NEW MEMBER VISITS

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
Personally visit all new members to inform them of the benefits, services and responsibilities of
Chamber membership. Contact every new member within one week of picking up packet.
Goal is 100% completion of new member visits every month.
Personal visitations include the delivery of membership materials, verifying contact
information, explanation of benefits and services and an invitation to participate actively in
upcoming events. New members will receive two contacts during the first month from
Ambassador:
1. Telephone call from Ambassador to arrange appointment
2. Visit from Ambassador to deliver New Member Packet
Once completed, please send completed forms to Brenda Harrison at
[email protected] or fax to 423-763-4044.
RENEWAL MEMBER VISITS

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

Personally visit renewing members to inform them of the benefits, services and responsibilities
of Chamber membership. Contact renewing member within two weeks of picking up packet.
Goal is 100% completion of renewal member visits every month.
Personal visitations include the delivery of membership materials, verifying contact
information, explanation of benefits and services and an invitation to participate actively in
upcoming events. Renewing members will receive two contacts during their renewal month
from Ambassador:
1. Telephone call from Ambassador to arrange appointment
2. Visit from Ambassador to deliver Renewing Member Visit
Once completed, please send completed forms to Brenda Harrison at
[email protected] or fax to 423-763-4044.
5
PROGRAM OF WORK
TELEPHONE SERVICE CALLS



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
Contact, by telephone, all existing Chamber members for the purpose of verifying membership
account information, informing members of Chamber activities and programs and obtaining
feedback.
Goal is 100% completion of telephone service calls every month.
Service calls are made to members three months prior to receiving their renewal invoice.
Ambassadors only need to call businesses two or three times. If personal contact has not been
made with the business, notate on the service call sheet the dates you tried to contact the
business.
Once completed, please send completed forms to Brenda Harrison at
[email protected] or fax to 423-763-4044.
GREETERS


At all annual Chamber events.
Serve in public relations capacity for Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings by attending,
holding ribbon and/or presenting ribbon cutting proclamation.
RIBBON CUTTINGS


Attend as many grand openings and ribbon cuttings as your schedule permits.
A monthly schedule will be emailed at the beginning of the month along with a reminder the
day before or the day of the event.
The outline below is the order of preference for executing a standard ribbon cutting in order to ensure
the member business and appropriate representatives are highlighted.
Holding the scissors –
1) Business owner gets first right of refusal (they or their employees need to be the center of
attention)
2) Elected officials – mayors, county commissioners, city council, etc.
Holding the ribbon
1) Business owner gets first right of refusal (they or their employees need to be the center of
attention)
2) Council footprint board representatives
Reading of the proclamation –
1) Council footprint board representative
2) Ambassador – if a board member or council footprint representative is unavailable or
uncomfortable addressing the group, then I will ask an Ambassador volunteer to fulfill this
duty on a rotating basis.

Hopefully these guidelines will help reduce confusion and ensure that all ribbon cuttings are
seamless and successful events.
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OPERATION THANK YOU
Purpose: To increase member retention by expressing gratitude to first through third year members for
supporting the Chamber.

Volunteers encourage members to become engaged, invite them to the Business After Hours
that evening and inform the member where and when their area council meets.
SUB-COMMITTEES
Each Board position has the potential to have a sub-committee. Sub-committees are one way you can
serve in a leadership role and you will receive points for your participation. Sub-committees help
maintain the programs of the Ambassadors and are a vital part of its success. For more information on
sub-committees, see Chapter 5.
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AMBASSADOR RECOGNITION
Chapter
4
Outstanding Ambassador
Recognition Program
The purpose of this program is to recognize and reward Ambassadors for exemplary
performance of their responsibilities.

Points are awarded for participation in the Ambassador Program and activities origination from
the Chamber.

Point recognition of 200 or more will be calculated on the last working day of the month.

“Ambassador of the Month” points will be calculated on the last working day of the
month. Any points sent in after the last day of the month will be calculated for career points
but not for Ambassador of the month.
o All Ambassadors who achieve at least 200 points will receive a ticket for every one
hundred points to be entered into a drawing for the monthly sponsorship gift.
o Meeting sponsorships are scheduled through the chamber staff for a $50.00 fee and a
gift worth a minimum of $25 for the drawing. The sponsor will have 3-5 minutes to
address the group and may bring brochures for distribution.

An Ambassador may be Ambassador of the Month multiple times within the year, however
NO Ambassador may be Ambassador of the Month in back to back months or within 3 months
of their previous recognition.

The Ambassador with the highest total number of points at the end of the year receives the
"Jimmy Lou Lindsey Memorial Ambassador of the Year" award. In addition, an "Ambassador
of the Month" is named each month during the year.

In 2003, The Diplomat Corps and the Jimmy Lou Lindsey Memorial Chamber Ambassadors
were combined to form the Chamber Ambassadors. Ambassadors of the Year from 1997-2002
listed herein represent the previous Diplomat program.
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AMBASSADOR RECOGNITION
THE JIMMY LOU LINDSEY MEMORIAL
CHAMBER AMBASSADOR AWARD
Jimmy Lou Lindsey was a noted business and civic leader in the
Chattanooga community for many years. She served on the
Chamber’s Board of Directors, chaired various committees, as well
as participating in the Chamber’s annual membership campaign.
Jimmy Lou had over twenty-one years of experience in the banking
industry and was one of the founding partners in two Chattanooga
banks, United and Volunteer.
Jimmy Lou Lindsey
Chamber Chairman JoAnn Forman created the Ambassador of the Year program as part of the
Chamber’s 1997 Operating Plan and named it in honor of her dear friend, Jimmy Lou Lindsey.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
Pat Mahery
David Hamilton
Eddie Wilkes
Eddie Wilkes
Eddie Wilkes
Florence Pipkins
Perry Betts
Constance Ruff
Dana Bolin
Kathy Dake
Dana Bolin
Dana Bolin
Kathy Bolton
Kathy Bolton
Renee’ Coulson
Renee’ Coulson
Renee’ Coulson
David Crisp
High Ground Solutions
Santek Waste Services, Inc.
Earth Friendly Imprints
Earth Friendly Imprints
Seniors Reverse Home Mortgage
MetLife
Travel Trends Live
Southeastern Communications Services
COMTRUST Federal Credit Union
Signs By Tomorrow
COMTRUST Federal Credit Union
Combustion Federal Credit Union
Citadel Communications
Citadel Communications
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Olsten Staffing Services
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AMBASSADOR RECOGNITION
POINTS SYSTEM
Activities Recognized
Points
Ambassador Meeting Attendance (monthly lunch meeting)
15
Bringing Ambassador Prospect to Ambassador Meeting (2 visits max per visitor)
10
Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Attendance
25
Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Attendance: After 5 p.m. and Sat. or Sun
50
New Ambassador Recruitment (Awarded after new Ambassador attends orientation) 15
New Member Visit (per company)
25
Renewal Visits (per company)
25
Telephone Service Call (per company)
15
Telephone Service Call (visit instead of call)
25
Chamber Event Volunteer (greeter, table spotter, etc.)
25
New Chamber Member Recruitment
75
Membership Blitz Volunteer
25
Expo Ticket Delivery (per company)
10
Expo Blitz (minimum of 5 visits)
50
Operation Thank You - minimum of 5 visits
50
Operation Thank You – Career Points Only (per company)
10
(Ten additional career points will be given for every company visited after the five-company minimum.)
Operation Thank You – Stuffing Event
25
*All members of the Ambassador Board will be awarded 250 career points each year served.
* All Leadership Chattanooga graduates will be awarded 500 career points.
*MEETING ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. After an Ambassador neglects to attend eight meetings a year,
he/she will be placed on inactive status.
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AMBASSADOR RECOGNITION
AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH RECEIVES


Recognition at monthly Ambassador Meeting
Recognition in Business Trend magazine
**All Ambassadors who achieve at least 200 points will receive a ticket for every one hundred points
to be entered into a drawing for the monthly sponsorship gift.

Meeting sponsorships are scheduled through the chamber staff for a $50.00 fee and a gift worth
a minimum of $25 for the drawing. The sponsor will have 3-5 minutes to address the group and
may bring brochures for distribution.
**Ambassadors who achieve at least 500 points during the month will receive a free lunch at
the next monthly Ambassador meeting.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR RECEIVES




Award
Recognition at Ambassador annual awards luncheon
Recognition at annual meeting
Opportunity to serve as an at-large member on the Board the next year
CAREER AWARD RECIPIENT RECEIVES


Engraved name badge - color corresponds to award level
Recognition at Ambassador annual awards luncheon
CAREER AWARD POINTS LEVELS

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Bronze Award
2,500 points
Silver Award
5,000 points
Gold Award
10,000 points
Emerald
15,000 points
Ruby
20,000 points
Diamond Award
25,000 points
(An extra diamond stone will be added for each additional 10,000 points after the Diamond
level is reached)
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AMBASSADOR SERVICE
Chapter
5
Ambassador Service Program
BOARD ELECTION CRITERIA
The Ambassador Board has a special obligation to the Ambassadors as they are the leading force for the
group. The Board will serve a one-year term, At-Large members may serve a two year term and will
presented to the group in May. The Board consists of the President, President-Elect, Past President,
Secretary, VP of Programs, VP of Retention, VP of Communications, Ambassador of the Year and
elected at-large members.
The following criteria should be taken in to account when considering serving on the Ambassador Board:
 All Board members must be members in good standing with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of
Commerce.
 Only one representative of a firm or organization shall be eligible to serve on the Board at the
same time.
 Good attendance at Ambassador Meetings and participation in Chamber events.
 Timely completion of Ambassador duties.
 Availability – Ambassador Board members are required to attend Ambassador Board meetings,
and monthly Ambassador Meetings.
Nomination Committee
A nomination committee, consisting of the current President, President-Elect and Past President will
choose the new President-Elect as well as determine the slate for the remaining board positions.
Commitment
 Board meetings – The most important requirement of your commitment is the mandatory
attendance at the monthly Board meetings. Any board member absent from three consecutive
meetings shall be considered resigned for the remainder of his/her term unless otherwise
determined by the Board.
 Time Commitment – You should expect to devote 5-8 hours of your time per month to your
duties as a Board member, which includes meetings, programs, committees and other
responsibilities of the Chamber.
Discretion and Confidentiality
 Board members are often exposed to confidential information during Board and committee
meetings or in conversation with members, officials and other Board members. Please be aware
of the confidential nature of some information, and respect that confidentiality.
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AMBASSADOR SERVICE
President-Elect Selection:
 Qualified candidates must be in good standing with the Ambassadors (meeting the points and attendance
requirements.)
 The nomination committee will notify all qualified candidates to determine interest in serving on
the board.
 The nomination committee will bring a recommendation for President-Elect to the Board.
 If a majority of the board members agree with the recommendation, the President-Elect will be
selected. If a majority of the Board has concerns, the nomination committee will meet to
determine next steps. The final decision for President-Elect will be determined by the nomination
committee.
Nominated Board Positions:
 Candidates will be nominated for a specific position. Candidates can only run for one position.
 The nomination committee will discuss all candidates and positions to determine the best fit. Once
discussions are finalized, a slate will be presented to the overall Board for a final vote of approval.
At-Large Positions:
One At-Large position is held by the current Ambassador of the year, if accepted. Other At-Large
positions can be appointed by the Board or applied for by an interested Ambassador. The number of AtLarge positions is determined at the discretion of the Board and may change on an annual basis. At-Large
members may serve a two year term, Ambassador of the Year is a one year term.
AMBASSADOR PRESIDENT
RESPONSIBILITIES
 The President of the organization serves as the principal officer and head of the organization.
 He/She is responsible for the general supervision of the organization’s business and affairs.
 The President leads Board meetings and monthly Ambassador Meetings.
 Serve as a liaison between the Ambassadors and Chamber staff.
 Oversee all committees.
 Be available to Ambassadors for questions and Ambassador Orientations.
 Serves as representative on Chamber’s Board of Directors.
 Serves in the office of Past President in the following year.
 Attend quarterly President/President Elect meetings.
PAST-PRESIDENT
RESPONSIBILITIES
 Attend monthly luncheon and Board meetings of the Ambassadors.
 Serve as interim President-Elect or President in the event those positions should become vacant.
 Serves in an advisory capacity.
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AMBASSADOR SERVICE
PRESIDENT-ELECT
RESPONSIBILITIES
 The President-Elect serves temporarily in the place of the President if the President is unable to
perform his/her duties such as presiding over monthly luncheon or board meetings.
 Attend monthly luncheon and Board meetings of the Ambassadors.
 Attend Ambassador Orientation sessions to train new Ambassadors in the procedures for new
member and renewal visitations, telephone service calls and public relations.
 Chair “Operation Thank You” sub-committee.
 Serves as President the following year.
 Attend quarterly President/President Elect meetings.
OPERATION THANK YOU RESPONSIBILITIES



Recruit Ambassadors and other Chamber members from all 12 councils to work on
planning committee for Operation Thank You.
Make contacts with news media to arrange for maximum publicity for the event.
Work with Chamber staff on sponsorships, brochures, handouts, etc. to be delivered.
SECRETARY
RESPONSIBILITIES
 The Secretary is responsible for the maintenance of all records and shall attend regular or
special meetings.
 If the Secretary cannot attend the board meeting, he/she is responsible for advance arrangements
with another board member to record the minutes.
 Attend monthly luncheon and Board meetings of the Ambassadors.
 Record and email minutes of monthly Board meetings for distribution to board members and
Chamber staff.
 Perform other clerical/bookkeeping duties as assigned by the President.
 Always have a back-up. At the beginning of your term, ask an at-large board member to serve
as your back-up.
 In the absence of the President, President-Elect and Past President, the Secretary shall preside
at the board or monthly luncheon.
VICE-PRESIDENT OF RETENTION
RESPONSIBILITIES
 Attend monthly luncheon and Board meetings of the Ambassadors.
 Distribute new member packets, renewal packets and telephone service calls to Ambassadors at
monthly general meeting, with the help of their sub-committee.
 Follow up to ensure all visits and calls are made, and reassign if necessary.
 Call Ambassadors that have not completed the new member visits within one month.
 Ensure 100% of visits are completed.
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AMBASSADOR SERVICE
VICE-PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RESPONSIBILITES





The Vice-President of Communications serves as the liaison between the Ambassadors and the
Chamber communications team in respect to media and publicity, i.e. press releases, media
alerts, etc.
Attend monthly luncheon and Board meetings of the Ambassadors.
Update Ambassador Facebook page with Ambassador-related events such as the monthly
luncheon and ribbon cuttings.
Update the Chamber website for Ambassadors.
Head the e-newsletter sub-committee and all aspects of creating and distributing the
Ambassador e-newsletter quarterly.
VICE-PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS
RESPONSIBILITES







The Vice-President of Programs plays a major role in membership attendance as attendance at
Ambassador Meetings is very important.
Attend monthly luncheon and Board meetings of the Ambassadors.
Recruit keynote speakers for monthly Ambassadors Luncheon that focus on either community
awareness or professional development issues.
Speakers should be scheduled at least three months in advance to allow for proper publicity.
The speaker’s name, title and topic should be supplied to Chamber staff and the VP of
Communications within two weeks of the monthly luncheon in order to properly advertise the
program.
Prepare and facilitate networking at four Ambassador Meetings each year.
Prepare two panel discussions per year.
The Vice-President of Programs is responsible for executing all speaker-related logistics
including:
 Recruiting and reminding speaker of, date, location and length of presentation time.
 Requesting if A/V assistance is needed and informing appropriate parties.
 Obtaining speaker’s bio to promote in Ambassador communications.
 Introducing speaker at monthly Ambassador luncheon.
 Sending thank-you note to speaker after Ambassador luncheon.
AT-LARGE MEMBER
RESPONSIBILITES OF AT-LARGE MEMBER
 Attend monthly luncheon and Board meetings of the Ambassadors.
 Be available to Ambassadors for questions and Ambassador Orientations.
 Serve as a VP position in the event of a vacant position or if a committee needs to be created to
help serve the board needs.
 Ambassador of the Year will have the opportunity to serve a one term as an at-large Board
member.
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CHAMBER LEADERSHIP
Chapter
6
Chamber Leadership
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Michael Mathis, Regions Bank
CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND CEO
Bill Kilbride
VICE-PRESIDENT OF MEMBER-INVESTOR SERVICES
Sandra Brewer
763-4346
[email protected]
MEMBER & INVESTOR RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Meredith Rivers
763-4372
[email protected]
CHATTANOOGA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
811 Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Telephone: (423) 756-2121 Fax: (423) 763-4044
www.chattanoogachamber.com
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