The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce will hosted a reception honoring the participants of its newly-launched International Ambassador program on Thursday in the Chamber Board Room.
In partnership with the local government, the Chattanooga Chamber will presented certificates to nearly 60 members of the international network as an expression of gratitude for their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Developed to identify key representatives from each of Chattanooga’s international communities, the new network is comprised of 137 International Ambassadors who have agreed to lend translation and etiquette assistance to community leaders working to promote regional economic development.
The vision of the International Ambassador program is to connect the local government, the greater community and the Chattanooga Chamber’s membership, mission and values with a growing network of international experts.
“Our goal is to positively impact local perceptions about the value of international diversity while building a strong atmosphere of inclusion and diversity within our membership,” said Ron Harr, incoming president and CEO of the Chattanooga Chamber. “The representatives we’re engaging in this program are well-known, well-respected locals who hold considerable influence in their respective communities. We see this network as a critical tool in the Chamber’s effort to promote inclusion and diversity in our area.”
Forty-five countries, 26 languages and four generations of people are currently represented within the program. Participants will serve in advisory roles, providing expertise and assistance related to the communities they represent, using their personal influence to open doors and create business opportunities and assisting the Chattanooga Chamber in hosting international delegations and responding to inquiries from other countries, among other regular contributions.