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Business Trend Magazine
36 Your Chamber The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s
Ambassador network presented a gift of $480 to
the Tennessee National Guard during its annual
philanthropy luncheon Dec. 13. All proceeds
benefited the J9 program, which supports veterans by
easing the transition into civilian life, operating more
than 233 military youth leadership and adventure
camps and providing financial counseling and suicide
prevention services.
Doug Varnell- September 2011
Ambassadors salute civic servants
Chamber Ambassadors of the Month
by Matthew
Kenwright
Local caterer Doug Varnell has a mouthful of a résumé. Before becoming CEO of Apron Strings
Catering, Varnell spent nearly 8 years in the U.S. Army, earned a business degree at the University of
Tennessee and completed a 20-year stint as vice president of operations for a local transportation company.
Eight years into his work at Apron Strings, Varnell is already cooking up new ways to contribute to his
community.
“Taking on leadership roles is important to me because I believe service is the essential building block
for developing relationships with key players in the community,” he says.
To connect with peers who are also passionate about the city, Varnell joined the Chattanooga
Chamber’s Ambassador program in 2010. The catering CEO cites the Chamber’s many networking
initiatives as one of the program’s biggest advantages, and says he enjoys sharing his enthusiasm with the
organization’s newest members.
Tamarah Daniel- October 2011
As branch manager and staffing specialist for the ManpowerGroup, Tamarah Daniel plays a key role in
connecting growing companies with the local workforce.
Daniel says Ambassadorship has allowed her to diversify her networking contacts and become a more
integral part of the Chattanooga community. In her opinion, the Chattanooga Chamber’s extensive local
influence makes it one of the most effective organizations she has been involved with.
“The Chattanooga Chamber is about more than just business,” she says. “It’s also about education,
community and enhancing Chattanooga any way it can.”
David Hamilton- November 2011
Five-time Ambassador of the Month David Hamilton is upping the ante for the next Ambassador of the
Year Award.
A commercial sales consultant for Chattanooga Waste Services of Tennessee, Hamilton attributes his
streak of success to his love for interacting with the public, connecting with customers and being part of the
Chattanooga Chamber network.
Hamilton says a personal quest to convince prospects to join the Ambassador program has led several
recruits to join the network over the years. This strategy has allowed him to increase recognition for his
company throughout the community and better meet his sales objectives.
Hamilton also serves as vice president of membership and coordinates guest speakers for the
Enterprise/Gateway Council in addition to attending East Brainerd Council meetings.