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Business Digest: Irma Velazquez joins La Paz as business development coordinator

Irma Velazquez
Irma Velazquez Irma Velazquez

La Paz Chattanooga has hired Irma Velazquez as a business development coordinator.

Velazquez is a native of Mexico, but she has spent most of her life in the United States and has lived in Chattanooga since 1999.

As a former business owner, she brings experience in business management and development.

“I am truly passionate about connecting and energizing people as well as providing necessary resources for the community to thrive,” Velazquez said.

Velazquez comes to La Paz Chattanooga by way of the International Community Outreach office of Chattanooga State Community College.

Velazquez will support Compañía, La Paz Chattanooga’s business development department that works with the local business community to create opportunities for local professionals seeking to network with the Latino community, provide professional development programming for Latino entrepreneurs to build their skill set and connect businesses and agencies to the Latino market.

“Irma brings such value to Compañía, her drive and passion bridging the Latino and non-Latino communities, and her positive impact in community outreach,” said Angela Garcia, Director of Business Development for Compañía at La Paz Chattanooga.

Will Hunt named to Forbes list of top wealth advisors

Will Hunt, a financial advisor in Morgan Stanley’s Chattanooga Wealth Management office, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s 2019 list of America’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors.

Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list comprises a select group of individuals who have a minimum of seven years of industry experience. The ranking, developed by Forbes’ partner SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors and weighing factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews.

Nationwide, there were are about 3,000 financial advisors on the Forbes Best-in-State awards, including three Chattanooga UBS financial advisors – Tom Eddy, Kevin King,and Scott McDonald.

“I am pleased that Will Hunt is representing Morgan Stanley,” said Max Hilsman, complex manager of Morgan Stanley’s Chattanooga office. “To be named to this list recognizes Will Hunt’s professionalism and dedication to the needs of his valued clients.”

Wendi Coley, Keith Hall join HHM CPA firm

HHM Certified Public Accountants, a full-service CPA and consulting firm with locations in Chattanooga and Memphis, has hired a tax manager and a firm administrator to expand services and support growth.

Wendi Coley, a CPA, is the newest tax manager. She brings 30 years’ experience to the tax group, including the past eight years as the owner of an accounting firm in Orange County, California.

Keith Hall brings over 35 years’ experience to the firm administrator role. Previously, Hall worked in the private accounting industry where he managed financial reporting, cash, lines of credit, and accounting personnel.

“Both bring invaluable experience and will be assets to our firm’s operations and services,” said Donnie Hutcherson, managing partner of HHM CPAs.

T.J. Snow wins top welding award

T. J. Snow Co., in Chattanooga was recently honored by WEMCO, the American Welding Society ‘s welding equipment manufacturers division.

In a ceremony at the annual Fabtech metalworking trade show, WEMCO selected T. J. Snow for its annual “Excellence in Welding Award” in the Small Business Category.

The Chattanooga company, which employs 106, builds and distributes standard and special design resistance welding machinery and all related supplies and accessories from its location adjacent to the Chattanooga Airport. The company serves an international market focused on the automotive industry and recent shipments included machines to automatically weld mufflers and shock absorbers.

Jim Snow founded T. J. Snow Company in 1963 and his son, Tom Snow, joined the business as a salesman 10 years later and today serves as the company’s chairman.

Business News is published each Sunday. Information about new hires, promotions and business awards should be sent to onthemove@timesfreepress.com.