The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, which recently adopted a statement of solidarity to fight racism, is conducting its annual Diversify Summit on Friday as a virtual seminar and discussion session to provide a timely platform for diverse owners and professionals to discuss their business challenges and opportunities.
The half-day zoom event on Friday will highlight diversity, inclusion and the 21st century workplace and will include a keynote address by University of Southern California Professor Manuel Pastor on "Inclusion, Growth, and Community" in the wake of COVID-19.
Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Chamber, said the ongoing protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police spotlights the high cost of racial and economic inequality and the need for a more inclusive economy and diverse workforce.
"Between COVID-19 and systemic racism, we essentially face two pandemics in our country right now," Gillenwater said. "This isn't easy. We present Diversity as a safe forum for drawing inspiration from one another as we unite to fight racism, intolerance and injustice."
Friday's zoom session will also feature breakout sessions and a panel discussion with local leaders. Full registration ($15) includes Q&A with presenters and access to recordings after the event.
The Chamber has previously conducted its annual Diversify Summits with in-person workshops, market fares, speeches and social gatherings to help promote more business interaction and to support minority- and women-owned businesses. The coronavirus pandemic has shifted the summit entirely online this year.
The event comes as the Chamber recently reaffirmed its commitment to listen, learn and work for ways to limit biases and racism in Chattanooga's business scene.
"We are listening to our community members who are hurting and who are rightfully demanding that we re-examine our own biases," the Chamber said in its statement of solidarity against racism. "Our businesses stand together against racism, intolerance and injustice. As a business community we recognize clearly that senseless violence and loss of life cannot continue to threaten any of our community members, especially our black community members."
Gillenwater said Chamber surveys of more than 5,000 local residents during the development of the economic development strategy known as Chattanooga Climbs highlighted the need for more inclusion and diversity in the local economy and workforce. The Chamber said it is working to diversity the makeup of its boards for both the Chamber and its area councils and is working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss national policies needed to address racial inequities.
"Working together, we've proven over the years that we are a resilient community, but not all of us have shared that sense of confidence, hope and resiliency," the Chamber said in its statement. "Now more than ever before, this is the time to draw inspiration from one another and unite against all racism, injustice and inequality."