The Chamber does WUT?

Rings, Rocks and Remarkable Stories with Broderick Hicks, BW James Jewelers

In this episode, Tammy visits with Broderick Hicks, CEO and Director of Operations for BW James Jewelers. Broderick shares insights into the growth, community involvement, and family legacy as the business prepares to move into a new, larger location in Cleveland. Broderick discusses BW James’ specialty in engagement rings, custom jewelry, heirloom redesigns, and unique historical wood collection rings crafted from materials tied to iconic moments in history, including wood connected to the Titanic and Pearl Harbor battleships. He also highlights the company’s strong commitment to community involvement through partnerships, charitable events, school fundraisers, and local organizations. The conversation explores the importance of networking and small business support through the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, along with the value of perseverance, passion, and building meaningful customer relationships. Drawing from his family’s 78-year history in the jewelry industry, Broderick reflects on the lessons passed down through generations and the joy of helping customers celebrate life’s most important moments. This episode is a heartfelt look at entrepreneurship, family business, and the power of staying connected to your local community.

The Art of Uncommon with Eric Boston

In this engaging conversation, Eric Boston, the owner of Boston Uncommon, shares insights into his creative signage and display solutions company. He emphasizes the importance of personalized and meaningful signage that reflects the identity of the organizations they represent. Eric discusses various projects, including notable signs for local schools, and the Caring Place, highlighting how they incorporate the unique personality of each client into their designs. He believes that effective signage goes beyond mere functionality; it should build brand significance and foster a connection with the community.   The discussion also touches on Eric's experience with the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, where he found value in networking and building relationships with other businesses. He reflects on how joining the Chamber helped him step out of his individual silo and engage with the broader community. Eric encourages others to consider joining the Chamber, noting that it offers opportunities for businesses of all sizes to connect and thrive together. Overall, the conversation showcases the intersection of creativity, community, and collaboration in Eric's work and his commitment to making a positive impact through Boston Uncommon.

Not Your Everyday After School Club: Building Futures with Youth Force

In this episode, Jason Padgett, the Youth Force Director at the Boys and Girls Club of the Ocoee  Region, shares insights into the innovative programs designed for teenagers in Bradley County. He discusses the various initiatives, including podcasts focused on financial literacy and multicultural exposure, as well as audiovisual production opportunities that allow kids to gain real-world experience. Jason highlights the importance of these programs in providing youth with skills that are not only relevant but also essential in today's job market, emphasizing the unique position of their club in the national landscape of Boys and Girls Clubs. Jason shares exciting news about the club's involvement in national conferences, where students get to showcase their work and meet influential figures. He underscores the significance of community support and partnerships in enhancing the educational experiences of the youth, ultimately preparing them for future careers in various fields, particularly in audiovisual and innovation sectors. Open to all local high schoolers (including homeschool students), the program blends creativity, career training, and hands-on opportunities—plus future plans for apprenticeships and industry partnerships.

Tourism Development with Melissa Woody- It's Not Just for Visitors

In this episode of The Chamber Does Wut?, Tammy sits down with Melissa Woody, Vice President of Tourism Development for the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, to explore how tourism has evolved in Cleveland, Tennessee over the past 25+ years. Melissa shares her journey from the early days of the Convention & Visitors Bureau to today’s dynamic, digitally driven tourism strategies. She discusses how targeted marketing, social media, and strategic partnerships help attract visitors while supporting local businesses. The conversation highlights Cleveland’s unique identity—from its rich Cherokee and agricultural heritage to standout events like the Hot Slaw & Art Y’all Festival and the International Cowpea Festival. Melissa explains how leaning into what makes a community different is key to drawing attention, media coverage, and tourism growth. Listeners will also get an inside look at how travel writers experience the region, the impact of tourism on the local economy, and why there’s always something happening in Cleveland.

A Community UNITED- United Way of the Ocoee Region

In this episode, Tammy talks with Stephanie Linkous, President & CEO of the United Way of the Ocoee Region to discuss how the organization brings community resources together to address local needs across Bradley and Polk counties. Stephanie explains that their work is guided by an annual community needs assessment, with current focus areas including affordable housing, access to quality childcare, healthcare and dental services for underserved populations, and a growing emphasis on mental health and substance misuse support. The conversation highlights key initiatives like United Way Day of Action—an annual large-scale volunteer event that mobilizes hundreds of community members—and the organization’s funding process, which supports local nonprofits through community-led decision-making. Stephanie also discusses resources like the 2-1-1 hotline for connecting residents with essential services, and the Social Impact Center, which supports nonprofits with affordable workspace and resources.  Additionally, the episode touches on leadership development through the Young Professionals group and Stephanie’s upcoming role as Chair of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce Board. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement, encouraging small businesses and nonprofits to engage with the Chamber to build connections and make a greater local impact. Overall, the episode showcases how collaboration, volunteerism, and strategic funding help strengthen the region and improve quality of life.