EPB's MWOB and Purchasing efforts grow a diverse ecosystem of local businesses

Velma Wilson, CEO of Cleaning Solutions, LLC, has worked with EPB since 2018, overseeing cleaning EPB's branch offices in Brainerd and Hixson. Wilson started her company in 2002, with the belief it's not only important to do a good job but also to take time to know the stories of the EPB employees.

“I take pride in having my own business in Chattanooga. When you start a business it's not just about making money, but it's about knowing your purpose because having a business is about the people and community you're serving,” Wilson said.

EPB's efforts to increase the number of Women and Minority Owned Business (MWOB) vendors align with our mission of enhancing the quality of life in our community and center around the three pillars of economic development, job creation and generational wealth creation. The program has invested in more than 95 diverse businesses since 2018, and broader job creation and broader prosperity through more than $102.7 million in contracts with diverse business owners over more than two decades.

Many EPB employees have enjoyed Davis Wayne's catering at EPB's company events. Co-owners Cynthia Wood and Antonia Poland take pride in working alongside EPB. “One of the best things about working with EPB has been the access to their fiber optic system. EPB helped us increase our business's bandwidth when we were having issues ringing in orders due to our customer volume,” said Antonia Poland, Co-owner of Davis Wayne's. “Not only did EPB help us switch from a previous competitor, they helped us to get the most affordable rate and plan that worked best for our business. It was truly helpful.”

Connect For Good gives people experiencing homelessness the key to a better future

EPB believes in improving quality of life for everyone in our community. That's why, in 2022, EPB supported the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition by launching Connect For Good, an effort to raise awareness about the issue of homelessness and encourage people to donate to the Flexible Housing Fund.

Managed and dispersed by the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition, the Flexible Housing Fund helps people experiencing homelessness overcome barriers to housing by providing support for back rent, utility payments, rent payments, application fees and other needs that help bridge the gap to housing. The fund supplements existing community resources and fills gaps in needs not covered by other agencies.

“Chattanooga's spirit of generosity is a huge part of what makes our city so special, and these donations will support hundreds of residents in need as they get back on their feet.” — Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly

Learning about the issue through EPB's social media and multimedia marketing campaigns, the Chattanooga community showed how much they cared by donating more than $65,000 to the effort to help people experiencing homelessness in our community and offer hope for a home.

EPB supports local organizations by providing assistance for neighbors in need

EPB reaffirmed our commitment to helping the most vulnerable members of our community by investing $150,000 into United Way of Greater Chattanooga's Bridge Fund, matched by TVA, for a joint partnership of $300,000 to provide neighbors with utility and rent assistance. The donation was the third round of support from EPB and TVA, reaching a total joint investment of $720,000 since spring 2020. Additionally, EPB employees donated $20,000 in personal contributions to the fund in 2020.

According to a Bankrate survey, more than half of Americans are not prepared to cover three months of expenses in an emergency; 25% report having no emergency fund. United Way's Bridge Fund provides direct aid for those who find themselves in a moment of immediate need for food, health services, transportation, crisis relief, housing, utility payments or childcare.

Launched during the pandemic, the Bridge Fund continues to provide resources as individuals and families navigate evolving economic challenges including increased costs for many goods and services.

10^th Street Murals and ArtSpark Goes to School enrich the arts community

EPB cultivates local artists through two hallmark programs that turn essential public power infrastructure into permanent art installations: the 10^th Street Murals Project and ArtSpark Goes to School.

The third wall of the EPB 10^th Street Substation boasts another round of murals featuring the history and traditions of the MLK community. In addition to creating a sense of vibrancy and honoring an important part of Chattanooga's history, the 10^th Street Substation murals showcase talented local artists.

“When people see my box, I hope it reminds them of something that excites them. Whether it be a gleaming childhood memory, an impressive accomplishment, I hope this piece is able to motivate someone to accomplish great things.” — Alanna Jones Newman, Sale Creek High School student

The work of young artists enrolled in Hamilton County Schools adorn 49 utility boxes across Chattanooga as part of the ArtSpark Goes to School program. More than 1,500 students have completed the complementary curriculum developed by UTC's Arts-Based Collaborative that leads students through the design and proposal process.