Chattanooga’s transformation over the past few decades has been remarkable. Once a struggling city, it’s now ranked as one of the best places to live and work. As a Vols fan, it’s in my DNA to “root for the underdog.” And I’ve watched our city grow and reshape itself over the years. But behind that success is something even more powerful —the generosity of people and businesses committed to making this community stronger. From nonprofits tackling urgent needs to companies fostering a culture of giving, the collective effort of many has shaped the Chattanooga we know today.
Just recently, U.S. News & World Report named Chattanooga the Best Place to Live in Tennessee, and I truly believe this transformation is largely due to the efforts of organizations like United Way and the countless nonprofits they support. But there’s still work to do. Right now, 9,500 households with children are growing up in financial hardship in Chattanooga. That’s why United Way’s mission matters—bringing people together to uplift our neighbors and build a thriving community for all.
When I think about building a stronger community, I often take it down to a company-by-company level. I think about how every single business has the opportunity to contribute to a broader culture of giving. At HHM CPAs, where we’ve proudly served Chattanooga for over 40 years, community involvement and corporate philanthropy have always been at the very core of who we are. We know that our impact isn’t just measured by the work we do for our clients but also by how we contribute to the growth and well-being of the community as a whole.
The Ripple Effect Starts at the Top
One of the most important things I’ve learned over the years is that giving back starts at the top. At HHM, that’s been a guiding principle for as long as I’ve been here. When I was just a staff member, I had the opportunity to serve on a local nonprofit board committee. As part of that, I was given a fundraising goal—a specific dollar amount I was supposed to raise. At the time, I had no idea how I, as just a young staff member with few – if any – contacts around town, could ever reach this amount.
Defeated, I walked into the office of our managing partner and mentor, Donnie Hutcherson, unsure of how to proceed and looking for guidance. Donnie listened, and with his usual calm demeanor, he reassured me that he’d help me figure it out. Donnie’s leadership didn’t just help me succeed—it set an example for how I wanted to grow as a leader, and how we can all lift each other up, both at HHM and in the community.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve been fortunate enough to help raise millions of dollars for organizations throughout Chattanooga—all with the confidence Donnie instilled in me. That early experience not only shaped my career but also fueled my passion for supporting the causes that matter to our community. The ripple effect of his mentorship continues to drive me, and I’m proud to be part of the ongoing effort to make Chattanooga an even better place to live and work.
This experience taught me something powerful: it starts at the top. Donnie and other members of the HHM partner group empowered me and offered real, tangible support. The partners set an example for how corporate giving works at every level. When the leadership team leads by example, it motivates everyone to get involved and contribute to the causes that matter most.
How Corporate Giving Ripples into the Community
I think this principle holds true on a larger scale for Chattanooga, too. When businesses and leaders step up and prioritize giving back, it inspires a culture of philanthropy that extends far beyond individual companies. At HHM, for example, our commitment to supporting local nonprofits, volunteering our time, and offering financial contributions have had direct impacts on the city we all love.
As more companies get involved, this also creates a ripple effect. And I’ve seen firsthand how it works. One act of giving sparks another, and those sparks strengthen our ability to tackle larger community challenges, from education and healthcare to poverty alleviation and economic development.
A Stronger Chattanooga Through Giving
As someone born and raised in Chattanooga, I am filled with pride over the progress we’ve made. But what’s truly inspiring is that so much of this success is rooted in the spirit of community giving. Whether it’s businesses, nonprofits, or individuals —everyone has a role to play and a unique opportunity to engage in building a stronger city. Organizations like United Way are key to this collective effort.
As our city continues to grow, I believe we must keep this principle of giving alive and moving forward. It’s not enough for just a few of us to get involved. We need everyone to contribute in their own way, whether through donations, volunteering, or offering expertise. If we continue to collectively work for the good of Chattanooga, it can remain a shining example of how instrumental a few ripples can be in changing the course of a city’s future.
Written by Will Clegg, Partner at HHM CPAs