The Chattanooga Technology Council has announced nominations and applications are now open for the fifth Annual Technology Excellence (TechX) Awards.
This event celebrates the achievements and contributions of the Chattanooga technology community’s people, projects and businesses.
The TechX Awards feature 13 categories:
• Tech for Good Award (New in 2024)
• CxO Leader of the Year
• Early Innovator Award
• Tech Company of the Year
• IT Infrastructure Excellence Award
• Software Engineering Excellence Award
• DEI Champion in Tech Award
• AI/ML/BI Excellence Award
• Woman in Tech Leadership Award
• DevOps Excellence Award
• Tech Marketing Excellence Award
• Tech Educator of the Year
• Emerging Tech Student Award
Nominations and applications
“The TechX Awards are a testament to the vibrant and dynamic tech scene in Chattanooga,” said Austin Corcoran, executive director of ChaTech. “We encourage everyone to participate by nominating individuals, teams, and companies driving our community forward and making a positive impact.”
Nominations and applications are open now and will close July 26. Finalists will be announced Aug. 26, leading to the awards ceremony on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at The Turnbull Building.
La Paz Chattanooga names “Best Sangria” Winner
La Paz Chattanooga, the longest-serving nonprofit organization working directly with the Chattanooga area’s rapidly-growing Latino population, hosted its signature “friendraising” event, Sangria on the Southside, Friday, June 14.
The event drew more than 300 attendees who spent the evening enjoying live music, dancing, authentic foods and the “Best Sangria in Chattanooga” contest.
Four local restaurants – Amada Tapas & Wine, Mexiville, Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina and 423 Taco – competed in the “Best Sangria” contest, and Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina was named the winner. The winning sangria was praised for its classic flavors and traditional red wine base.
La Paz’s inaugural Sangria on the Southside event was hosted in 2008 to help introduce community members to the organization’s work with Chattanooga’s Latino community. While the annual event was placed on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, La Paz leaders decided to bring it back this year as part of the organization’s 20th anniversary.
“Sangria on the Southside is a beloved event by so many of our friends and community supporters, and we were thrilled to revive it during this very special year,” said Stacy Johnson, president and CEO at La Paz Chattanooga. “It was wonderful to bring everyone together in one place to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together over the past 20 years, and I’m so grateful to everyone who attended.”
Unum launches Broker Connect
Unum Group, a leading provider of financial protection benefits in the U.S., has launched Unum Broker Connect for Employee Navigator.
Recent advancements in both operations and technology have delivered a next generation experience for brokers that license Employee Navigator, building further upon the strong relationship between the carrier and benefits administration platform.
Unum Broker Connect for Employee Navigator is the culmination of a decadelong partnership resulting in a best-in-class integration and service model for brokers.
Broker Connect for Employee Navigator drives efficiency and value for Unum’s broker partners in many ways:
• Streamlined implementation: Quick, accurate case setup and enrollment using top-tier integration teams and a purpose-built model, significantly reducing administrative work for brokers and their clients
• Automated plan setup: Availability of automatic plan builds for Unum benefits within Employee Navigator
• Embedded evidence of insurability (EOI): Members are presented with EOI application within the Employee Navigator enrollment experience, and plan administrators can see all coverage decisions dependent on EOI within the platform
• Seamless data exchange: Fast and accurate benefits data sent to Unum on a recurring basis, leveraging Employee Navigator as the benefits system of record
“Many of our broker partners have worked with us to leverage our Unum HR Connect solution to integrate Unum benefits with their clients’ human capital management systems to save time during set up and enrollment and to ensure accurate billing,” says Chris Pyne, executive vice president, group benefits at Unum.
New integration capabilities have been released throughout the first and second quarters of 2024.
“We’ve heard great things from our broker partners that have already taken advantage of this expanded partnership, and we’ve seen already in 2024 substantial increases in sales with new and existing clients whose utilize Employee Navigator,” added Pyne.
Future Capital unveils retirement plan platform
Future Capital, a tech-enabled registered investment adviser (RIA) specializing in personalized retirement solutions, announced the launch of Construct, an innovative tool designed specifically for growth-focused financial advisers to manage held-away 401(k) assets which they previously were unable to directly manage.
Construct stands out for its ability to seamlessly combine advanced digital tools, customized managed account solutions, and personalized guidance from advisers into one comprehensive platform.
This all-in-one approach equips advisers to confidently navigate the complexities of workplace retirement plans, efficiently managing assets without the burden of cumbersome technology, compliance obligations, or staffing requirements.
With Construct, advisers can build custom allocations for their clients’ 401(k) assets and maintain their role as a fiduciary, ensuring that their clients’ best interests are always prioritized.
Recent developments, including Future Capital’s strategic partnership with Money Concepts, rebranding from ProNvest, and strategic expansion of its team, including new hires to bolster client service and support, underscore Future Capital’s continued commitment to providing advisers and investors with innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the wealth management and retirement landscape while delivering exceptional experiences for advisers and their clients.