The Greater Memphis Chamber Ambassador program is made up of volunteers from the chamber membership. These ambassadors are the official hosts of membership events from our breakfast forum series to each ribbon cutting. Every year, the chamber recognizes one ambassador for their dedication to this program and this year, Lorraine Ferguson, of Wilder Services received this special honor. The chamber’s Christina Meek spoke with Lorraine about her favorite chamber events and what about Memphis keeps her smiling so much. 

How long have you been an ambassador for the chamber?
About 3 years

You're not from Memphis - where are you originally from?
I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Steeler Country) but that was only for 20 years and here we are in Greater Memphis (Grizz Country) for 38 years. Penn State Grad and then on to teach Home Economics in Oregon.

What brought you to Memphis?
We came here to start a new business (200 employees) supplying fabricated wood drawer sides to furniture companies.

What made you want to be an ambassador for the chamber?
Soon after our company, Wilder Systems, joined the Memphis Chamber and I went to the orientation program (highly recommend this short and concise overview), I began to attend a few functions that provided wonderful networking opportunities, as well as, enhancing my understanding of the current business climate and future developments of our great city. I do enjoy meeting new people and I have always had an interest in how businesses are operated behind the front door. So it did not take too long for me to attend a few ribbon cuttings. With a desire to help, I volunteered to be an ambassador to aid the hard working chamber staff in any way possible and hopefully to meet a few contacts along the way which would lead to new customers for our company. I have always loved our wonderful River City.

What is your favorite chamber event that you’ve volunteered at as an ambassador?
Hard to choose. I loved the “Conversation With…Duncan Williams” but then there is the hard to beat, annual chairman's luncheon, which is such a grand affair and always fabulous in every way. Of course, every ribbon cutting provides such a learning experience--I feel very fortunate to be a part of it all.

Would you like to see the ambassadors do anything differently in the future?
The only thing I actually suggested at the very beginning was a term limit - here I am at the very end of my 3 year suggested time! Maybe I will up that to 4 years.

Tell me about the company you work for, what you do there and how long you’ve been working there?
Wilder Systems LLC has been providing corporate computer networking solutions in the Greater Memphis area since 1996. We recently moved east - three blocks - to 1800 Union Ave. Jim Wilder and his crew of highly skilled technicians are very easy for me to promote because they all truly care about each and every client. As Business Development Manager, I try hard to get the word out that our team is first and foremost concerned that the customers’ technology world runs smoothly and efficiently. Wilder Systems sometimes functions as the outsourced IT department for companies with no technical staff. In other cases technical expertise is provided on a project basis to accomplish a specific task for a company’s tech staff. In 2003, Wilder Systems formed a residential computer division, @Home Computer Service. With the explosion of home offices, student notebooks and wireless networking, a need was seen to help home users. Our techs come to the home or people can drop off at our 1800 Union location.

What do you love about Memphis?
The people, the river (I love Mud Island River Park, The Old Wonders Series, Memphis Botanic Garden), the music, our climate and all the wonderful entertainment opportunities available like at GPAC & Cannon Center, hiking the Greenline (someday I will get on the bike!).

To learn more about the Chamber's Ambassador Program, click here.