As your Chattanooga Chamber closes out another meaningful year, we’re looking back at some of the bigger news stories that impacted our local economy and business community. Here are TREND’s top five newsmakers for 2022:
1. Rise Partners Plans New $100 Million Industrial Park at Former DuPont Plant
Real estate firm Rise Partners took major steps to push Chattanooga forward by pursuing new industrial and warehousing facilities for local businesses. Plans to revitalize the former DuPont site to create North River Commerce Park, an industrial campus that will create new jobs and economic activity, will have an anticipated $100 million valuation upon its completion, and will utilize tax increment financing (TIF) to help fund capital construction costs. This development will bring four modern Class A industrial buildings to the Hixson site, totaling nearly 800,000 square feet.
2. Area Leaders Champion South Broad Redevelopment
Within the span of a single week, more than 150 business and community leaders signed onto a statement expressing support for the South Broad Redevelopment plan that also includes a new baseball stadium.
“We asked our top investors where they stood on this important project. An overwhelming majority are eager to show their full support,” Christy Gillenwater, former President and CEO, Chattanooga Chamber, said. “As more people begin to understand the many benefits for the entire community, we invite them to sign on as well.”
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger welcomed the support from business leaders. “There comes a time when leaders need to stand for progress; this is now that time,” Coppinger said.
3. EPB Launches Nation’s First Community-Wide 25 Gig Internet
Building on its track record of delivering the world’s fastest internet speeds, EPB announced the nation’s first community-wide 25-Gig broadband internet service — available to all residential and commercial customers throughout EPB’s 100% fiber optic network.
Dave Wade, President of EPB, announced the launch at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Convention Center alongside community partners who helped to make this innovation possible, including: Tim Kelly, Mayor, City of Chattanooga; Jim Coppinger, Mayor, Hamilton County; Barry White, President, Chattanooga Tourism Co.; and Christy Gillenwater, former President and CEO, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
4. Chattanooga Chamber Names Charles Wood Interim President and CEO
Charles Wood serves as Interim President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
“With more than 10 years’ experience here in Chattanooga and Hamilton County and having served in key economic development positions over 20 years, Charles Wood will provide consistent, strategic leadership during this critical transition time,” Janelle Reilly, Board Chair, Chattanooga Chamber said.
5. Welcome to the New ChattanoogaChamber.com
Your Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a totally redesigned website, ChattanoogaChamber.com.
Created with members and users in mind, the newly improved website offers a more valuable experience with contemporary design, streamlined navigation and functionality, as well as useful information on member businesses, Chamber initiatives and partners, upcoming events, and other community assets.
