Hamilton County: Ramsey wins award for economic development

The Tennessee Economic Development Council on Friday named Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey as its volunteer of the year.

“I am truly honored by this award,” Mr. Ramsey said in a statement. “The Tennessee Economic Development Council is an organization I am proud to be associated with.”

In a news release, the council cited Mr. Ramsey’s involvement in bringing Volkswagen to Chattanooga, as well as his role in a $200 million expansion of Alstom Power and for developing the Hamilton County Center for Entrepreneurial Growth.

The council also recognized Mr. Ramsey’s work on community boards for the United Way, the Orange Grove Center for the mentally handicapped and the Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department, among others.

Steve Hiatt, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s existing industry director, nominated Mr. Ramsey for the award, said J.Ed Marston, spokesman for the chamber.

“(Mayor Ramsey) has really made a personal effort and been really effective,” Mr. Marston said.

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp said Mr. Ramsey deserved the honor.

“Claude Ramsey goes about his job quietly and with determination,” Rep. Wamp said in the statement. “When it comes to economic development, Claude gets things done.”