Olan Mills’ fine tradition

Chattanooga’s original Olan Mills began his photo business by going into local neighborhoods with his camera to make family portraits.

But he had many others join him as the Chattanooga business went nationwide. The company has 4,000 employees (including 475 in Chattanooga), and these days is primarily known for church directories and studio photography.

Now it has been announced that Olan Mills will be sold to a competitor: Lifetouch Inc., which is headquartered near Minneapolis. Lifetouch fortunately plans to keep nearly all of Olan Mills’ employees. So the fine photo tradition goes on.