Saluting Chattanooga's MVPs
Chattanooga's downtown skyline took on a new look in 2017 with the tallest new building erected in decades added in the central city and several signature structures taking on new owners and uses.But far more than just the built environment was altered during the past year as a growing and shifting economy and workforce continued to change the way business is done in Chattanooga.The individuals who helped lead such changes and did the most to reshape the regional economy are our Most Valuable Players in business in 2017. The top 10 list includes those leading everything from volunteer programs to Chattanooga's biggest business and reflects the diversity of our changing economy.
Larry Buie says he feels more plugged into the Scenic City than any community in which he has lived over his long career with Southern Natural Gas Co., and its corporate prededcessors.
The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce chairman, who heads the board of the Hamilton County's chief economic development group, has overseen a period of high employment in the area and key milestones for the business group.
In September, unemployment in metropolitan Chattanooga fell to its lowest level in more than 17 years and the jobless rate in Hamilton County fell to only 2.9 percent.
"Of course new industry is important, but it creates more inclusion when long-standing legacy companies feel focused on, and that focus is also clear to the community. And of course workforce development is critical to any growing community," he said in the Chamber's Business Trend publication this year.
In July, the business group was named 2017 Chamber of the Year for midsize cities by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Key points in Chattanooga's application were four initiatives on which the group has been working such as Chattanooga 2.0, the role of chamber councils, Thrive 2055, and engagement with businesses and board members.
In November, the Chattanooga Chamber also landed 5-star certification from the United States Chamber of Commerce. It's the first time the Chattanooga business group earned the top designation.
Buie, regional director Chattanooga Gas Co., has spent 24 years with Southern Natural Gas, where he began as a junior engineer. He has lived in six locations while with the company.
"Ending up here 16 years ago was the best thing to have happened to me in a long time," he says.