Chattanooga's Olan Mills 'picture' changes

Olan Mills grew from humble beginnings in 1932 to become at one point the nation's biggest portrait studio. It employed thousands of people in Chattanooga, where it was headquartered for most of its existence, and across the country.

But Minnesota-based Lifetouch bought Olan Mills late last year and has announced the closing of two Chattanooga facilities and the resulting loss of 383 local jobs. Some of the workers will have the possibility of working at Lifetouch sites elsewhere, company officials said.

Still, the loss of local jobs is a blow to our economy and is obviously of major concern to affected workers.

We recall with appreciation how much Olan Mills has meant to our community over many years, and we regret the job cuts.

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