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.
Jimmy White says he was taking a long-term view when he and business partners decided to make a big bet on Chattanooga.
White, a former University of Tennessee and professional golfer, says their real estate investment business has assembled 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space in Chattanooga in a relatively short period.
“Chattanooga has situated itself in a great spot for the next 10 to 20 years,” he says, citing job growth and expansion of companies such as Volkswagen and Amazon. “We’re starting to see the ripple affects.”
White along with partners such as Chattanooga hotel developer Hiren Desai has bought up real estate properties including the iconic James Building on Broad Street and the former Osborne Office Park in Brainerd, which they’ve renamed Midtown Office Park.