What business leaders were the most influential in shaping the local economy in 2016?
In the Chattanooga region, 2016 was a year of building for the future. The first new nuclear reactor of the 21st century and the biggest plant construction project ever in the region was completed, while a record amount of new housing, hotel and retail development was launched in downtown Chattanooga to soon double the number of residents in the central city. One of the biggest floorcovering plants took shape in North Georgia as two carpet companies combined and Chattanooga’s airport added another airline and parking facility. Tennessee’s biggest heath insurer prepared to implement its biggest rate hike under the so-called Obamacare program, while the business trio that built one of Chattanooga’s most successful startups in the past decade began a fund and program to bring more logistics companies to Chattanooga.
The individuals who led such efforts and did the most to reshape the regional economy are our Most Valuable Players in business in 2016. Our top list of MVPs includes both seasoned veterans and newly named heads of local businesses and reflects the diversity of Chattanooga’s changing economy.
Tennessee American Water President Valoria Armstrong pushes new boundaries
Tennessee American Water president Valoria (CQ) Armstrong speaks to guests during a tour of their new $18 million dewatering facility on Monday, Apr. 25, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn. During one of the worst droughts in Chattanooga in decades, Valoria Armstrong helped keep the water flowing this year for more than 300,000 persons served by the Tennessee American Water Co.