After two years at the helm of an organization charged with driving economic development in the region, Christy Gillenwater is clear on what she diplomatically refers to as “the biggest opportunity for our community in the future.”
“We must draw more support for our school system,” says Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a duty; it’s a call to action.”
There are other opportunities, to be sure. Developing a strong talent pipeline to fill the jobs of today, as well as the rapidly evolving jobs of tomorrow. Balancing the need to preserve Chattanooga’s mid-size-city charms with a hard push to attract new ideas and people to the area. Gathering a diverse groups of stakeholders in Chattanooga’s success around a shared vision for the city’s future. Ensuring individuals and families all have a shot at economic prosperity.
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Chamber of Commerce President and DE) Christy Gillenwater speaks during a visit to the Times Free Press.Underpinning all of that, though, is a strong public education system, and the need to support schools will only get more urgent as the region’s great-place reputation grows, she adds.
“A lot of people moving here have higher expectations of our school systems,” she says.