In 2018, Chattanooga's biggest university received its largest gift, a major trucking company raised over $250 million in a public offering and the biggest manufacturing employer announced plans to hire still more workers.
Edge magazine's top 10 list of MVPs includes both lifetime residents and newcomers and even one who doesn't live in town. The self-proclaimed "Gig City" also boosted its entrepreneurial ecosystem during the year with new loan and investment programs for startup businesses, while the city's top hospitals displayed healthy growth across the region.
The individuals who led these changes - and did the most to influence Chattanooga's economy and commerce in the past year - are our Most Valuable Players in business for 2018.
Our top 10 list includes both lifetime residents and newcomers and even one who doesn't live in town.
The MVPs come from the business, nonprofit and public sectors, but each in their own way is shaping the local business climate for the better.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS OF 2018
- Eric Fuller
- Lesley Scearce
- Hiren Desai
- Antonio Pinto
- Susan Harris
- Todd Fortner
- Janelle Reilly
- Gary Rollins
- Marcus Shaw
- Julie Taylor