The national economy is finally making a comeback, and we are positioned to take advantage of the expansion that likely will follow. In other words, while the recession was going on in our country this community was putting in place the tools for economic expansion and opportunity.
My challenge to you is to seize this moment, and help make our community truly distinctive through your work and in your daily lives.
To many, economic development seems overwhelming—something only government and Chambers of Commerce can impact. But we know that the vast majority of jobs created in a city will always come from existing businesses, in other words, our citizens. All of the things we do pale in comparison to the impact each of you have on shaping our economy.
If you are a young entrepreneur, and you have an idea but haven’t yet brought yourself to take the risk, figure out a way to do it. Now is the time. If you are a business owner, act on new opportunities that will cause your business to flourish.
If you are a CEO, shape your vision in a manner that adds significant job growth to Chattanooga. Tennessee Rand, McKee Foods, American Plastics and U.S. Xpress, have done it, along with many others. There has never been a better time for growth.
If you are an employee, I’m asking you to recommit yourself to a new standard of excellence. Be the example that others strive to reach. Develop your skills, advance your knowledge, and make yourself a vital part of your company’s future.
And to those with wealth who make investments, I challenge you to make a significant portion of your investments, not in New York, not in Asia, not in Europe, but in Chattanooga, in our entrepreneurs, in our businesses, in our citizens.
If we will do these things, not only will we create the kind of vibrancy in our community that brings it distinction, but we can also truly create job opportunities for the young people who are helping to define our future.
To all of our citizens, I challenge you to make the most of what makes Chattanooga special and incorporate all that is around you into your daily lifestyle. Take advantage of the amenities we are promoting to others. If you aren’t a hang glider, rock climb; if you aren’t a rock climber, backpack; if you aren’t into backpacking, ride your bike up a mountain.
If you are serving on a board that just isn’t making an impact on bettering our community, help change its direction or find another way in which to serve.
If you are at a point in life with extra time on your hands, get involved. There are so many meaningful things you can do in this community.
To all those who work in service industries and to all our citizens, make it a priority to welcome others into our community.
Chattanooga is a special community. We are a community where citizens give selflessly of themselves to make the lives of others better. We are a community where citizens come together to solve problems. We are a community that embraces bold vision, and uses public input to make it a reality.
Chattanooga is a place where healthy, intelligent, creative, and active people want to live...
Together, we are creating a unique brand that all of our citizens can be proud of and that no other city in America can reproduce.
