Gov. Bredesen Praises Chattanooga's Economic Growth, Unveils VW Passat

Chattanooga, TN (January 13, 2011) – In his final act as Governor, Phil Bredesen applauded Chattanooga for uniting local and state entities to bring more than $1 billion in investment and thousands of new jobs to the region to a crowd of nearly 1,500 guests at the Governor’s Luncheon on Wednesday, an event sponsored by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Bob Corker, Incoming Deputy Governor Claude Ramsey, Chattanooga City Mayor Ron Littlefield, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and Chamber President and CEO Tom Edd Wilson paid tribute to Governor Bredesen for his eight years of service, commending him for his landmark contributions to education and economic development.

The event ended with Governor Bredesen and Volkswagen Chattanooga Operations President Frank Fischer unveiling the new Chattanooga-made Passat.

In his keynote address, Governor Bredesen emphasized the importance of unity in and among state and local groups and governments in successfully carrying out high-impact economic development initiatives like the Volkswagen project.

"The notion of a smoothly-run state government is really important in attracting business investments," said Governor Bredesen.

Looking into the years ahead, Governor Bredesen asserted that the key to Tennessee’s future economic growth is in education. As he underscored the value of "human capital," Governor Bredesen urged the state’s citizens and leaders to steer clear of the political distractions that impede upon wide-scale progress and development.

At the close of his address, Governor Bredesen received a standing ovation as Tom Edd Wilson presented him with a bronze figurine of the Chattanooga Choo Choo on behalf of the Chattanooga Chamber.

Frank Fischer of Volkswagen gave the final presentation of the event, thanking Governor Bredesen for his support in recruiting the company to Tennessee and airing a video featuring the construction of Volkswagen’s new production plant, along with a commercial advertising its Chattanooga-made Passat. The presentation concluded as Fischer invited Governor Bredesen on stage to join him in unveiling the car for the first time in Chattanooga.

For more information about the Chattanooga Area of Commerce’s events and initiatives, visit www.chattanoogachamber.com or call 423.756.2121.