Our local economy continues to outperform the national and state economies, thanks in large part to the variety and resilience of our existing companies. At the same time, our future prospects are incredibly bright with world-class companies like Alstom, Volkswagen, Wacker, and sanofi-aventis investing more than $4 billion in our region.
As a community, we are experiencing a moment in time that has much in common with a company that suddenly finds itself on the fast growth track. If we act now, we can capitalize on the international spotlight provided by these major investments and leverage them to accelerate expansion among our homegrown business, but opportunity is also a challenge.
Accelerated growth intensifies the difficulties associated with raising the bar on education, infrastructure maintenance and development, transportation and public safety.
With these opportunities and challenges in mind, the Chamber has completed a new strategic plan, and we are launching a new campaign called Chattanooga CAN DO: Building Tomorrow Today.
There is more information about the new strategic plan on page 20. You will find that it includes an enlarged focus on starting and growing companies locally, new recruitment targets to ensure the continued diversification of our industrial base, and a new initiative designed to bring the private sector to the table with local public officials in proactively addressing growth issues.
Together we have transformed the decaying Chattanooga of a few decades ago into a region that receives national accolades and international investment. The decisions we make today will be magnified by faster population growth in the future. Facing up to difficulties now can prevent them from becoming catastrophes later. The Chamber stands ready to convene, represent and advocate for the business community during this critical time.
Tom Edd Wilson