Posted May 02, 2008

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -- Chattanooga’s first downtown park will be the setting for the 2008 Heart of the City celebration which will focus on “green” business practices.

Presented by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Council, the annual showcase of downtown merchants moves to Miller Park on May 30. The time of the festivities has moved from the mid-day to 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We decided to change the location from Miller Plaza to Miller Park to emphasize that we’ve made changes in the celebration,” said Heart of the City coordinator Lori Jenkins.  “We are also holding the event in May, instead of April, as another sign of change and so we could segue into the May 30 Nightfall concert featuring Karia Bonoff and Tim Veazey.”

As usual, the celebration will focus on the downtown area as a vibrant business community with much to offer in the arts and culture, as well. And, as in the past, it will feature an expo of area businesses, entertainment, food and beverages. 

“But this year, to emphasize the importance of environmental awareness, the celebration will include businesses from outside, as well as inside the downtown area who have instituted green practices,” Jenkins says.

“These measures could range from manufacturing a green product to maintaining an active recycling program at the workplace. We hope businesses will support this important event that calls attention to the many places people can shop and enjoy themselves in the central district of downtown.

“And with a focus on the environmental impact, as well as the economic impact of local businesses, the celebration will be valuable, as well as enjoyable, for all who attend.”

One of the “green” exhibitors is AquaShield, Inc. manufacturer of storm water treatment systems. The company recently employed its “green” systems at “home,” when it expanded its corporate headquarters in Chattanooga.

“We are well aware of what we can do to treat storm water runoff, and we incorporated cutting edge water-management technologies into our building plans,” said J. Kelly Williamson, president of AquaShield, which won the Chamber’s Kruesi Award for Innovation in 2004.

Another sponsor and exhibitor is Northwest Georgia Bank, which will soon open Tennessee’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified “green” bank branch on the North Shore.

“Chattanooga's leaders have been taking steps toward a more eco-friendly city for some time now, and it feels good to join in,” said Stan Guess, spokesman for Northwest Georgia. “We are eager to learn more about how we can do our part to support Chattanooga's many pro-active initiatives.”

First Tennessee, EPB, Xtrax, YPAC (Young Professionals Association of Chattanooga) and Fitness Together will also be exhibiting, Jenkins said, noting that First Tennessee is also helping sponsor the event.

Jenkins, who serves on the Downtown Council board, said sponsorships and exhibit booths for the celebration are still available.

Major sponsor for the event is Covista, whose president, Kevin Alward, stresses the company’s strong commitment to the growth of Chattanooga. 

Exhibitors include a company that is growing in environmental responsibility -- Fast Signs of Chattanooga. “The sign industry is a large consumer of raw goods and inherently has become a source for a huge amount of waste, mostly in the form of scrap metals, excess vinyl and paper,” says manager Heather Holloway.

“FastSigns has realized that the sign industry can do its fair share to conserve energy and sign-making products. Using greener materials and methods have become a priority for us, and we are dedicated to doing our part to help the Scenic City live up to its name.”

Among the beverage vendors is Big River Grille, which will be selling beer and offering give-aways to attendees. Door prizes include footballs autographed by Roger Staubach during his recent visit to Chattanooga to participate in the Chamber’s Spirit of Innovation Awards Luncheon.

For more information about the Heart of the City Celebration or to help sponsor the event, contact Jenkins at 423-902-1335 or lorihjenkins@comcast.net.