The CBS News Early Show recommended Chattanooga as one of the most environmentally-friendly places in the world to visit on vacation. The salute to Chattanooga also appeared on the network’s CBSNews.com website. Chattanooga was described on the february 19 edition of the CBS program as “a model eco-town and a tourist hotspot.” The report also cited the city’s reclaimed riverfront and revitalization projects. “This coverage places Chattanooga among the world’s great eco-friendly destinations,” said J.Ed. Marston, Chamber vice president for marketing. The other featured “green” vacation spots were the Galapagos Islands, Car-free Islands and Burlington, VT. “To be mentioned in the same breath with the celebrated Galapagos Islands is high praise indeed,” Marston said. “This recognition will support Chamber efforts to call attention to our respect for the environment through our industries and the way we live as individuals.” To read the full report visit www.cbsnews.com.

Bethel Offers “Blended” Delivery MBA
Last fall Bethel College launched its new MBA degree program, offering a “blended” delivery mechanism that combines the benefits of both face-to-face monthly instruction and daily online delivery. “We know that busy adults require the convenience today’s technology can provide,” said Bethel’s Dr. Nassar Nassar. “But we determined early on never to sacrifice the quality of the education for the speed at which it is delivered.” Each participant in the 14- to 18-month program receives a notebook computer and iPod, in addition to personal instruction from experts in business administration. Students may enroll in the program this spring. for information about the program, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, visit www.bethelmba.net, contact Ginger Kelley at kelleyg@bethel-college. edu or phone 423-877-4BETHEL.

BusinessTN Magazine’s “Hot100”
Spotlights 11 Chattanooga Companies
The inaugural list of BusinessTN Magazine’s 100 fastest-growing, Tennessee-based companies profiles 11 Chattanooga area businesses, nine of which are Chamber members. According to the article, the selected companies are “enriching local and regional economies, providing jobs and fueling [Tennessee’s] entrepreneurial culture.” The local businesses are Access America Transport, Application Researchers, East Tech Company, Inc., Educational Outfitters, EMJ Corp., Kenco Logistic Services, National Print Group, Pointe General Contractors, Smart furniture, United Enertech and Walden Security. East Tech and Pointe General were finalists in the Chamber’s Small Business Awards competition. (See story on Page 12.)