Chattanooga Business Buzz: A September to Remember
Hey there, Chattanooga! As we bid adieu to September and welcome the crisp air of fall, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and catch up on some exciting business happenings around town. There’s a lot to unpack, from new openings to unexpected closures. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
New Beginnings
First up, animal lovers in East Ridge have something to celebrate! Just last week, the community held a grand opening for a brand-new animal shelter that cost a whopping $2.9 million to build. This shining new facility is expected to greatly enhance the efforts to take care of our furry friends and meet the needs of families in the area. East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams was all smiles at the grand opening, expressing how significant this shelter is for the community. Let’s hear it for our four-legged companions!
Bittersweet Goodbyes
Expanding Horizons
In brighter news, Velo Coffee Roasters is expanding its cozy spot on East Main Street! The coffee gem has taken advantage of a recent space available following Chattanooga Print & Design’s move to expand its offerings. How lovely is that? With nearly tripled seating and a brand new customer bar, Velo is ready to welcome even more coffee enthusiasts. Whether you need your caffeine fix or a comfy corner to relax in, they’ve got you covered!
Health and Travel on the Rise
On the healthcare front, CHI Memorial has exciting plans to construct a new inpatient rehabilitation facility in Ooltewah soon. This is a fantastic development for the community, ensuring that residents have access to top-notch medical care right in their backyard. Meanwhile, the Chattanooga Airport is set to enhance travel accessibility with more Delta Air Lines daily roundtrip flights to Atlanta and Detroit. Whether you’re heading on a business trip or vacation, getting to where you want to go just got a whole lot easier!
Future Developments
Speaking of making moves, a developer has big plans for a vacant church building near the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. It’s proposed that this space transforms into around 30 apartments. If all goes well, it could provide some much-needed housing for students and residents alike.
Let’s not forget about affordable housing initiatives! Chattanooga officials have generously announced the donation of 11 properties to developers keen on building affordable homes or apartments within the city. It’s always heartwarming to see efforts focused on providing safe and affordable living options for everyone.
Challenges in the Air
While there’s much to celebrate, there are a few bumps in the road as well. Volkswagen Chattanooga has decided to furlough about 200 employees as they temporarily suspend the production of the ID.4 SUV. Additionally, FreightWaves has also had to let go of 16 jobs due to a downturn in the freight market. It’s a reminder that even in a flourishing economy, challenges can arise.
Community Support
Lastly, kudos to the AIM Center, a Chattanooga nonprofit, which has officially broken ground on 60 units of supportive housing. This project is sure to be a game-changer for many individuals in need, as it focuses on providing foundational support and stability.
As we reflect on September, it’s clear that Chattanooga is a city in motion—growing, changing, and adapting. With new beginnings, expansions, and initiatives geared towards community support, it’s exciting to think about what lies ahead. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s continue championing our local businesses and initiatives that make Chattanooga such a wonderful place to call home!
