According to Chattanooga TV stations, as well as various radio reports, Chattanooga and Cleveland, Tennessee are now out of retirement. In other words, we’ve hit rock bottom and are starting to go back – but it’s slow progress.
The Times Free Press said Chattanooga hit the bottom three years ago and is headed for recovery in 2009. We moved to Cleveland in 2009 so I will take partial credit for the change in direction! I don’t think the big skulls that give me credit for the study…they think it has something to do with Volkswagen moving and dumping big bucks into the community in addition to building their own auto plant. They use local contractors and supplies so getting great brownie points around here.
Chattanooga and Cleveland are only about 20 miles apart, so the economic recovery is spilling over into our big city. Cleveland is not as small-town as I sometimes make it out to be. We live far out in the country, we do not have to do business with the town unless we want to. Although we have the Barber Shop From Hell (click here if you missed that story) we also have a real, honest to goodness men’s store with Penny’s, Sears, Belk and a few smaller fancy stores.
We have quite a large hotel, nice restaurants, the usual fast food and some casual style restaurants. We also have two high schools and two community colleges community. We are at Home Depot and Lowe’s and Pone!
Temporary employment agencies report that more jobs are available in the light industry and clerical areas. In this it is consistent with the said facts that the first sign of recovery is the hiring of temporary workers. Businesses that are still in sales are trying to hire because they don’t have to pay benefits.
Memphis and Johnson City, Tennessee are also showing signs of improvement, while Nashville and Knoxville are no better. North Georgia is also not reckless in the irresponsible rate.
Why is Chattanooga’s economy better? Volkswagen – The new plant is an investment of one billion dollars and is efficient, top of the line. Their paint shop will carry no waste. They hire thousands of local workers in their offices, picket line and paint shop. There will also be 16 suppliers based in the adjacent area which will add even more business and more money to this area.
The course of that growth is in the housing market and sales in the surrounding areas, and that includes Cleveland as we are just a hop, skip and a jump away from the action. Good luck increasing that will be a nice change!
Cleveland is a town on the rise and in MoUe. Our Sheriff Tim Gobble is running for Congress to try to move Washington. I had a conversation or two with him. He is a very nice guy and has done good things for Bradley County, Tennessee.
So, maybe right, maybe a good place to live, work and play. The Chattanooga – Cleveland, Tennessee area – my home!
Sources:
Timesfreepress.com
Thecalhoutimes.com
