As a small business owner simply keeping “the wheels on the bus” is usually the focus of my day. There is little time for anything other than money management, maintaining employee and customer relationships, and ordering inventory, to name a few. Over the past eight years of being a small business owner there have been many frustrating moments trying to “jump through the hoops” and simply follow government regulations. While I have received some guidance with my business throughout the years, there seems to be an overall lack of understanding from those individuals that decide the ordinances and rules that govern small businesses. The individuals that decide these regulations have a purpose intended to be good for local businesses, but the application of these rules is not always right in many circumstances.
Most business owners are highly motivated and thrive on the challenge of cultivating a business from infancy and all dream to see their business prosper. Chris Howley is a business owner, like myself. After numerous conversations with him I strongly believe he has a genuine concern for the small business owner, and more importantly, an understanding of the real problems we face. He has spent many afternoons with me having in depth discussions about our current business climate on the mountain. We have talked about what new things we can do to not only preserve and cultivate the businesses we currently have, but to develop many new business opportunities in the future.
I have had the pleasure of doing business with Chris on numerous occasions. He has been a regular customer of mine in both my restaurant and concrete business. His support for local business has been substantial and more importantly he has helped bring me forward within the community by telling others to support my business. Chris has been very successful in the corporate world. While his business accomplishments are nothing short of incredible, he has remained grounded in our community. His service to the youth and to various groups is merely the beginning of his personal dedication to this town.
The passion for local business and the understanding of the vast need to protect them is vital for our sustainability as a town from a tax base, but also for the overall atmosphere that we love. Signal Mountain is a wonderful place to live for its schools, security, and strong community. Although the mountain’s greatest flaw is the deprecation of local businesses.
Living on Signal Mountain, you hear the frustration of the residents about a lack in variety of restaurants or stores for shopping. As a local resident I can attest that there is some truth to the complaints. I have seen several businesses close their doors and doing so has left a void in our town. This being said, I truly believe Chris Howley has a real understanding of this town’s needs. He has a plan that is not only focused on rebuilding our current businesses, but also filling the empty storefronts along Taft highway by helping to establish new groundwork to streamline the process for prospective business owners.
As a business owner and friend, Chris Howley certainly has my vote and continued support.
Eric Opatich
Signal Mountain Resident and Business Owner
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I write to express my support for Chris Howley to be elected to our Town Council. I have had the opportunity to know and watch Chris in his many roles, and he is an involved and devoted husband and father, a successful businessman, a worker and supporter of our town's organizations, a true friend, and an informed citizen. I appreciate his willingness to serve for the betterment of our community even at this busy time in his life.
Chris is exactly who we need representing us on our Town Council. He is thoughtful, pragmatic, reasonable, and intelligent. Insightful and wise, he is able to examine and anticipate the ramifications of the issues affecting our community. Additionally, he will work cooperatively with others to find solutions and make sensible decisions.
A man of integrity and generosity, Chris is willing to give of his time and talents as a responsible citizen, and he desires to serve his community. I have great confidence in Chris and in his ability to lead and work with others in this position. I hope you will join me in voting for Chris Howley.
Terri Tucker
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Chris Howley is just the kind of leader we need on the Signal Mountain Town Council. I first became acquainted with him on the ball fields and in the gyms of Signal Mountain where we both have served as recreational league coaches. Good or bad, you learn a lot about someone’s character when they are involved with youth sports. To that end, Chris has consistently proven himself to be a patient teacher, committed to the objective of helping kids learn teamwork, respect, and good sportsmanship. With these traits, he’ll bring a similar spirit of productive collaboration to the Council.
Chris has also made his mark as an effective business person. Under his direction, Republic Parking has become one of the most successful firms in its industry. Importantly, in driving this result Chris has established himself as a person of integrity, not only within his internal organization but also with his customers and other company stakeholders. There is no question that he will bring a high level of acumen to the management of town business and will capably serve as a trusted fiduciary.
Finally, I believe he has the position of councilmember in the proper perspective. He has a clear understanding of what makes Signal Mountain an exceptional place for families to live. With that mindset, he is seeking office to serve as a committed steward of what makes our town great and is simply not motivated by any special interests or political agendas.
We’re blessed to have someone with this level of character and leadership ability who is willing to give of his time and energy to our community. Please join me in voting for Chris Howley for the Signal Mountain Town Council.
Bob Marshall
Signal Mountain