The Chattanooga 2.0 project has brought increased focus to the importance of education on our region’s economic development. As chairman of the Chattanooga Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, it was difficult to read in the report that 15,000 of the jobs in Hamilton County are not being filled by our own county residents because of lack of training, skills and education.
Just as the Chamber and our economic development partners have worked to bring new business and industry to the community, and grow existing businesses, we are now working with our education partners to ensure our local citizens can be the beneficiaries of that work.
But it will take more than just community leaders to effect a change.
I ask you to visit www.chatt2.org and read the report about the current state of our education system, then find a way to contribute towards a solution. Whether volunteering, organizing your PTA, supporting a teacher, or just helping your neighbor.
Together, our community can improve education for every child and ensure they are trained and prepared to compete for the jobs we fought so hard to bring to Hamilton County.
Hodgen Mainda