Officials of Chattanooga Whiskey said they now have over 450 people lined up to attend a County Commission agenda session on Thursday morning in support of their effort to be able to produce whiskey in Hamilton County.
Joe Ledbetter said in an email, "Tim (Piersant) and I are excited about our meeting with the Hamilton County Commission tomorrow. We continue to be amazed and humbled at the support we’ve received from our hometown as well as new friends from across the county.
"Just in case you missed it, the meeting is tomorrow morning, November 15th, at 9:30 a.m. to present why allowing the production of whiskey in Chattanooga is an advantage to our city. We have asked our families, friends, and supporters to stand with us so that their presence will speak loudly to our county leaders.
"Our request has resulted in hundreds of emails, Facebook posts, Tweets, phone calls and even supporters on the street voicing their approval of our campaign to 'Bring Whiskey Back To Chattanooga.'
"Currently we have over 450 supporters who have RSVP'd on Facebook. Space is limited so please arrive early.
"The meeting will be held in Room 402 of the Hamilton County Courthouse at 625 Georgia Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37402
"We ask that you be extremely respectful during the meeting. No outbursts of support or inappropriate behavior. These are our elected officials and they deserve the utmost respect.
"If you would like a Vote Whiskey button we will be handing them out across the street at Jefferson's Restaurant starting at 9 a.m. (Look for the Chattanooga Whiskey tent)."
Mr. Ledbetter said there will be "an after party" on Thursday night when The Company Lab hosts "Will This Float?"
He said, "Everyone who has a a Vote Whiskey button gets a free Chattanooga Whiskey cocktail on us."
It would take six members of the County Commission to sign on to a proposed bill to the local legislative delegation saying they want Hamilton County included in legislation allowing whiskey production.
If that happens, the legislative delegation still would have to pass the bill. Rep. Richard Floyd is among those in the delegation opposing it.