Outgoing Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce President Ron Harr told the Pachyderm Club on Monday that the Chamber is surpassing goals on membership and economic development.
He said when he arrived at the Chamber two and a half years ago that the local unit trailed Knoxville by 1,600 members to 2,000.
Mr. Harr said Sandra Brewer was brought on staff to beef up membership. She said her efforts, along with a recent three-day blitz, has pushed membership totals to 2,252.
He said the Chamber Foundation is gearing up for its fundraising drive held every four years. He said local firms are asked to add to the fund that gets annual appropriations from the city and county.
Mr. Harr said ambitious goals for job creation are set each time there is a new fund drive.
He said the aim was to create 5,000 jobs, and the number is at 6,813. He said, even without the Volkswagen number, the Chamber is close to reaching that goal.
Mr. Harr said the Chamber was shooting for jobs paying an average $41,622 and is at $46,150.