Here at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to building a community where everyone can thrive. As part of that work, the chamber often receives confidential inquiries from companies evaluating the Chattanooga region as a possible location. In the chamber’s economic development role, we alone chose not to submit McDonald Farm as a site for the project that was referenced in a recent Times Free Press article, not Mayor Wamp. This was due to the very short timeline the project required and how long it would take to rezone the property and construct sewer infrastructure. It is important that the chamber maintain its reputation as a trusted partner. When ... (click for more)

I have followed the aftermath of The McDonald Family Farm purchase by Hamilton County with great interest and an immense sadness. My great-grandfather (Charles Virgil McDonald) sold 'The Farm' many years ago (for the first time) due to the family's growing grocery business interests in Chattanooga and lack of interest in staying on 'The Farm' at that time in the family's history. That was around the time Mr Roy started 'The Free Press' as an advertising flier highlighting weekly specials at the Red Stores, White Stores and Home Stores. 'Uncle Charlie' (as Mr Roy referred to him) was Mr Roy's father's brother and a favorite uncle, He wrote a weekly column recounting a simpler ... (click for more)