Edna Varner and Leslie Gower
Students living in the Westside who attend the Construction Career Center will soon have new gear to prepare them for a future in the industry. The board of commissioners for the Chattanooga Housing Authority voted Tuesday to establish a scholarship in memory of their late colleague, Jim Sattler.
Commissioner Sattler was involved in the construction and development industry throughout his career and retired as chief financial officer from EMJ. He served on the board of commissioners for several years prior to his death last month and was active in civic and faith-based efforts throughout his life.
Funds will be used to provide everything from work boots and gloves to knee pads and construction hats for students attending the construction academy. AGC of East Tennessee president Leslie Gower noted that the CHA’s funding will be matched with funding from members of the AGC. “We know the importance of having the right tools to do the job and having proper equipment for our students is equally important. We’re grateful for this ongoing commitment and the relationship with the Chattanooga Housing Authority. Together, we’re building a foundation for the future of our industry.”
CHA executive director Betsy McCright said, “Once the students graduate from the construction career center, they will have a general contractor’s license which will allow them to gain employment. We hope that our construction team will hire some of the students to work in the community they’ve called home. Once employed, the students will be able to move out of public housing and will be on their way toward self-sufficiency. Ending generational poverty and building wealth will finally be attainable for these students. Nothing would please Jim more.”