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1. CHATTANOOGA
Fall 2007 $3.95 ™
THE CITY MAGAZINE™
Back Home
With Senator Corker
Premier Living —
Lake & Mountain Style
Choosing Chattanooga
Over Career Moves
Special Dining Section
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Change Service
Permit No. 426
PRSRT STD
Requested
P.O. 4482
Postage
37405
PAID
www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com 1
lifestyle • dining • homes • arts • travel • profiles
4. Advisory Board It is so Special to Live Here!
In the Chattanooga Region, we are surrounded by the
majestic beauty of the Tennessee Mountains that sur-
round lakes and rivers that lazily twist through the
area. Chattanooga’s thriving waterfront, arts, festivals, parks, restaurants and entertain-
Judy Britain
Julie Baumgardner,
ment are accessible and easily enjoyed by people of all ages. Four seasons are enjoyed but
Marketing Consultant
Executive Director,
First Things First with a relatively mild climate, and more than ever, our area is becoming the destination
of choice for visitors, families and retirees.
In this issue of CityScope, we capture the beauty of the area in a special section called
“Premier Living — Lake and Mountain
Celebrating
Style.” In this section, we feature the
quality of life and the beauty of homes
nestled in the mountains and on water-
15years
ways surrounding our area.
We share the stories of profes-
Daniel Fell, Dr. John Fulmer,
Partner, Associate Dean
sionals who have made career changes
ddN and First Tennessee
Professor, to remain in Chattanooga with their
UTC College of
families. We celebrate this time of the year when rising college freshmen, who success-
Business
fully graduated from high school in May, are now making their way to new colleges, with
new dreams and new aspirations. Twenty three (23) sports teams from the Chattanooga
Region, that achieved the title of “State Champions” during the 2006 and 2007 school
year, are proudly presented.
In this issue, our talented writers present special and unique foods offered in our
area by local restaurants, as well as businesses providing pre-prepared meals. Recom-
Ken Hays,
Sherry Gilchrist,
mendations for fall wines are provided by Alison Matera, one of Chattanooga’s most
Partner,
President/CEO
accomplished wine connoisseurs. We showcase a personal story and impactful art of
Probasco, Kinsey
Chattanooga
& Hays
African American
Mary Ferris Kelly, one of Chattanooga’s most accomplished artists.
Chamber of Commerce
The beauty and appeal of this area, along with the special accomplishments and
talents of people and businesses throughout our Region, would not be complete without
featuring Bob Corker, who through his vision and leadership led Chattanooga to a new
level of national prominence. In a personal interview, you will be treated to a special
glimpse into how Senator Corker is now taking his leadership to the U.S. Senate.
I hope you will enjoy this issue of CityScope magazine and I hope you will feel, as
James O. Kennedy,
Patsy Hazlewood, I do, “It is so special to live here!”
President,
Assistant Vice President,
Kennedy, Coulter,
AT&T
Rushing & Watson
Cindi Mullinix, Editor-in-Chief
Visit our web site at:
www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
Joe Johnson, Sally Robinson,
President, Realtor, Herman
The Johnson Group Walldorf and Co.
4 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
5. CONTENTS 28 35
Volume 14 Issue 5•September, October, November
Special Features
14 Back Home with Senator Corker
Tennessee’s Senator Shares Early Observations
22 Chattanooga – The Place to Be!
Why Executives Choose to Stay in Chattanooga
28 Flying High in the Chattanooga Skies
Area Pilots Fly for Fun, Family and Business
Special Premier Living Section
35 Premier Living
Lake and Mountain Style
56 Living on the Lake
Cozy, Comfortable and a lot of Fun
70 Tennessee Mountains…
Friendly Waves, Warm Welcomes and Natural Beauty
photo by med dement
Snap Shots
82 Off to College
Rising College Freshmen — New Schools, New Dreams
22
88 State Champions
23 Sports Teams — Crowned “State Champions”
Special Dining Section
94 Appetizers
Experience Culinary Expertise and Have Fun Doing It!
photo by david humber
photo by david humber
104 We Do Ribs…..
A Look at Local Barbecue
94
108 The Wine Cellar
Discover Your Next Favorite Wine
109 Special Dining Ballot
Vote on Line
PROUD SUPPORTER OF:
photo by med dement
56
ABOUT THE COVER: Senator Bob Corker pictured in front of Chattanooga’s
waterfront. Photo by David Humber.
www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com 5
6. CONTENTS
C H A T T A N O O G A
Volume 14 Issue 5•September, October, November
114
Departments Publishers Joe and Billie Moan
8 City Lights Co-Publishers George and Cindi Mullinix
News and Events
10 Editor-in-Chief Cindi Mullinix
Ask Hamilton
Hamilton Bush’s Local Trivia and History
Managing Editor Billie R. Moan
110 Working in the City
Dinners on the Run — Save Time and Enjoy
Design
Pre-prepared Quality Foods Lynn Starnes, Star Graphics
114 Art in the City
PrePress and Printing Starkey Printing
Mary Ferris Kelly — “The Artist of the Beautiful”
118 Ask the Designer Photography Tom Cory
Outdoor Living Med Dement David Humber
120 Hot Wheels
Cadillac — New XLR Roadster Staff Writer Mike Haskew
Excitement of a Convertible; Extravagance
of a Luxury Coupe
Contributing Writers Joanne Beckman
122 Last Look Charlotte Boatwright, RN, PhD Courtney Brown
Hamilton Bush Tom Cory, PhD
Adam Haskew Mike Haskew
110
Hank Matheny ASID,IIDA,IFDA Donna Nipper
Susan Parry Jill Ralston
Matt Williams
For advertisting rates or magazine information, or to write to the
editor, go to www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com or call 423-266-
3440 or e-mail: CMCpub@BellSouth.net.
Chattanooga CityScope™ Magazine is published five times a year by
CMC Publications, LLC., a Chattanooga based company. CMC Publica-
tions also publishes HealthScope 2000®. Reproduction in whole or
part without written permission, is strictly prohibited. Return postage
photo by med dement
must accompany all material submitted if return is requested. No
responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited material. We reserve
the right to edit submissions before publication. Subscription rate
is $18 per year, tax included. Views expressed herein are those of
the authors and not necessarily those of the editors, advertisers
and publishers. The editors, advertisers and publishers disclaim any
120
responsibility or liability for such material.
8
118
michael sanders
lane venture
6 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
8. chattanooga
city
Lights
Swingin’ in the Park
The CSO Begins its Swingfest to be held at Coolidge Park on
Saturday, September 1, 5:30 – 9:45 pm.
Countdown to 75 Years Free concert featuring three big band
orchestras playing swing music.
of Music 5:30 - 6:45 - UpTown Band -
sponsored by Unum Group
T
he Chattanooga Symphony & Opera 7:00 - 8:15 - Swingtime
launches 2007-2008 ticket sales on Au- Orchestra directed by Ralph
gust 6 at 10 a.m. Among many audience Miller
initiatives this season are Family Fun pricing 8:30 - 9:45 - Sweet Georgia
(children under 12 can attend any Masterworks Sound directed by Mike
Series performance for free) and special stu- LaRoche
dent, senior, military and group discounts. Contact: Carla Pritchard, 423-265-0771
The “Countdown to 75” season, filled www.downtownchattanooga.org
with spectacular music, Maestro Robert
Bernhardt, world-renowned guest artists and
2007 Light The
the CSO orchestra, begins with an opening night gala performance, “Sing for the Cure, A
Proclamation of Hope.” Continuing the season, the CSO’s three main stage series offer many
Night Walk for
opportunities to see the CSO in action. Masterworks Series highlights include Gershwin’s
The Leukemia &
Rhapsody in Blue, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Brahms’ A German Requiem among many
others. This season’s opera schedule features Donizetti’s comic opera, The Elixir of Love and
Lymphoma Society
Hansel and Gretel, the ultimate opera for children of all ages. First Tennessee Pops Series
highlights include Hooray for Hollywood featuring Hollywood film scores throughout the
decades, The Phantom of the Opera with Lon Chaney’s Silent film projected above the Me-
morial Auditorium stage, Simply Sinatra with guest artist Steve Lippia and annual favorites WHAT: Walkers carry illuminated balloons
“Home for the Holidays” and “Big Band Fever.” to celebrate and commemorate the lives
Tickets for performances start at $23 and can be purchased by calling the CSO box of- touched by cancer during this 2.4 mile
fice at (423) 267-8583, by visiting online at www.chattanoogasymphony.org or at the CSO evening fundraising walk. Funds raised
office at 630 Chestnut Street. Join the CSO this season and Let the “Countdown” begin! will support the mission to cure leukemia,
lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and multiple
Kids First™ Coupon Book myeloma and to improve the quality of life
of patients and their families.
Celebrates 20 Years! WHEN: Thursday, September 20th, 2007
A
5:30 PM Registration begins; refreshments
s familiar as backpacks filled with back-to-school supplies,
and family activities
the annual Kids First™ coupon book sales begin Sept. 7 — its
7:00 PM Walk begins
20th year of raising funds for Hamilton County schools.
For two weeks, Hamilton County elementary school stu- WHERE: Coolidge Park, Chattanooga, TN.
dents scramble to sell the 200-page books that still cost only $10 and feature discounts
WHAT Join Us Today! It’s easy to form a
from area stores, restaurants, attractions and service providers.
NEXT: team and raise money for The Leu-
“The price of a postage stamp has nearly doubled in 20 years, but the coupon books are
kemia & Lymphoma Society! Log
still an amazing $10 value — a value measured out to coupon users, but a value of direct
onto our website at www.lightthe-
significance to students and their schools,” said Kris Humber, executive director for the
night.org/tn for more information
Hamilton County Schools Fund for Excellence.
and to register.
Kids First™ has raised millions of dollars for the Hamilton County Schools. The schools
keep $7 for every book sold, and the money is allocated according to their individual For more information, please contact
needs. The remaining 30 percent of coupon book revenue covers program expenses and Ginger Smith(x18) at The Leukemia & Lym-
funds other school programs such as quarterly Teaching Excellence Awards and the annual phoma Society, 615-331-2980.
Superintendent’s Honors Banquet.
The success of the coupon book program is directly attributed to the support of the
Market Street Bridge
participating merchants and major sponsors: Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company,
REOPEnED
SunTrust Bank, WRCB-Channel 3, and KZ106.
Saturday August 3rd!
For more information, call 209-5450 or log on to www.fundforexcellence.org.
8 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
9. Three Sisters Riverfront Nights
Music Festival Continue Into
C
hattanooga’s Waterfront
September!!!
will be the site for one of
our City’s newest events,
D
the Three Sisters Music Festi- owntown on Chattanooga’s water-
val. Held on Friday, October front is the place to be for some FREE,
5, and Saturday, October 6, at live music. Food and beverages will be
Ross’s Landing, this FREE one- available. Bring your
of-a-kind event will feature a lawn chairs and enjoy
wide range of music, all with a bluegrass a lovely September
flare. The schedule is as follows: evening downtown
Friday, Oct. 5 with your family!
6:00 PM Dismembered Tennesseans
• Sept. 8 Blaze
7:30 PM Steep Canyon Rangers
Oteil and the
9:00 PM Del McCoury Band
• Sept. 22 Oteil and the
Peacemakers
Saturday, Oct. 6
Peacemakers
12:00 PM Dismembered Tennesseans
• Sept. 29 Shawn Camp
1:30 PM Lone Mountain Band
3:00 PM Lovell Sisters
4:30 PM Norman and Nancy Blake Shawn
6:00 PM The Greencards Camp
7:30 PM John Cowan Band
9:00 PM Nashville Bluegrass Band
Beer, food and non-alcoholic drink con-
cessions will be available on site. No outside
food or beverages are allowed. This event is
sponsored by Fletcher Bright Company and
produced by Chattanooga Downtown Part-
nership. For more information, visit www.
downtownchattanooga.org or contact Carla
For more information visit www.riverfront-
Pritchard at 423-265-0771 or cpritchard@
nights.com
thecdp.org.
Robert M. Edsel at UTC’s Roland
Hayes Auditorium
O
n September 19, The Chattanooga Regional History Museum
along with the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga are host-
ing an evening with Robert M. Edsel. Mr. Edsel will be at UTC’s
Roland Hayes Auditorium to tell the intriguing story of
Robert M.
a group of World War II Allied soldiers, nicknamed the
Edsel
Monuments Men, who saved and/or recovered a vast
number of stolen art treasures destined for Hitler’s
dream of a Fuhrer Museum. Robert M. Edsel tells
their fascinating story in his extensively researched
book, Rescuing Da Vinci. This presentation will be
open to the public free of charge.
Mr. Edsel’s appearance in Chattanooga is his
first in the southeast since publication of his book.
As additional news on this important subject —
Congress recently passed a joint resolution rec-
ognizing the heroic work of the men and women
known as the “Monuments Men”. Mr. Edsel’s com-
mitment to highlighting this important topic has
brought honor to the Monuments Men, as well as
underscoring the continued need for recovery of
the thousands of art treasures still lost.
For more information contact Gail Pollock
at gail@chattanoogahistory.com
www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com 9
10. Ask
Hamilton
GreetinGs citizens that the brewing of beer can be
Hamilton started across, and, to his
which was originally recorded by the
of Greater traced back thousands of years (the
great surprise, found some rhythmic
British rockers dubbed Paper Lace.
chattanooGa! ancient Egyptians were known to
spring in his step. Even though an
Pardon the digression, but your
work with fermenting grain) — bet
old dog may not learn new tricks
history scribe considers providing
Hamilton Bush is once again
you didn’t know that — examining
easily, he can at least appreciate
such detailed information to be a
on the scene to provide you with
a local link to this age old enterprise
them for a moment or so.
genuine public service.
observations, dissertations, excita-
is a worthwhile exercise.
Well, back to the business at
tions, and historical ramblings. Just
During the last decade of the
hand. Old Hamilton thought for a
the other day, Old Hamilton was Dear Hamilton Bush,
19th century, at the corner of Broad
moment as he stood at the intersec-
ambling his way along North Mar- I was browsing through a
tion of Frazier Avenue and North and Third streets, stood the six-sto-
ket Street, taking in the sights and local antique store the other
Market Street. The initial impulse ry brick building which housed the
sounds of the trendy residential day and came across an old
was to tap politely on the glass and Chattanooga Brewery. The building
and shopping area, when a dull, amber bottle with the words
request that the young driver and was sprawling. Mail was delivered
rhythmic thudding sound caught “Chattanooga Brewing Com-
his fellow occupants reduce the vol- to 201 Broad Street, but the entire
his attention. pany” clearly visible on it. It had
ume of their woofers and tweeters block bounded by Broad, Second,
After a lengthy pause and not previously occurred to me
rather than assume the responsibil- Third, and Chestnut was taken by
a glance high and low for the that our fair city might one time
ity of providing a musical interlude the first brewing establishment in
source of the disturbance, your have been home to a brewery.
for residents and pedestrians span- our city. About 1889, businessman
history scribe determined that Can you shed some light on this
ning multiple city blocks. Conrad Geise invested a whopping
a motor vehicle, stopped at the interesting find?
In a moment of profound clar- $100,000 to get the brewing com-
nearby traffic light, seemed to Sincerely,
ity, though, yours truly remembered pany started.
be vibrating; nay I say pulsating,
the Colony Park and his erstwhile As the suds began to flow,
with such vigor that the driver Strange Brew
favorite, “Brandy” by Looking Glass. orders from drinking establish-
must surely have been in the only Dear Strange,
Yes, that’s the one with the immor- ments and saloons around the
automobile in Chattanooga sport- From time to time, Old Ham-
tal line “Brandy, you’re a fine girl, Southeast were filled. Whether
ing the thousand-fingers massage ilton must admit that he enjoys a
what a good wife you would be…” or not the orders actually poured
option. Then, above the din, came cold beverage, and your question
To each generation its own. When in is unknown. It is known, how-
a muffled lyric — something about is one which is sure to intrigue a
the orange hand gave way to the ever, that the brand names under
being hot. Indeed, the temperature number of readers. Considering
slightly stooped stick figure, Old
has climbed steadily as the summer
days have progressed. However,
Top left: Photograph of a drawing of Chattanooga Brewing
Old Hamilton gained the distinct
Company located at Broad and 2nd Streets from 1891-1918.
impression that the “artist” was
not delivering a dissertation on the Bottom left: Circa 1895. Members of the Elks Lodge, No.
local weather. 91 including seating l to r: Nat B. Butler, George Reif, Jr., A. L.
Now, yours truly has been on Alsobrook, Harry B. Graves; standing Charles Reif, Thomas R.
the cutting edge of entertainment Preston, and Will S. Albert.
innovation since, well, since the
Top right: Circa 1885. Crescent Brewing
days of AM radio and black and
Company with a fire hydrant in front, as
white television. Sure, who among well as four unidentified men and one boy.
us cannot recall the strains of that Sign on the front of the building reads:
70s classic “Billy, Don’t Be A Hero,” “Crescent Aurora Lager Beer;” sign on
which blared from our parents’ the side of the building reads: “C. D. Hess
1974 Colony Park station wagon. Opera Co.” The brewing company later
Don’t the fond memories come becomes Vetter Beer and
flooding back when one contem- Ice Company, J. (John) W.
plates the strains of “Point Me In Vetter, agent.
The Direction Of Albuquerque,”
Bottom right: Circa 1905.
performed by David Cassidy, his TV
Brewing company located
mom Shirley Jones, and the remain- at Broad and 2nd St..
ing — decidedly less musically tal- Pictured l to r: Agnes Heiny,
ented — members of the Partridge Annie Craig, Mrs. George
Family. Oh, and lest we forget, it Reif [Louise Reif], Charles
was Cincinnati-based Bo Donaldson Reif, James P. Winn, John
and the Heywoods who gave us the Henry Brockhaus, Jr., Joseph
most memorable version of “Billy” H. Bucholz, and Sonny Jim.
10 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
11. Photography Provided by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library
which the Chattanooga brewed
beer was sold included Magnolia,
Liebetchaner, Family, Muenchner,
and Faultless (which was the house
lager). Now, Old Hamilton may not
be well versed on the marketing
of beer, but the name Faultless
doesn’t necessarily conjure up the
image of a frosty mug with a thirst
quenching draught and a healthy
head of foam. And, what would
Top left: Circa. 1961. The the promise of cooperation, should
you say to a six pack of “Family”
“General” locomotive #3 of an enterprise in the state of Tennes-
in your fridge.
Western & Atlantic Railroad see seek to venture into Georgia,
Perhaps the greatest advertis-
(W. & A. RR.) on display. It the request was granted. Hundreds
ing slogan of all time belongs to
was built in 1855 in Patterson, of laborers worked to establish the
Faultless. Allow Old Hamilton to
New Jersey; taken by Andrews rail bed, and in 1848 the line was
declare that the great marketing
Raiders in Big Shanty, Georgia operational from Atlanta (which
thinkers of Madison Avenue could (now Kennesaw); reclaimed was known as Terminus and then
have done no better. No doubt, the near Ringgold, Georgia on the Marthasville for a time) to Tunnel
guy or gal who came up with “Our same day (April 12, 1862). It
Hill, Georgia.
Beer Is Liquid Food” was a shoo-in was exhibited for years at
At Tunnel Hill, the hulk of
for an Addy Award, or the turn of Union Depot in Chattanooga and in 1972 it was returned to Kennesaw,
Chetoogeta Mountain proved to be
the century equivalent, that year. Georgia where it is currently on display.
a formidable obstacle. Because in-
By 1890, the brewing busi-
Top right: Train depot located on U. S. Highway 41 in downtown vestors and legislators were eager
ness was sold to a Mr. Charles Reif
Ringgold, Georgia. It was built in 1848-1849 for the Western and Atlantic to reap some economic benefit, a
of Cincinnati, Ohio, who jazzed
Railroad, and later leased to the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis temporary road was constructed
up the name as the Chattanooga Railroad (N. C. & St. L.). The State of Georgia bought the depot in 1978 to haul passengers and supplies
Brewing Company. Therefore, and deeded it to the City of Ringgold. around the mountain to tracks that
your prized bottle must have been
Bottom right: Andrews Raiders monument, National Cemetery, 1200 were laid on the other side. By the
produced sometime subsequent
Bailey Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Donated by the State of Ohio and autumn of 1849, the first railroad
to the acquisition. As the profits
erected in 1890, the monument commemorates the 1862 Civil War raid into Chattanooga was completed,
rolled in, production was said to
led by James Andrews and the seizure of the locomotive “The General.” and the first train rolled into town
have exceeded an annual volume
on December 1, 1849. A tunnel
of 200 freight cars. Mr. Reif plowed
was blasted through Chetoogeta
profits back into his facility, expand-
Atlantic Railroad. Do you know
Of course, if all of the above Mountain by the spring of 1850,
ing and improving the brewery
anything about the history of
were not enough to make any self- opening on May 9.
into one of the most modern to
this company?
respecting beer go flat, these events The Great Locomotive Chase
be found anywhere. One must
Regards,
occurred on the eve of Prohibition. occurred in 1862 when a group
wonder whether the beer barons
Ridin’ A Rail
In 1919, the management of the of Union raiders led by a civilian,
of the Busch family, Augie and/
Chattanooga Brewing Company James Andrews, commandeered
or Gussie, ever took note of their
turned out the lights. The party was Dear Rail, the General and headed north-
Southeastern rival.
indeed over. Glub, glub! The full name of our subject ward with the intent of destroying
All good things must, however,
was the Western & Atlantic Railroad railroad bridges behind them. An-
come to an end. For a state law,
Dear Hamilton Bush, of the State of Georgia. Founded on drews and company came to grief,
passed in 1909, meant the best of
As a railroad enthusiast, I December 21, 1836, the line runs and one of the most famous stories
times were in the past for the Chat-
have to say that Chattanooga is a from Atlanta to Chattanooga and of the Civil War has endured.
tanooga Brewing Company. The law
great place to live. The Tennessee was one of at least nine that even- When the war was over, Jo-
placed severe restrictions on the sale
Valley Railroad Museum is doing tually made their way into our city. seph E. Brown, former governor
of alcoholic beverages in the state of
a fantastic job preserving this im- Traversing a distance of 137 miles of the state of Georgia, negoti-
Tennessee. Refocusing on products
portant part of our history, and between Chattanooga and the capi- ated a 20-year lease and took over
with a somewhat lower alcohol
the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a tal city of Georgia, the railroad itself operations along the Western &
content than the original beers met
wonderful place to take visiting was constructed, as funding ebbed Atlantic Railroad. Subsequently,
with only limited success. By 1913,
friends and family. I remember and flowed, during the decade from the Nashville, Chattanooga and St.
a real “brewhaha” had developed
when the famous General, the 1841 to 1850. Louis Railway entered into a long-
when U.S. Senator Newell Sanders
locomotive which gained fame Construction itself could not term lease for the use of the line.
sponsored a bill to regulate the sale
during the Civil War, was on begin in earnest until the Georgians Today, CSX, the modern successor
of alcoholic beverages across state
display downtown. Recently, struck a deal with the state of Ten- to the Nashville, Chattanooga and
lines. Adding insult to injury, the
our family made the short drive nessee. General Daniel Newnan St. Louis, operates the rail line
state attorney general’s office even
to Kennesaw, Georgia, and took traveled from Atlanta to Nashville under lease. More than 160 years
labeled the Chattanooga Brewing
a look at the old engine. On the to petition the General Assembly old, the Western & Atlantic route
Company a public nuisance and
coal car were the letters “W. & A. for permission to extend the railway is virtually the same today as it was
accused the company of violating
R. R.” These stand for Western & across the state line. In exchange for in the beginning.
state law.
www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com 11
15. Tennessee’s Freshman Senator Shares Early
Observations While Home in Chattanooga
W
By M i k E H a S k E W
hen United States Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) took office less than a year ago, assum-
ing the seat vacated by former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, he was a newcomer
to Washington, D.C. However, he brought from Tennessee a can-do attitude, a fresh
perspective on major issues, boundless energy, and a history of success in business
and state and local politics.
A proven leader, Corker’s record of public service is remarkable. In 2001, he was
elected mayor of Chattanooga and guided the city during an unprecedented $2.1 billion revitalization
project along its riverfront. He implemented a program of merit bonus pay for teachers and supported an
effort by the leaders of local law enforcement agencies to cut violent crime by 50 percent. In 1994, he was
named Commissioner of Finance and Administration for the State of Tennessee, serving two years in that
capacity with responsibilities for the preparation and implementation of the state’s $13 billion budget, and
www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com 15
16. Bob and his wife Elizabeth just celebrated their
20th wedding anniversary and have two college age
daughters, Julia and Emily. The Corker family lives in
Chattanooga and attends North Shore Fellowship.
during 2006 and your first weeks in the enjoy the nexus between foreign relations and
ran for the U.S. Senate. More than 20 years
U.S. Senate?
ago, he was instrumental in the formation energy. I was with the chairman of the Energy
of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, Committee last week in Brussels trying to ad-
BC: The campaign was a great experience. We
which has assisted many local citizens in the dress energy issues and also discussing climate
were on the road across the state of Tennessee,
purchase of affordable housing. change. We will be debating a bill in the Senate
and that was a challenge. We are very glad to
As a businessman, Corker founded Ben- very soon that deals with climate change and
be doing what we are doing now. Today is my
cor Corporation, a major commercial con- energy, and when it comes to these issues that
161st day in office, and we began the process
tractor, in 1978 with $8,000 in capital. Before have a major impact on our country, there is
by staffing up. We had to put together six of-
the construction segment of his business was a great deal of time spent in testimony and in
fices around the state of Tennessee and one in
sold 12 years later, it had expanded to include committee. People also come in and brief us
Washington, D.C. Right now, our staff numbers
operations in 18 states. In 1999, he acquired on the issues in our offices, but we feel it is
about 40 people. During the first few weeks, we
two of Chattanooga’s best known real estate also important to go out to where a central
obviously had plenty of things going on.
companies, Osborne Building Corporation focus of the issue might be located and try to
and the Stone Fort Land Company, becoming understand it in the fullest way we can. We use
CS: Could you describe some of the
the largest private land owner in Hamilton recesses for some of that, too. My first 161 days
activities you have been involved in during
County prior to selling much of his real in the Senate have been vigorous. There have
these opening months of your term?
estate holdings in 2006. been quite a few debates, and I believe we have
The only freshman Republican senator BC: What has been fortunate for me is that I figured out how to have an impact.
in the 110th Congress, Corker was sworn in
on January 4, 2007. He is a member of the
committees on Foreign Relations; Energy
and Natural Resources; Small Business and
Entrepreneurship; and the Special Commit-
tee on Aging. He maintains his residence in
North Chattanooga with his wife, Elizabeth,
and daughters, Julia and Emily. He recently
spoke with writer Mike Haskew concerning
his first months in office, as well as issues
which are of major importance not only to
Chattanoogans but to our nation and the
entire world as well.
CS: How would you describe the campaign
During the Senate’s February recess, Senator
Corker, a member of the Foreign Relations
Committee, went to Iraq where he met
with Tennessee soldiers of the 1st Cavalry
Division in Baghdad.
16 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
18. Senator Corker, a member of the Energy
Committee, discusses advances in fuel
injection technology that improves vehicle
performance and emissions without
sacrificing fuel efficiency on a tour of the
General Motors Spring Hill Powertrain Plant.
CS: How would you assess the current
CS: What specifics have you discussed we talked about their experiences in Iraq and
situation in Iraq?
relating to energy? where we are there. I met with the deputy
prime minister of Iraq and talked about a pro-
BC: The situation in Iraq is very difficult, and
BC: During our trip to Brussels we met with
posed oil sharing program. Again, on issues
that is something of an understatement. We
European officials, discussing carbon emissions,
such as these, which are a central focus in our
are focusing on mid-September when General
and with bills coming to the floor later this year,
committees, what we are trying to do is make
Patraeus comes back to Washington and gives
I wanted to make sure I knew as much as I could
sure that we have the ability to see for our-
us an assessment of where the new efforts in
on the pluses and minuses in Europe as well as
selves what is happening. It is important to have
Baghdad have taken us. Obviously, things have
in the United States.
that experience on the ground to understand
not gone as well with the most recent security
things as they are there.
CS: You traveled to Iraq in February as implementation as people would wish. We
part of a delegation led by Senator Jon Kyl are seeing the administration there having CS:What other issues do you see as being
(R-Ariz.). What were your impressions of more diplomatic relations and meetings with of primary importance at this time?
the situation there? neighboring countries, which is a hopeful sign.
BC: We have been spending the first part of our
At this point, I have a lot of concern about
BC: It was an eye opening experience in Iraq
time here heavily involved in the issue of Iraq,
where we are, and I am looking forward to
for several reasons. I looked forward to visiting
but to me a short term domestic issue which is
the testimony of General Petraeus and others
with our troops who are serving so bravely and
very important is health care, and I have been
in mid-September. All that will come with a
honorably there. We landed in Kuwait and met
working with other senators and Secretary
meeting that takes place in the capitol. We will
with the general who is handling the logistics
Leavitt (Health and Human Services Secretary
see where we are then and where we need to
of getting materials like trucks and humvees
Mike Leavitt) to put forth a health care policy
go from that point.
and such back and forth and in and out of Iraq
to create opportunities for Americans to afford
and Kuwait. We flew into Baghdad with some
CS: Do you recall a particular experience health care today. We have nibbled around the
troops in a C-130 transport and moved around
during your visit to Iraq that made a edges of making that occur in recent times, and
with soldiers in armed helicopters and armored
lasting impression on you? we need a more radical approach to organizing
vehicles. This was just as the troop surge was
how health care dollars are spent so that work-
beginning, and we met with the overall com- BC: I participated in a fascinating and moving
ing Tennesseans and all working Americans can
mander, General David Petraeus, and others meeting with several soldiers from Tennessee.
afford health care.
on the ground. I met privately with a group of six of them, and
18 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
20. something — but the days are obviously long.
The other piece of it is that you have got to be
flexible because you may be in a meeting and
talking with someone and have a vote come up
and that may require you to be called away. We
also have a lot of committee meetings to attend,
and along with those meetings are a number of
briefings that take place beforehand.
CS: How are you maintaining contact
with the people in your home state of
Tennessee?
BC: I have been back in the state several times
and visited 36 different counties, some of them
a number of times. I am staying in touch with
Tennesseans through discussions and town hall
meetings. I enjoy talking to them and listening
to them on the issues very much.
CS: Has your family adapted well to
the changes since your election to the
Senate?
BC: I do try to come home every weekend.
My youngest daughter just graduated from
high school, and my oldest is already in col-
lege. While it has not been a perfect time to
be away and to be campaigning and running for
office, we have really tried to be around for our
children. The campaign put a strain on that, no
question. I will continue to come home every
weekend that I possibly can and to stay in touch
with the people of the state of Tennessee.
CS: What is your perspective on the city
CS: If there is such a thing as a typical day for
Immigration has been front and center, and of Chattanooga today?
you as a senator, could you describe it?
we have just concluded some debate on that
BC: I am truly honored to serve in the Senate,
for a while. I think it will come up again in the
BC: It is really very busy. Some things are and I love calling Chattanooga my home. Given
near future, and we will continue working on
scheduled in sporadic fashion, but we do have all that is happening, there has been nothing
that issue as well.
numerous meetings scheduled every day. This more fulfilling in my life than serving as the
week, we finished voting two nights ago at mayor of Chattanooga, and I am so proud
CS:What has been the most surprising or
interesting aspect of your time in the U.S. 12:30, and last night we finished voting at 10 of our city. The people in Chattanooga are a
o’clock. Even if we are not voting, a lot of times real pleasure to come home to and to be with.
Senate thus far?
I will get home at 10 o’clock after a meeting or There are so many of them who make our city
BC: I really think I should have been writing a great. Wherever I go and talk to people about
journal from day one because I will say that one Senator Corker Welcomes Students and where I am from, there are not many times that
of the things you realize while serving in the U.S. Teachers to the Capitol someone doesn’t talk about what a
Senate is the tremendous access great city it is and how different it is
to information and resources today from some years ago.
that are available to you. You
have almost anybody in the One of Chattanooga’s lead-
world wanting to talk to you ing citizens, Bob Corker has
about policy issues because they emerged on the national politi-
feel that in having conversations cal scene during a pivotal time
with you they are affecting pub- in the history of our country
lic policy. Access to that infor- and the world. His dedication to
mation and to those resources public service and his record of
is a benefit because you are able success in building partnerships
to dig into policy discussions and and consensus to achieve positive,
issues and make good decisions. common goals bode well for Ten-
It is simply phenomenal what is nessee and our country.
available to you. People around
the world are anxious to talk to
you about issues.
20 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
24. in many other cities after graduating from
Middle Tennessee State University. “I worked
for a food service company in Columbia,
Tennessee, a chemical company in Kentucky,
then West Point Pepperell in Dallas. When
Shaw Industries bought the company, I
moved to Knoxville and St. Louis,” he says.
In 1996, Thompson had the opportunity to
move to Chattanooga. “It was a really good
time in my life to be close to home and to my
parents. During the ‘90s, I was seeing Chat-
tanooga take shape and living here made
me want to have a business here. I started to
look at what Shaw was doing with area rugs
in Chattanooga and found that we weren’t
doing anything. I thought about whether
people would go to Dalton if there was a
full service rug store here in Chattanooga.
The kids were in middle school at the time
and I was always someplace else. I enjoyed
my job with Shaw, but not what it took to
do it. Miriam found our locations for the
store and did a great job. We decided to give
it a shot,” he explains. “It takes a while to
build a business and develop relationships
in the community. Seven years later, we are
just seeing the fruits of our ability to hang
in there,” says Thompson. The single most
important factor in Thompson’s decision
to leave the corporate career and become
a local business owner was the family. “I
wanted to be available for my parents if they
needed me and to be close enough, if need
be, to close the door and go see the ballgame
when one of the kids was playing. The family
returned to Chattanooga. That was during bank, CapitalMark Bank & Trust,” Holley thought that I was crazy at the time, but now
the AmSouth, First American and Pioneer says. “There was no single factor determin- I think they understand. I also liked what was
merger, so I came back to run AmSouth’s ing that we would stay, though I am not sure happening downtown. Miriam is from the
Southeast Tennessee-North Georgia opera- that my family would have moved with me Nashville area, so we are not far from her
tions which were headquartered in Chatta- if I had remained with AmSouth. We were so family. It has worked out well.”
nooga. Of course, Terri and the family were ingrained with our friends, our church and
excited about coming back because they had the schools. We loved the mountains, valleys CHip Baker CaMe To CHaTTanooga
enjoyed the first three years we lived here. and river and Chattanooga’s proximity to in 1992 as Administrator of T.C. Thompson
Holley has two daughters now ages 12 Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville where Children’s Hospital. “As a hospital admin-
and 16. “They never planned to move again,” we have friends and love to visit. We loved istrator, you usually move about every four
he notes. “They absolutely loved Chatta- what was happening downtown. The heart years,” Baker ex-
nooga. My second daughter was born here so and soul of any city is its downtown area and plains. “I spent a
she did not remember much about it, but my Chattanooga has made tremendous strides year between 1998
oldest daughter had developed friendships revitalizing its downtown. Groups from and 1999 trying to
when we lived here before and was excited around the country and the world come here decide how to stay
about coming back to get reacquainted with to learn about the successful redevelopment here. At the same
them. AmSouth Bank, now Regions Bank, along the riverfront and our central business time I was looking
is a highly regarded institution with a fine district. Terri and I plan one day to relocate at the possibility
group of employees. However, during my downtown to live, but that is about as far as of parallel paths with hospitals around the
25 year career with AmSouth I had moved I can get her to move. We love it. We work country. About the time an old boss from
six times, and when I realized in 2005 that and go to church downtown and our girls Dallas wanted me to take over a hospital in
to remain with the bank we would once spend a lot of time there, so Houston, the Riverbend opportu-
again have to relocate, I resigned. We had that is our plan one day.” nity came up. I had gotten into the
already discussed when we moved back in event business while planning the
Mike and MiriaM
1999, that we would like to make Chatta- air show as a fundraiser for Chil-
THoMpson are own-
nooga our home. In 2005, Terri opened a dren’s and used that experience to
ers of THe rug raCk
new women’s shoe boutique on the north take advantage of the opportunity
in Chattanooga’s Southside.
shore called Embellish and after taking a for Riverbend and it all worked out.
Though Thompson is a na-
year off, I, along with a group of seven other There has never been a hesitation
tive Chattanoogan, he lived
individuals, organized Chattanooga’s newest from the family. My wife is actively
24 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
26. involved in many parts of the community going around with a slide show trying to get and continue to contribute to Chattanooga
and I am involved with the school board. It people excited about the idea,” he says. Ken- because it has been very good to me. Being
is all about making the community a better nedy served as president of the Convention able to work with people like Ann and Stroud
place to live for all of us.” and Visitors Bureau for six and a half years and Christian was the icing on the cake.”
“Since we have been here, we have had and the Chamber of Commerce for three.
keiTH Moreland is a naTive CHaT-
four children, so giving them a permanent After he left the Chamber, the Kennedys faced
Tanoogan froM easT Brainerd. He
home was one of the most important factors the decision whether to stay in Chattanooga.
went to college at
in the decision to stay. It is a great place to “We decided to stay, and I hung out a shingle
the University of
put down roots and raise children,” notes to see if I could make it as a consultant. I
Tennessee, Knox-
Baker. “The people in the community, the started in 2001 doing marketing and com-
ville then moved
friends that we made, the beauty of the area munications, but wound up doing more
to Charlotte and
and affordability of living all played into the strategic planning than anything else. My
Boston. “My mom,
decision. I like the way everyone pitches in friend, Ann Coulter, was considering going
brother and t wo
to solve problems in this community. That into business for herself, so we joined forces.
sisters live here. As
is a truly wonderful thing. The partnerships Stroud Watson, who had been the city’s urban
the kids grew older,
and relationships that are created through design consultant for 20 years and Christian
being away from family was harder,” he
problem-solving are one of a kind. Chatta- Rushing, who had been at the planning and
remarks. “I really enjoyed watching Chatta-
nooga is a ‘can-do’ city,” Baker says. design studio, came on board and we became
nooga transition from what it used to be to
Kennedy, Coulter, Rushing & Watson. We now
sTeve MurpHy, owner of MoniCa’s do strategic planning and design for cities and what it is today and always sort of wanted to
in THe norTH the civic organizations, institutions and agen- come back, so we looked at ways to make that
s H o r e a r e a cies that help cities run. We felt we could be happen. I worked for a big software company
was transferred successful at this because there have been so doing a lot of travel out of the country. I love
to Chattanooga many lessons learned in Chattanooga and we my kids and I am so proud of them, but when
by Buster Brown felt that we could give other cities the benefit you miss important events, it is not first-hand
from New Jersey of our experience.” pride, but pride from a distance. That was just
in 1985. “Bust- not what I wanted to continue and if I had
er Brown went stayed in my job, it would have. The motiva-
”It (Chattanooga) is
into bankruptcy tion was to have more time with my family
in 1997, so my and allow them to grow up around the rela-
a great place to put
options were to tives that I had enjoyed when I was a youth,
seek something something they were not getting. I felt that
down roots and raise
in another part of the country or see if it was doing them a disservice.”
children. The people
there was something that could keep us Moreland spent about two years inves-
here,” says Murphy. “Our kids were raised tigating opportunities. “We had our kids in
in the community, the
here. We looked into several businesses and Little Gym in Boston. That was our first ex-
Monica’s looked like a good fit, so we bought posure,” says Moreland. “We looked at many
friends that we made,
it. Chattanooga offered a wonderful living opportunities rather than Little Gym, but
environment and this seemed like a signifi- when we started narrowing and fine-tuning
the beauty of the area
cant opportunity to stay here and prosper. our interest in a business, this sort of hit us.
and affordability of
Our children were raised in Chattanooga. I was a gymnast growing up and I love kids.
Ironically, we had one child in college and The more we thought about it, it just seemed
living all played into
two more were going off to college that fall. perfect. Chattanooga needed a Little Gym.
When we broached the subject of relocation After a great deal of market research, my idea
the decision (to stay in
to another area, they were dead set against that East Brainerd would be a good location
it. This was their home and if we moved to was confirmed. We opened in May, 2005. It
Chattanooga.)”
another area of the country, it would be our has worked out very well. We have over 400
home, but never theirs. Their opinions were kids who come through the gym every week.
—ChIp Baker
very important to us. We had also made some What makes me love this so much is the dif-
wonderful friends here and we did not want ference we are making in these kids lives.”
to leave them.” Two factors influenced Kennedy’s deci-
Natural beauty abounds throughout the
sion to stay in Chattanooga. “Over the course
JiM kennedy CaMe To CHaT Ta- of 30 years, you really set down roots. By the Chattanooga Region’s mountains, lakes and
nooga in 1974 To TeaCH aT Baylor time the decision came in 2001, Barbara and I rivers. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy incred-
sCHool, following his broth- ibly beautiful walking trails, fishing and
had three kids who had their own
er Dan, who had come to teach water sports. With an ambiance of its own,
circle of friends, and Barbara had a
at Baylor the year before (and Chattanooga is richly endowed with his-
great job. You don’t want to create
is still there). Kennedy went tory, cultural and educational opportunities.
a family upheaval by moving on.
to Texas for a couple of years, Then, there are its people who have retained
The other thing is that I have been
returning in 1979 to work for a culture of hospitality that is welcoming
really lucky over my career to
Miller-Reid advertising. After and heartwarming. Atlanta, Birmingham and
have been very close to the renais-
nine years with the agency, he Nashville, with their unique attractions, are
sance of this community. When
went to work for the RiverCity only a couple of hours away. It is difficult to
you get tied to a city’s redevelop-
Company. “Those were the pre- imagine a more beautiful environment. It
ment and reawakening, it is hard
aquarium days when we were is no surprise that many families consider
to let go of that. I wanted to stay
Chattanooga as the only place to be.
26 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
28. g
in
ly
F h
ig
H
in the
Chattanooga Skies
28 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
28 www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com
29. Mike Brown
Cirrus Sr22
area Pilots Hav
ea
Passion to Fly f
or
Fun, Family and
Business
BY M IKE HASK EW P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M E D DE M E NT
www.ChattanoogaCityScopeMag.com 29