The economy in Chattanooga, Tennessee is primarily based on manufacturing and service industries. Tourism is also an important component of the economy. Growing sectors include financial, professional and business services, and information.
Companies with headquarters in Chattanooga include Brach & Confections, UNUM Provident Corp., Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, Chattam Inc., Dixie Yarns, Olan Mills, and North American Royalties. The city also includes the headquarters of Division of Power of Tennessee Valley Authority, one of the nation's largest utilities.
Employment is provided in industries that produce iron and steel products, cosmetics, processed foods, petroleum products, textiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals and furniture.
Tennessee's Fast Track Training Services Program offers financial support to new and expanding companies. The program representatives help companies put together customized training programs. In addition, Tennessee's cost of labor remains lower than many other areas in the nation.
Details regarding Chattanooga, Tennessee: Estimated median household income in 2007: $36,000. Cost of living index in 2008: 84.2. Adult population that earned a bachelor's degree or higher: 22%.
The top non-manufactures in Chattanooga:
- Hamilton County Department of Education
- Covenant Transport
- Erlanger Medical Center
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
- Memorial Hospital
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- City of Chattanooga
- UnumProvident
- Bi-Lo Incorporated
- Cigna Health Care
Shown below is a list of Chattanooga's top manufactures:
- McKee Foods Corporation
- Synthetic Industries
- Roper Corporation
- Pilgrim Pride Corporation
- Astec Industries, Incorporated
- Invista Incorporated
- Shaw Industries
- Olan Mills
Some of the notable companies in Chattanooga, Tennessee:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
- BASF
- Plantronics
- Access America Transport
- Chattem
- Alco Chemical
- Alstom
- Dupont
- Krystal
- Norfolk Southern
Chattanooga's leading nonagricultural job providing sectors:
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Manufacturing
- Government
- Professional and business services
- Educational and health services
- Leisure and hospitality
- Financial activities
Some of the organizations that offer information and help to Chattanooga businesses are:
- Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
- Chattanooga Economic Development
- Tennessee Economic Development Council
- Tennessee Small Business Development Centers
- Small Business Administration - Tennessee
Chattanooga Times Free Press offers details about the endeavors of the local business community.