Chattanooga Airport recorded a new all-time passenger high in 2025, serving 632,384 travelers, a 14% increase over 2024, airport officials report.
The milestone continues a period of rapid growth since April Cameron became president and CEO in 2023. Passenger traffic has increased more than 41% over the past three years and nearly 68% over five years, placing Chattanooga among the fastest-growing small hub airports in the country.
Cameron credited the growth to residents choosing to fly locally, citing convenience, affordable parking, efficient TSA screening and customer service as key factors.
Between 2025 and 2026, the airport added six new nonstop destinations, including Punta Gorda, Chicago, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Houston and Denver, through expanded service from Allegiant, American Airlines and United Airlines.
To accommodate increased demand, the airport broke ground in 2025 on a nearly $35 million, four-story parking garage that will add about 1,600 spaces. Construction also began in November on the BlueCross Healthy Place, a 4.5-acre aviation-themed park expected to open in summer 2026.
YMCA partners with Taziki’s for wellness
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is partnering with local Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe locations for a Month of Giving in February to support community health and wellness programs.
From Feb. 1–28, diners at participating Taziki’s restaurants in Chattanooga, Hixson and Cleveland can help raise funds for YMCA programs serving cancer patients and survivors, swim lessons, adaptive sports and fitness, food programs for children and scholarships that expand access to YMCA services.
Support opportunities include rounding up purchases by $1, $3 or $5 throughout February, dining at the Hixson Taziki’s on the Day of Giving Feb. 26, or placing advance group orders for pickup from the Hixson location on that date. Fifty percent of all sales at the Hixson restaurant Feb. 26 will benefit the North River YMCA, while round-up donations collected during the month will support all eight local YMCAs.
Participating locations include 2020 Gunbarrel Road, 432 Market Street and 5215 TN-153 in the Chattanooga area, along with 4440 Frontage Road NW in Cleveland.
Realtors install 2026 officers and directors
Greater Chattanooga Realtors marked the installation of its 2026 officers and directors during its annual Installation Reception Jan. 22, celebrating new leadership and reaffirming the association’s commitment to members, consumers and the region.
Connie Brewer was sworn in as 2026 president, joined by President-Elect Jeff Nixon, Secretary-Treasurer Brian Erwin, Multiple Listing Service chairperson Travis Close and Immediate Past President Ellis Gardner. The newly installed directors are Robert Baker, Bev Boss, Kadi Brown, Christian Chacon, Rolanda Daniel, Natalie Hostetler, Steven LaMar, Winnie Paris and Karen Parris.
In her remarks, Brewer thanked outgoing leaders and emphasized collaboration and service.
“Leadership is not about having all the answers,” she said. “It is about showing up, listening and doing the work together.”
Association leaders said Greater Chattanooga Realtors is looking ahead to a year focused on education, market information, member resources and partnerships that support property owners and future homeowners across the region.
Food City gives $10K to Theatre Centre
Food City recently presented a $10,000 donation to the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, continuing the company’s long-standing support of the nonprofit arts organization.
Founded in 1923, Chattanooga Theatre Centre is celebrating more than a century of providing theatrical performances and educational opportunities to audiences in Chattanooga and the surrounding region. The organization’s mission focuses on enriching the cultural, intellectual and emotional development of people of all ages through quality theater and community engagement.
The check presentation included Food City store manager Jared Freeman and Food City Special Events Manager Jaci Kazy, along with Chattanooga Theatre Centre Executive Director Kim Jackson, education director Amber Brown and production manager Annie Collins.
TVFCU surpasses $3 billion in assets
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union reached a major milestone in 2025, surpassing $3 billion in assets as it prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2026.
Founded in 1936 with just $500 in initial deposits, TVFCU has grown steadily across the Tennessee Valley and North Georgia. Recent growth was fueled in part by expansion into North Georgia, including the opening of its North Georgia headquarters in Dalton, and the launch of its 29th branch in Trenton, Georgia, through a continued partnership with Food City.
In 2025, the credit union introduced several initiatives aimed at easing financial stress and expanding access, including eliminating non-sufficient funds fees, reducing Courtesy Pay fees – saving members an estimated $6 million – and waiving Skip-a-Pay fees during government shutdowns.
TVFCU also launched new tools such as Ask Finney, an AI-powered digital assistant, expanded Spanish-language services at ATMs and translated printed materials.
TVFCU supported members’ major life purchases by funding more than 8,000 auto loans, financing more than 1,500 home loans and introducing FHA and USDA mortgage options. The credit union also helped members save more than $719,000 by covering appraisal costs and established 450 new business relationships to support local entrepreneurs.
Community investment remained central to TVFCU’s mission in 2025, with more than $500,000 directed to 88 nonprofits and small businesses. Key efforts included TVFCU Riverfront Nights, the 29th annual TVFCU Golf Classic, raising more than $69,000 for education initiatives, and Idea Leap grants totaling $225,000 awarded to 15 small businesses across the region.
Additional fundraising supported Children’s Miracle Network and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
Walnut St. Group earns Best-In-State recognition
Morgan Stanley announced that The Walnut Street Group, based in Chattanooga, has been named to Forbes magazine’s 2026 list of America’s Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams.
The ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings that evaluate best practices, client retention, industry experience, professional credentials and compliance records, along with firm nominations and quantitative measures such as assets under management and revenue.
Nonprofit SoundCorps launches new programs
The Chattanooga-based nonprofit SoundCorps has launched two new programs aimed at helping local musicians connect and fund creative work: a comprehensive Musician Directory and the Producer’s Fund Grant.
The new Musician Directory offers Chattanooga-area musicians a free, professional online profile to showcase their work, skills and contact information. By registering, artists gain increased visibility with collaborators, venues and industry partners, while also connecting directly to future opportunities such as grants, paid gigs, workshops and other SoundCorps programs.
The directory is live at soundcorps.org/musician-directory.
Also launching is the Producer’s Fund Grant, a donor-supported monthly award of $500 designed to help local musicians fund artistic projects. The fund supports grants for musicians, fair payment for performances, and resources for artistic growth and professional development.
Applications are accepted the first through the 15th of each month at soundcorps.org/producers-fund, with recipients announced by the 25th.