The Better Business Bureau recognized companies and students from Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia during its annual Celebration of Trust luncheon on May 6, announcing the winners of the 2026 Torch Awards for Ethics.
Four companies were selected as Torch Award winners following judging focused on ethical business practices, workplace culture, customer relationships and community involvement.
The winners included Allison Senior Advising/Allison-Standefer Insurance of Ringgold, Georgia, in the category for businesses with one to 10 employees; Eric Buchanan and Associates of Chattanooga in the 11-25 employee category; Starr Mathews Agency of Calhoun, Georgia, in the 26-99 employee category; and Marion Environmental of Chattanooga in the category for companies with more than 100 employees.
Nine additional companies were recognized as finalists, including businesses from Chattanooga, Ooltewah, Hixson, McDonald and Morganton, Georgia. BBB also presented 11 Student of Integrity Scholarships to local students during the luncheon.
The Torch Awards for Ethics program, established locally in 1989, honors businesses and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate ethical leadership and trust-based business practices. Companies are evaluated on what BBB calls the “4C’s of Trust” – character, culture, customers and community.
During the event, BBB also recognized several Chattanooga-area companies that previously received honors from the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, including Walden Security, PlayCore, Builtwell Bank and Lawson Electric Company.
Kelly proposes $344M budget for 2026-27
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has unveiled a proposed $344 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27 that includes employee pay raises, continued infrastructure spending and targeted investments funded through internal savings rather than tax increases.
The balanced spending plan includes a 3% cost-of-living increase for city employees and first responders as the administration seeks to improve hiring and retention. The proposal also renews Kelly’s pledge to spend $10 million annually on pothole repairs and road improvements.
Kelly says the budget prioritizes city services residents rely on daily while accounting for ongoing inflationary pressures.
The proposal identifies savings across multiple departments, including reduced contracts in the mayor’s office, renegotiated technology costs and operational efficiencies in parks, planning and community development. City officials note the savings help fund investments in public safety equipment, infrastructure and other priorities.
The Chattanooga City Council will hold a series of meetings before adopting a final budget by the June 30 deadline.
Keurig Dr Pepper opens new distro facility
Keurig Dr Pepper has opened a new 15,000-square-foot cross-dock distribution facility in Chattanooga as the beverage company expands its regional operations and customer service capacity.
The company says the new facility replaces a smaller existing site following a multi-year search for a location that could better support future growth and operational efficiency. The building is being leased from Chattanooga Becknell Industrial.
The facility was designed and built by Becknell Industrial, which will continue to manage the property.
Scott Gibson, senior manager of sales operations at Keurig Dr Pepper, says the investment will improve service to customers while supporting continued job growth in Chattanooga.
The facility currently employs about 50 workers, including drivers and operational staff. Company officials said future openings will be posted on the careers section of the company’s website.
City, Work For America team for jobs website
The city of Chattanooga has launched a new employment website developed in partnership with Work for America as part of an effort to strengthen recruitment and hiring practices.
The new careers platform is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving how the city attracts and retains employees. Work for America, a nonprofit focused on public-sector hiring, worked with city employees and human resources staff to develop recruitment strategies and assess hiring practices.
As part of the partnership, employees from multiple departments participated in workshops to define the city’s workplace culture, describing Chattanooga as “a city transformed by connection” with a strong emphasis on teamwork, innovation and public service.
The hiring review found the city fills positions in an average of 35 days, compared with a national government average of 80 to 120 days, according to city officials.
The city said its annual City Expo hiring event will take place in October and will feature openings ranging from leadership positions to entry-level and temporary jobs. Open positions can be viewed at chattanooga.gov/careers.
$8.1M Military Park roadwork completed
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park officials are celebrating the completion of a portion of an $8.1 million roadway reconstruction project aimed at improving safety and access throughout the park ahead of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The project includes resurfacing roads, stabilizing shoulders and repairing drainage systems at several roads and parking areas across the park. Superintendent Brad Bennett said the upgrades will help connect visitors to historic sites throughout the battlefield.
Many of the roads follow original routes used during the 1863 Battle of Chickamauga. Park officials said deteriorating conditions had created safety concerns for drivers.
When completed, the improvements are expected to provide more reliable infrastructure for visitors, park staff and preservation efforts at the historic site.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park commemorates major Civil War battles and attracts visitors from across the country. Park officials said visitor spending generated an estimated $70.5 million for the local economy in 2024.