Mayor Bob Corker to host 2nd town hall forum on doing business with Oak Ridge National Laboratory

1/24/2003

Chattanooga businesses tap ORNL technologies and secure contracts

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—Continuing to develop opportunities for Chattanooga businesses, Mayor Bob Corker will host the second Mayor’s Town Hall Forum: Working with Oak Ridge National Laboratory—Energy to Build Your Business on January 30, at The Chattanoogan. 

Designed to give businesses in our community the chance to learn more about one of Chattanooga’s technology partners, this year’s forum will feature Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), its areas of expertise, current research projects, and how the Chattanooga community and can benefit from working with them.   

“ORNL is one of the leading research laboratories in the world, and has become a great asset for businesses in our area” said Mayor Bob Corker.  “As we have connected local businesses with the National Laboratory over the past year, they have awarded millions of dollars to Chattanooga companies representing a wide range of products and services, from logistics and transportation consulting, plumbing and electrical contracts to office supplies.”

Dr. Bill Madia, national director at ORNL, will serve as keynote speaker of the event and will give an overview of the research lab, its research priorities, and discuss how it contributes to

Tennessee’s overall economic development.  In addition, Dr. Terry Payne, manager of the laboratory technology research program, and Will Minter, director of the small business program office, will focus on business access to ORNL technologies and the types of goods and services contracts they will be awarding this year.  Alex Fischer, director of technology transfer and economic development, will also be a featured guest at the event, as well as newly appointed Tennessee Commissioner of Economic Community Development, Matt Kisber.     

“Bridging the economic gap between the public and private sectors begins with initiatives such as this,” said Kisber about the Mayor’s Town Hall Forum.  “Chattanooga and the ORNL have created a successful partnership that other cities can use to increase the number of jobs and standard of living for all Tennesseans.” 
U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp, and Hamilton County Executive Claude Ramsey will also be in attendance as special guests of Mayor Corker.

Concurrent in-depth break out sessions will immediately follow the ceremony and will focus on tech transfer mechanisms, government-funded partnerships, specifics on how to obtain upcoming contracts, and one-on-one consultations with ORNL officials. 

Admission to the Mayor’s forum is free, but seating is limited.  For more information, and to reserve your seat, call (423) 763-4056.

The Town Hall Forum is a public/private initiative sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and UT-Battelle, Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, ATTI, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, UnumProvident, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, TVA, and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact Todd Womack, Communications Director, at 423-757-5168

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