June 26, 2025

Chattanooga Recognized as a Secret Sauce Community

News Summary

Chattanooga has been honored as a ‘Secret Sauce Community’ for its innovative economic growth strategies during the 2025 Heartland Summit. This recognition emphasizes the city’s commitment to fostering community development and enhancing the quality of life for its residents through smart infrastructure and advanced technology. The city’s prominence in areas like quantum computing and AI, combined with its public gig-speed internet network, showcases its potential as a leader in modernization and economic vitality.

Chattanooga Named “Secret Sauce Community” for Economic Growth

Chattanooga has been recognized as a “Secret Sauce Community” at the 2025 Heartland Summit, an accolade it shares with Fargo, North Dakota, and Wichita, Kansas. This designation highlights the city’s innovative strategies aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing community development, and fostering cultural vitality.

Innovative Strategies and Achievements

Heartland Forward, an organization focused on revitalizing the economic landscape of America’s heartland, commended Chattanooga for its progress, notably its successful rollout of affordable high-speed internet access. Nicknamed “Gig City,” Chattanooga is well-known for its public gig-speed internet network, which significantly underpins the region’s technology advancement and supports entrepreneurial activities.

The city has emerged as a prominent center for quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI), positioning itself at the forefront of modern tech innovation. Mayor Tim Kelly emphasized the importance of Chattanooga’s accomplishments, illustrating how a mid-sized city can achieve remarkable success through a commitment to innovation and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Smart Infrastructure and Community Investments

Chattanooga’s recognition as a “Secret Sauce Community” is attributed not only to its smart infrastructure investments but also to its dedication to remaining connected to its natural surroundings. The city previously received this honor last year, reflecting its ongoing commitment to economic and community development.

Purpose of the Heartland Summit

The Heartland Summit serves as a platform designed to stimulate economic growth and reshape narratives surrounding economic development in Middle America. This year’s summit included plans to build a robust talent pipeline and implement initiatives targeting health and wellness in heartland communities.

Heartland Forward’s Mission

Heartland Forward was co-founded in 2018 by Olivia and Tom Walton and Steuart Walton with a mission to alter perceptions of heartland regions and accelerate their growth. The organization aims to create a significant economic impact, targeting a $500 million effect in these areas by 2030. Their strategy emphasizes improving regional competitiveness and developing the workforce necessary for the current economic climate.

Building Entrepreneurial Skills and Healthcare Discussions

In support of this mission, Heartland Forward is collaborating with an education technology platform named Stimuli, which aims to equip Heartland entrepreneurs and rural students with essential skills to thrive in the AI economy. Additionally, discussions at the summit included a focus on maternal health initiatives, aiming to establish a new maternal and child healthcare center that could influence policy and practice across multiple states.

Conclusion

Chattanooga’s designation as a Secret Sauce Community underscores the city’s commitment to innovation-driven economic growth while prioritizing quality of life for its residents. As the city continues to forge ahead in technology and community investment, it sets a benchmark for other mid-sized cities aspiring to achieve similar levels of success.

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JHM Expands Workforce with Nine New Hires
Howmet Aerospace Expands Job Opportunities in Morristown
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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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