Chattanooga is well-known as one of the top destinations for people to move in the United States, with more than twice as many people moving here compared to those moving out (2.21 ratio). That is the highest ratio in Tennessee and sixth in the nation.
Two individuals who moved to the city recently are Chattanooga Football Club CEO Alton Byrd and Volkswagen Group of America President and CEO Pablo Di Si.
Byrd, a former professional basketball player and global sports executive, has called Chattanooga home since being appointed in July 2023. Di Si, who was appointed President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, and CEO, Volkswagen North American Region in September 2022, moved to Chattanooga in the spring of 2023.
ChattanoogaFC.com recently had the opportunity to catch up with both of them to get their perspective on what is making Chattanooga such a desirable place to live and work, and much more.
ChattanoogaFC.com: What would you want people, who have never visited before, to understand about Chattanooga? Why is it a desirable place to live, both personally and professionally?
Alton Byrd: I would want people to know how kind and authentic people are in Chattanooga, and how green and settling the city is. People are what make the city (and any city) what it is. I love how much Chattanoogans love their city. Personally, the city is a very central location for all types of activities as you would like to participate in—outdoors, urban cities, and all types of food and entertainment activities. Professionally, Chattanooga is an up-and-coming sports market, and I believe a place where we can attract great talent in the sports and entertainment industries. The city of Chattanooga is very easy to navigate and easy to move around. It is built for curious minds, whether it be outdoors or foodies.
Pablo Di Si: Chattanooga is a gem that blends a relaxed lifestyle with professional opportunities. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and trails, it offers outdoor beauty and a high quality of life. The close-knit community makes it an inviting place to call home, while its diverse business landscape provides a great work-life balance.
Why would you encourage people to come work at VW and to relocate to Chattanooga?
Alton Byrd: There are many reasons: cost of living, ease of movement, genuinely nice people, there's a growth mindset here in Chattanooga. It provides a good standard of living, and is centrall located in the Southeast.
Pablo Di Si: Working at the world-class Volkswagen production facility in Chattanooga offers the chance to shape the future of mobility at one of the most advanced automotive centers in the U.S. As part of the Volkswagen family, one would join a global company prioritizing its people and their development. Relocating to Chattanooga also offers opportunities to join a supportive community where individuals and their families can thrive both personally and professionally.
How have you seen Chattanooga grow economically and what do you see as its potential moving forward?
Alton Byrd: I have been here 16 months and have seen incredible growth in the city and its surrounding areas in just a short time. Five years from now this city will be unrecognizable with new housing and new restaurants and entertainment options. Tourism is growing as well, and I believe the city will be a very interesting place in the next 5-10 years.
Pablo Di Si: We’ve been deeply committed to the economic vitality of Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee. Since 2008, we’ve invested more than $4.3 billion into our assembly plant here in Chattanooga, creating more than 125,000 direct and indirect jobs. What’s more, the unemployment rate in Chattanooga was more than 10% when we first broke ground on our assembly plant. As of July 2024, it’s only 3.9%, a testament to our commitment to job creation and the overall growth of our local economy.
Beyond automotive, Chattanooga has embraced technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability with strong local government and community support. Looking ahead, Chattanooga has the potential to be a benchmark for how cities drive sustainable industry. With its solid infrastructure and commitment to innovation, the future is bright.
Finally, what do CFC and VW have in common? And for you, Pablo, what have your experiences at CFC matches been like?
Alton Byrd: Both organizations hold these values very highly: growth, aspirations, teamwork, collaboration, community and connection.
Pablo Di Si: Chattanooga FC matches offer a unique energy and sense of community. It feels like the entire city comes out to support our club! The passionate fans create an electric atmosphere that reflects the city's identity. More than just a football club, Chattanooga FC brings people together from all walks of life in a welcoming, pride-filled environment.
Chattanooga Football Club and Volkswagen are hosting a special lunch and panel discussion in conjunction with the Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) on Sunday October 6th at Finley Stadium from 11am-12:00pm, with both Alton Byrd and Pablo Di Si as featured speakers. Interested in attending? Contact Anthony Nash: anthony@chattanoogaFC.com
Chattanooga Football Club hosts its regular season finale on Sunday, October 6th, and it will be a special occasion with "Fiesta CFC", a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, presented by Volkswagen. Gates open at 11:30am.
FIESTA CFC: Our month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month continues with incredible food, music, and art that highlights the diversity of cultures.
