Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Person of the Year Award in its 15th Year
Don Geren, director of the Cleveland/Bradley Business Incubator, is the 2008 Mel Bedwell Small Business Person of the Year. Geren is the 10th individual to receive the Small Business Person of the Year award since its renaming to honor the contributions of the late Mel Bedwell and 15th to receive the award since this program began. The award is given by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce to a business person who demonstrates staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales or unit volume, innovativeness of product or services offered, response to adversity, and evidence of contribution by the nominee to aid community-oriented projects. The Business Incubator creates a place that shelters inexperienced entrepreneurs and their fledgling businesses until they are strong enough to compete in the community.
NewsChannel9
Providing News for 50 Years
WTVC NewsChannel 9 is celebrating 50 years of broadcasting to the Chattanooga area. WTVC originated with a station atop Signal Mountain that is still used today to house the station’s transmitter, while the current location remains off Highway 153. First started in 1958, NewsChannel 9 was the top Chattanooga area news station in 2007 for households viewing television in each weekday news day: early morning, noon, evening and late news (Nielsen, November 2007). Chattanoogans have come to rely on breaking news at NewsChannel 9.
Silk Trees, Petals & Ivy – Celebrates 10 Years
Cheryl Simon began her business in a home studio to provide artificial floral and greenery for clients. Now, ten years later, Silk Trees, Petals & Ivy is located at 2271 Gunbarrel Road. The showroom is an oasis of fine, scented candles, oil paintings, mirrors, lamps, accent furniture, artificial trees from 4’ to 9’ tall, and beautiful floral arrangements. The showroom is filled with sensually delightful interior accessories for residential and commercial clients. Holiday decorations are totally customized, and installation and takedown services are provided. Each Christmas or everyday job is unique.
Interior Care – Celebrating 20 Years, Owned and Operated by Women Who Care
Interior Care, owned by Ginger Kachline, a resident of Signal Mountain, is celebrating 20 years of service. For two decades, Kachline has built a business that provides cleaning, treating, and repairing interiors for the Chattanooga area. Interior Care cleans, restores, and stain protects fine rugs, carpet, upholstery, leather, drapes, and other specialty fabrics for residential and commercial properties. “Owned and operated by women who care,” Interior Care has a history of excellent service.
KBI – Leading Commercial General Contractor for 15 Years
Donald Kuebler and his sons Mike and Mark celebrate the 15th anniversary of Kuebler Builder’s, Inc., Construction Management and building firm. Mr. Kuebler moved to Chattanooga in 1977, working for EMJ Corporation. In 1993 he started his own company with his sons Mike and Mark. Recently changing its name from Kuebler Builders, Inc., to KBI, the company continues to operate as a commercial general contractor, specializing in retail, hospitality, medical offices, churches, and industrial and strip centers. KBI is licensed in over 14 states, but works predominantly in the Southeast.