How do you prioritize the needs of multiple communities as well as those of Chattanooga’s many industries and workforce? This is the type of question Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce’s incoming board chair Brad Cobb is focused on answering.
A lifelong Chattanoogan, Cobb once had his sights set on becoming a lawyer — and leaving his hometown. Instead, he found his way back after graduating from the University of Richmond. He reconnected with his now wife, made a name for himself in the business community and now is stepping into the new role of Chamber board chair.
Cobb knows he is coming in at a pivotal time. Looking ahead at his one-year term, he believes the current dialogues around industrial park needs, workforce opportunities and individual community needs and concerns are critical to creating balanced solutions.
“We as a community — the City, the County, the Chamber, business owners and area residents — need to continue these conversations,” he said. “If we are going to keep growing at this pace, where is industry going to go? And, how does that impact everyone? We need to continue this dialogue to figure out what’s best for our community.”
“Balance is important, but it also won’t make everyone happy,” Cobb added. “Where does it happen? How does it happen? Obviously there is a very fine line between growth and retaining the small town feel. There’s been great dialogue and debate. We don’t want growth to outpace who we are and the infrastructure we have.”
Cobb credits the leadership of Chamber President and CEO Charles Wood for having the foresight to broach such big topics before it’s too late.
“I see Charles as an incredibly strong visionary and a great leader,” Cobb said. “My part is to help him. And I’m an action-oriented kind of guy.”
Cobb brings nearly six decades of Chattanooga knowledge to the role, including a former six-year stint on the Chamber board. With more than 30 years of leadership experience at the helm of Bowers Automotive Group as its president, he’s also served on the boards of Lula Lake Land Trust, the McCallie School and the Chattanooga State Foundation Board, among others.
In his personal life, Cobb channels the same strategy-focused and action-oriented attitude toward his favorite passion: Cycling.
Thanks to his out-of-office pastime, he’s raced in Chile, South Africa, Croatia and beyond. The sport has also cultivated his deep appreciation for Chattanooga’s trails and ecosystems, something that also helps shape his understanding of the area beyond the needs of the business world.
“I’ve seen Chattanooga really transform,” he said, reflecting on his upbringing off of Hanover Street in North Shore. “I’ve also realized ‘Hey you can really make a difference in your community if you want to.’”
Drawing on his personal understanding of the city’s needs and working to hear and understand other viewpoints are just one component of Cobb’s plan for his volunteer term.
“I want to continue to increase board engagement, make sure board members have opportunities to become more educated on a wide range of Chattanooga communities and facilitate conversations and brainstorming,” he said. “I’m just excited to dive in.”
