Chattanooga Tourism Company faces criticism from commission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Tourism Company is facing some criticism from the Hamilton County Commission.

They are considering a resolution to transfer some funds from the Chattanooga Tourism Company to the recently created Sports and Events Board.

This board was created last summer to bring new events to Chattanooga and Hamilton County.

However, commissioners say that the relationship between this new board and the Tourism Company is not in the best spot, and criticized the Tourism Company for other issues.

Commissioner Chip Baker: said, I’m concerned about many things. The lack of advertising necessary to fill our hotels and restaurants. The amount of staff that has been added to the tourism company, the ability to carry out a myriad of sports events without the right personnel.”

The Tourism Company’s President and CEO, Barry White, responded,  “I would love to sit down with you and whoever else you’d like to dig through our organization from our strategic plan or finances to anything else and will open our books completely.”

The commission will vote on this funding next week.