CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
CHATTANOOGA’S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE
2020 Graduation Rate Improves Hamilton County Schools are moving closer to the district graduation goal in the Future Ready 2023 action plan
Safe Outdoor Fall Fun?
Upgrading Rock City
A Brief History of COVID-19
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 39 | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
Publisher James Brewer, Sr. Brewer Media Group
Conte
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 39 • SE
Managing Editor Gary Poole gary@chattanoogapulse.com Art Director Kelly Lockhart Contributors Marissa Bell Meagan Jolley Andy Berke Chelsea Smith Tom Bodkin Reid Belew Jenn Webster Senior VP of Sales Lisa Yockey-Rice lisay@brewermediagroup.com Office 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Email info@chattanoogapulse.com Website chattanoogapulse.com Facebook facebook.com/chattanoogapulse Twitter @chattapulse Founded 2003 by Zachary Cooper & Michael Kull
THE FINE PRINT: The Pulse is published weekly by Brewer Media Group and is distributed online. The Pulse covers a broad range of topics concentrating on music, the arts, entertainment, culture, and local news. Contents Copyright Š 2020 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.
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COUNTY G IMPROVES
Hamilton County Schools a the Future Ready 2023 acti
ents
EPTEMBER 23, 2020
GRADUATION RATE S FOR 2020
are moving closer to the district graduation goal in on plan ...
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ROCK CITY GARDENS UPGRADES
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IS THERE SAFE OUTDOOR FALL FUN? 21
A BRIEF HISTORY OF COVID-19 TESTING NEWS & NOTES
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ELECTION 2020
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COMMUNITY
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AUTOMOTIVE
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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NEWS & NOTES
A Critical Younger Blo Blood Assurance is making an appeal for millennial and Gen Z donors due to low donor turnout and continuous blood drive cancellations throughout their schools and work places. Less than one day’s supply of O-negative, O-positive, and B-negative remains on the shelf. A-positive, A-negative and B-positive red cells are also in need at this time, with only two day’s supply available. “High school aged donors are down from 16% to only 4% of the blood donor population this year according to Blood Centers of America. We need our community of younger donors to come out in full force to ensure we have what we need for our local patients,” said Dr. Elizabeth Culler, medical director at Blood Assurance. “COVID-19 has limited our ability to collect at schools, manufacturing plants, and offices. We need people with these blood types to give at a center or drive near them as soon as possible.” Blood Assurance is asking everyone with these blood types who can donate blood to please do so during this time of critical need. As the community starts to return to their normal activities such as work, school, and vacation, hospital usage also increases because of things such as auto accidents, major surgeries, babies getting sick, and cancer patients 4 •
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Need For ood Donors needing treatments. Donating blood with Blood Assurance is the only way patients in this area will be able to receive the blood products they need. All donors 18+ who give twice between June 1st- September 30th can be entered to win a Big Green Egg grill. It is not too late to win. Donors can donate two units of red cells at one time if they are eligible and will be entered to win as well. Donors can also encourage a friend, co-worker, or family member to make an appointment to donate and will receive an extra entry to win the Big Green Egg. Blood Assurance will be giving three Big Green Eggs away to three donors who give June through September. Blood donation is essential to the infrastructure of healthcare and the only way to ensure patients have the blood they need is for people to donate. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids—avoiding caffeine—and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. To schedule an appointment or find a donor center or mobile drive near you, please call 800-962-0628 or visit bloodassurance.org/schedule
local Gas Prices Continue To Drop Chattanooga gas prices have fallen 2.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.81/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 170 stations. Gas prices in Chattanooga are 1.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 50.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Chattanooga is priced at $1.67/g today while the most expensive is $2.49/g, a difference of 82.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state today is $1.69/g while the highest is $2.59/g, a difference of 90.0 cents per gallon. “Gas prices have tip-toed lower with seasonal factors the primary driver, though with hurricane season continuing to be very active, sporadic shutdowns of oil rigs in the Gulf is leading to volatility in the price of oil, which may become a factor in the weeks ahead,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “With oil’s rally back to $41 per barrel last week, the downturn in the national average may be put on pause for a couple of weeks, but we remain very likely to eventually continue to downward momentum into the heart of autumn. For now, we remain at the lowest prices seasonally since 2004 in most states, and largely, motorists can expect that to continue.”
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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NEWS & NO
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McKamey Animal Center Announces New Director The Board of Directors of McKamey Animal Center is pleased to announce that Inga Fricke of Reading PA, will assume the position of Executive Director at McKamey on November 2nd of this year. Ms. Fricke is one of the premier animal shelter experts in the country, and brings to the position over nine years of experience at the Humane Society of the United States, as a shelter specialist and consultant, as well as years of shelter administration and management previously. Ms. Fricke also holds a law degree from George Washington University. “We are delighted to welcome Inga Fricke to Chattanooga and to McKamey. We look forward to working with her, and are excited about 6 •
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the future of The McKamey Center and animal welfare in our region, with Inga Fricke at MAC’s helm,” said founding board member Karla McKamey. “I feel privileged to have been invited to join this wonderful organization, and I look forward to honoring and preserving the McKamey Animal Center’s commitment to serve both the people and animals of Chattanooga,” said Ms. Fricke about her new role. Current board chair Lee Towery added, “Inga believes strongly in shelter best-practices, community engagement and education, and working positively and progressively with our other regional animal welfare partners.”
The Tennessee dents has announc of Hamilton Coun perintendent of th The announcem al awards banque Johnson was one o top state school le S.E. Tennessee Su Dr. Johnson h County Schools. intendent, the dist growth and achiev trict had 32 Rewa tion a school can HCS also had 4 ic growth, 21 sch and sixty-six schoo for growth. The a County Schools th Tennessee. Dr. Johnson lau district’s high scho ful for today’s teen prepared for succe vancements in the selection as a 201 tion. The John F. Ke County as an En community. He a Board of Educatio gy to provide elec
OTES
Dr. Bryan Johnson Named perintendent Of The Year
Organization of School Superintenced Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent nty Schools, as the 2021 Tennessee Sue Year. ment was made during the TOSS annuet that was held virtually this year. Dr. of eight finalists across the state for the eader award after being selected as the perintendent of the Year. has brought excellence to Hamilton As he begins his fourth year as superrict has experienced historic academic vement in the last three years. The disard Schools in 2019 – the top distincearn in Tennessee. 45 Level 5 schools for student academools earned Level 5 in all categories, ols were at or above state expectations academic progress has made Hamilton he fastest improving school district in
unched Future Ready Institutes in the ools to make learning more meaningns and provide future-ready graduates ess after graduation. He has made ade arts that have led to the community’s 19 Best Community for Music Educa-
ennedy Center also tabbed Hamilton nsuring the Arts for Any Given Child also worked with the Hamilton County on to make investments in technoloctronic learning devices for students in
middle and high school that helped the district weather the pandemic and the challenges of remote learning. Dr. Johnson worked with the Hamilton County Board of Education and the community to develop a five-year strategic plan to direct the work of the district. The plan is Future Ready 2023 and includes five main areas of focus, Accelerate Student Achievement, Future Ready Students, Great Teachers and Leaders, Efficient and Effective Operations, and Engaged Community. “There is no doubt that Dr. Johnson is among the best of the best in educational leadership, not only in Tennessee but nationally,” said Dr. Dale Lynch, executive director of TOSS. “The support he has from his school board, his system, and his community is a testament to his success as a district leader. Dr. Johnson has built a culture in Hamilton County that is focused on doing what is best for students. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with him and to present him this award.” SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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EDUCATION
Hamilton County Graduation Rate Improves For 2020 BY MARISSA BELL
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he Tennessee Department of Education released district and school graduation rates this week for 2019-2020, showing Hamilton County Schools moving closer to the district graduation goal in the Future Ready 2023 action plan.
Hamilton County Schools Overall Graduation Rate improved even while dealing with a historically challenging worldwide pandemic. The increase was especially of note as the state graduation rate declined slightly after nearly a decade of improvements. Also, Hamilton County Schools was the only large district in the state to show an increase. The district graduation rate for 2019-2020 is 87 percent, which is up from 86.9 last year and the highest for the district since 2012-2013. In the district action plan, the target for 2023 is a 90 percent graduation rate.HCS saw increases across several subgroups of
students, while the state as a whole saw overall declines with students in historically underperforming subgroups. Students in the following subgroups saw increases in overall graduation rates • Black or African American: Increase of 1.4% performing above the state average for Black or African American students with the state at 83.0%, and HCS at 85.5% • Black/Hispanic/Native American: Increase of 2.1% performing above the state average for this subgroup with the state at 82.9%, and HCS at 84.2% • English Learners: Performed above the state average for this subgroup with
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EDUCATION
“
Success is much more than numbers as a graduate’s success means opening doors to their future. Seniors leaving high school prepared for the opportunities available in college or career means a brighter tomorrow for their families, and our community.”
HCS at 73.3% and the state at 68.6% • Hispanic: an increase of 4.4% where the state saw a decrease of 1.7% “Everything we do from the point a child enters Hamilton County Schools is designed to help each child be successful,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent, Hamilton County Schools. A high school diploma is the first step toward economic self-sufficiency, and that is especially true when the diploma represents a high-value set of skills that will prepare a graduate for success after high school. Five high schools in Hamilton County Schools recorded a perfect graduation rate of 100 percent, up from three last year. Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, Collegiate High, Hamilton County Virtual School, and STEM School Chattanooga were the schools with a 100 percent graduation rate for 2019-2020. Ten high schools were ahead of the district target for 2023, with a graduation rate higher than 90 percent. The schools
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above the target included: • Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts: 100% • Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences: 100% • Hamilton County Collegiate High: 100% • Hamilton County Virtual School: 100% • STEM School Chattanooga: 100% • Signal Mountain High: 98% • Lookout Valley High: 94.6% • Tyner Academy: 92.7% • Sale Creek High: 92.4% • Soddy Daisy High: 90% East Hamilton High just missed the 90 percent mark with a graduation rate of 89.5. Ooltewah High School (87.8) and East Ridge High School (87.6) are also at a healthy pace to keep the district moving toward the graduation rate goal for 2023. The Promise of graduation from Hamilton County Schools is about fundamentally rethinking the school experience to expose all students to high expectations to develop and pursue their passions for learning and life goals.
Whether a graduate’s dream is to move into a high-paying, skill-based career just out of high school, a technical credential, a two or four-year college degree, or a professional degree, each will have the opportunity to prepare themselves to succeed. The key to rethinking the school experience is that students have a clearer picture of their life after high school and be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make their dreams a reality. “Success is much more than numbers as a graduate’s success means opening doors to their future,” Dr. Johnson added. “Seniors leaving high school prepared for the opportunities available in college or career means a brighter tomorrow for their families, and our community.” The addition of college and career advisors at the high school level and Future Ready Institutes assisted teens in reaching graduation. Providing early post-secondary options for high school students is also a key component to improve the high school experience in Hamilton County Schools. The district has increased early college options such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) taken by students, and more students are earning an industry certification. Industry certifications allow graduates to leave high school prepared for success with job skills in their chosen career field. The focus on “Future Ready Students” increases the number of graduates earning early post-secondary credits and keeps the district’s graduation rate on the rise.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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OUTDOORS
Rock City Gardens Upgrading Their Enchanted Trail BY MEAGAN JOLLEY
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ock City Gardens is excited to announce that its most significant trail enhancement project in recent years is underway, with several features already completed.
The Enchanted Trail takes on more of a fairytale feeling beginning with the large arched portal door entrance to Fat Man’s Squeeze, leading to the latest installments in the Hall of the Mountain King. The new trail features include a completed tunnel with glass ornaments set into the sparkling stone ceiling, use of fiber optics for colors and lighting, scroll design in the stone pathway, and steps showcasing fossils and glowing jewels. Elements that are currently still in-process involve a decorative railing, troll sculpture and grand staircase. Future installments targeted for 2021 include an all-new Rainbow Hall with windows made from handmade art glass in
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the order of the rainbow, a bronze door set with colorful glass in the archway, an entrance portal for the Kingdom of the Trolls and an enormous chandelier with large crystals in the colors of the rainbow. Will Jackson, who is the senior manager of innovation for See Rock City Inc., has led the creative behind the art, as well as the installations and partnerships with other area artists. “Chris Mosey of Ignis Glass Studio began producing the glass rondels for the railings and doorways, and Michael Brandt of Garage Bound began plasma cutting on the decorative railing panels from our digital design files,” said Jackson. “Terry Lohmann and his crew of stone masons
began the massive task of building the walkways, overpasses, water features and walls necessary to make this idea come to life.” The inspiration behind these additions to Rock City can be traced to the legacy of Rock City’s co-founder, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter, who is known for her love of story and desire to weave those stories into the gardens. The tale of the Troll King Peer Gynt has been a major focal point for the innovation team to develop this theme. Much of the design is also anchored around the number seven: seven colors of the rainbow, seven musical notes, seven steps that lead up to the top of the grand stairs and seven total steps in the Hall of the Mountain King. “Our team at Rock City is committed to living our value of innovation, as we
know that the experience our guests have when they visit is paramount to our continued success,” said SRC Inc. President and CEO Susan Harris. “Bringing the trail to life in dynamic and artistic ways is part of our legacy, and Will and his team take seriously the need to shepherd that legacy forward.” Rock City Gardens strives to serve as a leading cultural innovator by partnering with local artisans to bring “Art in Nature” to the Enchanted Trail. Currently Rock City is home to seven sculptures made from recycled and reclaimed materials, inspired by the gardens’ natural beauty and peaceful effect. Just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is an enchanted, 4,100foot walking trail showcasing lush gardens, caves and soaring rock formations.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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ELECTION 2020
Are You #Vo Register To BY MAYOR ANDY BERKE
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have always believed that our country heard. In just about 40 days, millions of A number of important state and federal race important that you exercise your right to do One in four Americans are not registered to vote. This year, we have too much at stake for all of us not to make our voices heard. We’ll be be communicating with people online all week to encourage them to check and update their registration to be #VoteReady. Many Chattanooga voters may already be registered, but should update their registration if they have moved or changed their name to ensure a smooth voting experience. Residents can check their registration, update, or register for the first time by texting REGISTER to 97779 or by visiting cha.city/vote. The last day to register to vote in Tennessee is Monday, October 5 so celebrate with us all week and make sure you, your family and your friends are ready to vote this November. Also, over the weekend our country hit a sad and disturbing milestone: 200,000 Americans have now lost their lives because of the coronavirus. 14 •
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oteReady? Vote Now
works best when everyone’s voices are Americans will cast their ballots for a es. No matter who you’re voting for, it’s o so. It’s easy to become numb to statistics like these, but we must keep in mind that these are real people—they are friends, they are colleagues, they are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews. Here in Hamilton County, our coronavirus death toll has now surpassed 90 people. We grieve for their families and loved ones, and must recommit to doing everything we can to slow the spread of the virus to prevent further loss of life. We won’t see mass distribution of a vaccine for many more months, so all of us have to do our part every day. Last week in his testimony to Congress, the CDC Director reiterated that masks are our best defense from this virus right now. Please continue to wear a mask when you’re in public or around other people. One last note: City Hall, the Development Resource Center, and other city facilities will reopen to the public on Monday, September 28.
Tennessee Launches 2020 Election Videos The Tennessee Secretary of State’s office has released a new video series featuring members of the Division of Elections answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the 2020 election. “Misinformation about the 2020 election is rampant. We must all be vigilant in ensuring that we are not only getting our information from trusted sources but also that we are not amplifying inaccurate information,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “There are many bad actors who want to sow discord and confusion among our citizens as well as rode confidence in our form of government. It is critical for voters to get accurate, trusted information directly from Tennessee’s election experts. We created these videos so that all Tennesseans can easily hear the answers to our most commonly asked questions,” Some of the topics covered in the series include how to register to vote in Tennessee, important election deadlines, how to vote absentee by-mail, becoming a poll official and the precautions being taken for in-person voting. Voters can watch the entire 2020 election FAQ video series at sos.tn.gov/elections/2020-faqs.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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COMMUNITY
CNE Providing Rental And Mortgage Assistance BY CHELSEA SMITH
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hattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise has been awarded a $1 million grant through the Tennessee Community CARES Program to provide rental and mortgage relief for households impacted by COVID-19. These funds will be used to assist households who are behind on their rent or mortgage payments due to a loss of income related to COVID-19. This program will serve Bledsoe, Bradley, Marion, Grundy, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie and Hamilton counties. The Tennessee Department of Human Services along with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group created the Tennessee Community CARES Program to invest $150 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to help with ongoing efforts to address health and economic needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was approved by the state’s Financial Stimulus Accountability Group, a bi-partisan group that oversees the distribution of federal and state dollars to local governments. Grant dollars are administered by partnering nonprofit organizations. CNE’s partner in administering this fund is United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
Additionally, CNE will continue its partnership with Legal Aid of East Tennessee, local attorneys and Southern Adventist University to provide free legal assistance to those facing eviction during the COVID-19 crisis and optional case management to assist with household needs. To qualify for funding, delinquent payments no earlier than March 1, 2020 are eligible and proof of COVID related loss of income is required. Households impacted and in need of assistance should do one of the following: call (423) 756-6271 to leave a voicemail with a name and a phone number where you can be reached, send an email to COVIDRelief@cneinc. org with your full name and a phone number, or visit our website, www. cneinc.org/covidrelief and follow the prompts on the screen. Relief resources will be distributed on a “first-come, first-serve” basis for households that complete the applications and meet eligibility criteria. SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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TOURISM
“Naturehood” Offers Safe Outdoor Fall Fun BY MARISSA BELL
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ith the ongoing pandemic, a lot of people and families are finding it hard to make vacation plans. So how about a “staycation” alternative right here at home in Chattanooga?
Fall in Chattanooga’s Naturehood–the urban core surrounded by easily accessible mountains, rivers and scenic beauty–is filled with spectacular color displays, wondrous natural assets, entertainment, overflowing fall produce, neighborhoods bursting with safe outdoor fun and thrilling Halloween experiences. Chattanooga is a top fall destination with TripAdvisor naming it one of 14 Idyllic Fall Family Vacations in the U.S. in 2019, while Orbitz selected the Scenic City as one of five Best Leaf-peeping RV Trips for Fall. A destination for outdoor activity, Chattanooga is the first city voted Best Town Ever twice in Outside Magazine. Fall in Chattanooga is ideal for walks on the Tennessee Riverwalk and Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge; hikes on one of 50 trails located within a 30-minute drive of downtown; mountain, gravel and road biking; floating, paddling or surfing the Tennessee
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River; hang-gliding or flying over acres of brilliant foliage; and outdoor dining on fall’s best harvest at local restaurants. The compact, vibrant downtown is easily navigable by foot, free electric shuttle or on two wheels via Bike Chattanooga. The wondrous attractions on Lookout Mountain like Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway as well as dreamy fall forests are less than 15 minutes from downtown. Chattanooga makes it easy for people to plan their fall getaway with all experiences listed in one place. FALL COLOR & CULINARY TOURS The 2020 Fall Color Outlook will be published in early October, providing a comprehensive forecast week by week of different tree varieties. As the trees change, Chattanooga offers many options for local, fresh outdoor feasts as well as ways to see the fall colors by foot, boat, train, bike
or air: BY FOOT—Book a fall colors or culinary tour with Experience Chattanooga, Chatt Taste or ChattaBrew Tour. BY BOAT—Cruise the Tennessee River with Chattanooga Riverboat Co.’s Southern Belle, the Chattanooga Ducks or the new River Gorge Excursions. Float or paddle a SUP or kayak from L2 Outside. BY TRAIN—oll through acres of fall foliage with the Tennessee Valley Railroad or Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. New incline cars provide A/C and heat as well as full wheelchair accessibility. BY BIKE, SEGWAY, SCOOTER OR SWINCAR—Rent a standard or ebike from Bike Chattanooga to view fall foliage while
pedaling along the 13-mile paved Riverwalk and through the scenic Bluff View Art District. For something a little different, try ChattaScooter, Chattanooga Segway & Bicycle Tours or an electric Swincar from Adventure Sports Innovation. BY AIR—Fly high with Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding, Chattanooga Skydiving Company or a Rock Creek Aviation helicopter tour to view Chattanooga’s kaleidoscope of fall colors from above. Sail through the tree canopy at Ruby Falls’ High Point ZIP Adventure on Lookout Mountain. For more fall experiences and info on the city’s Halloween frights and delights known as ChattaBOOga!, go to VisitChattanooga.com/Fall.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
A Brief History Of Health Department COVID-19 Testing BY TOM BODKIN
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he Hamilton County Health Department has offered free COVID-19 testing since April 3, 2020. Since that date, approximately 80,000 people have been tested at Health Department testing sites. “We are proud to have offered free COVID-19 testing to our residents since the early days of the pandemic,” said Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes, “And we appreciate all the partners that have made our testing possible.” The National Guard began partnering with the Health Department early in the pandemic. Light duty firefighters with the Chattanooga Fire Department began assisting in July. Most recently, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank added their services. Following specimen collection, patients in need of food assistance can drive by the Food Bank’s tent for a free food box. The pandemic is not over. The Health Department continues to offer free testing and still urges anyone who is symptomatic or has had an exposure to get tested. The testing process is streamlined for efficiency and safety. First, patients drive into the intake area where the tracking paperwork is begun. It is very important
to give complete and reliable contact information so the Health Department can contact you if needed. Patients can retrieve their results online within a day or two. Patients then pull forward into the testing area where the nasal swab is taken. Testing is now performed with a “shallow” nasal swab, meaning the cotton-tipped swab is only used just inside the opening of the nostrils. Typically, the whole process takes approximately 10 minutes depending on the car line wait. Free transportation is offered for those who need it and reservations may be made by calling the Health Department’s Hotline at (423) 209-8383. The Health Department provides Spanish language materials and interpreters/bilingual staff throughout the testing process. For more information about COVID-19 and free Health Department testing, call the hotline at (423) 2098383 SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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AUTOMOTIVE
Using AI To Connect Vehicles And Traffic BY REID BELEW
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he University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, with the University of Pittsburgh, Georgia Institute of Technology, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the City of Chattanooga, have been awarded $1.89 million from the U.S Department of Energy to create a new model for traffic intersections that reduces energy consumption.
UTC’s Center for Urban Informatics and Progress will leverage its existing smart corridor to accommodate the new research. “This project is a huge opportunity for us,” CUIP Director and principal investigator, Mina Sartipi, said. “Collaborating with the City of Chattanooga and working with Georgia Tech, Pitt, and ORNL on a project that is future-oriented, novel, and full of potential is exciting. This work will contribute to the existing body of literature and lead the way for future research. Our existing infrastructure, the MLK Smart Corridor, will be the cornerstone for this work, as it gives us a precedent for applied research—research with real-world nuance.” In the DOE proposal, the research team noted the U.S. transportation sector alone accounted for more than 69 percent of petroleum consumption and more than 37 percent of the country’s CO2 emissions.
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An earlier 2012 National Traffic Signal Report Card found that inefficient traffic signals contribute to 295 million vehicle hours of traffic delay, accounting for 5-10 percent of all traffic related delays. The project will leverage the capabilities of connected vehicles and infrastructures to optimize and manage traffic flow. The researchers note that while adaptive traffic control systems (ATCS) have been in use for a half century to improve mobility and traffic efficiency, they weren’t designed to address fuel consumption and emissions. Likewise, while automobile and vehicle standards have increased significantly, their potential for greater improvement is hampered by inefficient traffic systems that increase idling time and stop-and-go traffic. Finding a solution is paramount since the National Transportation Operations Coalition graded the state of the nation’s
traffic signals as D+. “Our vehicles and phones have combined to make driving safer while nascent ITS has improved traffic congestion in some cities. The next step in their evolution is the merging of these systems through AI,” noted Aleksandar Stevanovic, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering and director of the Pittsburgh Intelligent Transportation Systems (PITTS) Lab. “Creation of such a system, especially for dense urban corridors and sprawling exurbs, can greatly improve energy and sustainability impacts. This is critical as our transportation portfolio will continue to have a heavy reliance on gasoline-powered vehicles for some time.” The goal of the 3+ year project is to develop a dynamic feedback Ecological ATCS (Eco-ATCS) which reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gases while
maintaining a highly operable and safe transportation environment. The integration of AI will allow additional infrastructure enhancements including emergency vehicle preemption, transit signal priority, and pedestrian safety. The ultimate goal is to reduce corridor-level fuel consumption by 20 percent. “Chattanooga is a city focused on embracing technology and innovation to create a safer and more efficient environment,” Chattanooga Smart City Director, Kevin Comstock, said. “Being supported and affirmed by the Department of Energy is an enormous vote of confidence in the direction we’re heading.” Georgia Tech team member, Michael Hunter, echoes that sentiment. “Through this project we have the potential to develop a pilot deployment that may be replicated throughout the country, helping realize the vast potential of these technologies,” he said.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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EPB BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Get Peace Of Mind With Total Insurance Solutions
BY JENN WEBSTER
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hen Jim and Nicole Gaines started Total Insurance Solutions in 1999, they were creating a business specially tailored for Chattanooga. A minority-owned firm located on North Moore Rd., Total Insurance Solutions offers a robust mix of products including life, health, property and casualty insurance. Serving small and mid-sized businesses as well as individual consumers and families, Total Insurance Solutions is the neighbor and partner Chattanoogans need to secure peace of mind. Made from Scratch Total Insurance Solutions began by building their client pool from scratch, 24 •
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says Nicole, who is co-owner/insurance agent with Total Insurance Solutions. This means that, unlike many businesses, they didn’t buy out an existing insurance firm. In fact, their client base swelled from five to 300, almost all referrals. If you look at agencies that dot the storefronts of Chattanooga, you’ll see
that many offer products from only one company. Total Insurance Solutions are independent brokers, with the ability to offer a wide range of options for their clients. “We have the luxury of being independent,” Nicole says. “We can shop the market and find the best product to meet our customers’ needs.” Timely Insurance Products Right now, with many workers and small businesses struggling to stay above water, insurance coverage may be the first bill they stop paying. However, Nicole explains, jettisoning the insurance can be harmful in the long run. Business insurance, known as Business Owners’ Policies, can actually protect income, allowing small businesses to make payroll and stay afloat. Jim Gaines, who’s the principal agent/owner at Total Insurance Solutions, focuses on life and health solutions. He’s found potential customers more than eager to discuss life insurance, something many had shied away from discussing before 2020. “Due to COVID-19, customers are seeing people they know get infected, so life insurance has become a hot-button topic the last six months,” Jim says. “People want to make sure they have adequate coverage, and they’re looking to add more.” Local Broker, Personal Touch For these conversations, Jim takes time to discuss each client’s situation
in detail, listening to their needs and then performing an analysis and finding the best product matches. Using a local independent broker makes these conversations possible, whether you’re a business owner or a private individual. “We can talk with them, evaluate their needs, and explain in detail what coverages mean, because nine times out of 10 people do not understand what they’re buying,” Nicole says. “We take a lot of pride in providing quality customer service. We’re not just selling something to meet a sales goal. We’re selling to meet their need.” In fact, Jim says, customers can call back any time they have a question, as many times as they like; Total Insurance Solutions has no consultancy fees. In some ways, it’s a challenge being a minority-owned small insurance brokerage; many customers may assume bigger means better, and look right past companies such as Total Insurance Solutions. But as Nicole says: “People need to give small businesses a chance. We have the same product offering a midsized agency would have. Customers are pleasantly surprised when they chat with us to see what we can offer and what we’re capable of doing. Give small businesses a chance.” Total Insurance Solutions 1425 South Moore Road, Suite C (423) 894-1295 totalinss.com
Local Business Spotlight is proudly supported by EPB Fiber Optics and The Pulse. SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
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PIC T U R E H U N G E R.
S O M E O N E W H AT
D O
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Based on USDA food security data released in 2018
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