Chattanooga panel wants minority, women hiring reports on VW project

photo A sign at the entrance to the Chattanooga Volkswagen assembly plant is seen against the backdrop of the VW supplier park at Enterprise South industrial park.

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Chattanooga's Industrial Development Board today gave its OK to a financial incentives package for Volkswagen's $600 million expansion.

Panel member Chris Ramsey asked for regular reports on minority- and women-owned business participating and hiring for the project, which is expected to lead to VW bringing on 2,000 more jobs to produce a new sport utility vehicle at it plant.

In addition, there was a request for similar reports related to military veterans.

Nick Wilkinson, the city's deputy administrator for economic development, told the board the city is expecting a "significant multiplier effect" from the plant expansion announced last week.

On Wednesday, the Hamilton County Commission approved the incentives, which are projected to amount to $274.3 million from the city, county, state and utilities. The City Council is expected to give its OK next week.

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