Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce supports removal of $300 weekly unemployment bonus, provides job alternative

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee- (WDEF) U.S. Chamber Of Commerce calls for immediate end of extra $300 unemployment benefits.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said the extra government aid is giving some less incentive to look for work.

Chattanooga chamber of commerce Vice President of Marketing and Communications Sybil Topel said they support the U S chamber.

“We have a great public policy committee and they looked at it and reviewed it (Monday), like just moments ago, and we are supporting it,” said Topel.

The Chattanooga Area Chamber is also providing opportunities for jobs via the Chattanooga calling website to help reduce the number of businesses needing the hire.

She said more than 15,000 people have accessed the website and there are more than 11,000 jobs posted there.

“People are using chattanoogacalling.com we’ve had more than 41,000 engagements with it. Employers are able to put their jobs out there and just get more traction,” said Topel.

She said this is helping employers with hiring and staffing.

“We’re coming at it from two directions, Both trying to attract people here and make sure we are developing our homegrown talent. We’ve done a lot of work in that area we work with Chattanooga State for example for some upskilling programs, basically new skills for people,” said Topel.

She said the chamber is also rolling out experimental incentive opportunities to support local businesses and encourage remote workers to work in Chattanooga.

“It’s directly offered to remote workers so it will give them a lot of discounts if they come here and try remote work for a month and there’s prizes, there’s discounts at restaurants and bars and  attractions,” said Topel.

“I’d never been to Chattanooga before. I heard about it, but never really thought about it. So we came down here for the family reunion from Manhattan and just found love with it,” said Sarah Nels.

“Most people will come as tourist first before they decide whether or not they’re going to come here and work and take a job. And so we’re trying to engage those folks and let them see how fast your Internet is and how beautiful it is here,” said Topel.