Commencement Keynote Speaker (Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m. – Nocatula Gardens)
CONGRESSMAN ZACH WAMP
Known for his energy and
determination, Congressman Zach Wamp has established himself as a leader on
national issues like alternative energy, preventive health care and global
security. Building on our shared science, technology, business and education
assets in the Tennessee Valley, Zach was instrumental in forming the
Tennessee Valley Technology Corridor in 1995 to create the jobs of the
future. What started as a regional economic summit has grown into a national
award-winning economic development organization focused on high-tech
research, development, business and investment in the Tennessee Valley
Corridor.
Among Zach’s legislative
accomplishments are:
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Modernizing the
National Trail of Tears legislation adding sites and trails to more
accurately depict the Cherokee removal.
-
Replacing the
Chickamauga Lock on the Tennessee River, which was first built in 1940
and remains one of the oldest locks on the Tennessee River.
-
Establishing the
Moccasin Bend National Archeological District as part of the National
Park Service to protect Moccasin Bend for future generations and create
a living monument to the area’s rich heritage.
-
Naming the largest
public space in the U.S. Capitol building "Emancipation Hall" to honor
the slaves that helped build this temple of freedom.
-
Including landmark
energy efficiency measures as part of the National Energy Policy Act of
2005.
-
Helping to establish
and fund the nation’s premier statewide task force to combat
methamphetamine production and passing legislation to protect the
innocent children taken from “meth homes.”
A Chattanooga native, Zach
spent twelve years as a small businessman and commercial real estate broker
before being elected to Congress. He and his wife, Kim, have a son and
daughter in college and actively attend Red Bank Baptist Church.
