The Community Forum at the 1999 Stonecipher Symposium on Technology, Communication, and Culture takes up the question of how the TVA has affected the growth of cities in the Tennessee Valley, especially Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Decatur, Alabama. Representatives from each city will address issues specific to their regions, especially TVA's partnerships with local leaders and governments.

Representing Decatur will be Barret C. Shelton, Jr., publisher of the Decatur Daily newspaper and son of one of the TVA's key regional supporters from its earliest days, Barrett Shelton, Sr. Mr. Shelton will speak on his father's contributions to the growth of Decatur and his partnership with the TVA. He is a past chairman of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce as well as a past president of the Decatur Kiwanis Club. Additionally, he has served on civic, cultural and religious boards and agencies.

TVA's deep impact on the Chattanooga community and economy will be explored by Ken Hayes, Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Chattanooga. According to Mr. Hayes, as one of the largest employers in the Chattanooga area, TVA's reach goes way beyond the crucial flood control service that the valley enjoys. As manager of the Chattanooga water supply, the Tennessee River, dependable water can be counted on by citizens and industry alike. And the recreation aspect that TVA brings to the quality of life for Chattanoogans is one of their greatest assest, he said.

Panel moderator: Eldon Leslie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce

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