Chattanooga biz editor Flessner retires

Dave Flessner, business editor at the Times Free Press, is retiring after decades spent covering Chattanooga, Hamilton County business news and trends.

Alison Gerber of the Times Free Press writes, “Local journalists see a lot; multiply that by 43 years (and maybe throw in an extra decade given Dave’s work ethic) and you’re talking about a truly epic career telling the stories of our community.

“Dave covered a wide range of stories — from fun stuff like locally made artisanal tequila to very serious stories such as the billion gallons of coal ash that caused an environmental disaster when it spilled in Kingston, Tennessee.

“He’s covered the openings, closings, and evolutions of countless local businesses and industries. He’s recorded the ups and downs of the local real estate market, the labor market, energy prices. He’s reported on the triumphs and travails of small mom-and-pop retailers and giant factories.

“He’s written hundreds of stories about the Tennessee Valley Authority alone.”

Read more here.