The Chattanooga Convention Center launched a new program, “Buy Fresh, Buy Local,” to offer conventioneers seasonal produce, breads, meat, cheese and other food items from local and in-state purveyors.
“This is the first convention center that I’m aware of that has a program this extensive,” said Dexter King, executive director of the International Association of Assembly Managers. “Chattanooga is to be commended for this innovative and proactive approach to sustainability.”
The convention center works through the produce company, which serves as a broker between the center and local farmers. In the banquet phase of deciding the menu, the center staff uses a calendar to determine what is available during the month of a given meeting. Other products are obtained directly from local bakeries and purveyors on an as-needed basis.
