Building on more than 26 years of success in regional economic development, the Chamber is launching a bold new five-year plan next month that is critical for Middle Tennessee’s continued prosperity.

With investors’ support, Partnership 2020 has been the driving force in growing the regional economy. The overall results of the Partnership are astounding. A measured, well-thought-out plan for growing our economy has resulted in:

  • More than 850 companies relocating to the region, including LP, Clarcor, Nissan, Asurion, Under Armour, Amazon, Google, ServiceSource, Loews Corp., Beretta and many others;
  • More than 370,000 new jobs created;
  • Per capita income growth of nearly 150 percent; and
  • Population growth of more than 156 percent.

Using input from our investors and community leaders, we’ve created an economic development plan focused on three key areas that will build on the region’s successes and ensure our future growth:

  • Economic prosperity;
  • Talent development; and
  • Maintaining Nashville’s quality of place and life.

Our staff has been working on this regionally focused plan for the past year, and we’re prepared to launch it on July 1.

To continue the region’s momentum, Partnership 2020 will address and improve areas of urgent need:

  • Growing jobs in strategic target sectors through aggressive recruitment of new companies, fostering the growth of existing businesses, and supporting small business and entrepreneurial growth.
  • Driving the development of a workforce with the skills essential to meet the needs of businesses in the decades ahead, raising educational attainment, and focusing on attraction and retention of highly skilled talent.
  • Addressing regional growth and affordability with viable transportation and living options, while focusing on the region’s overall quality of life as a preferred destination for corporate investment.

We recognize there are challenges ahead, and the competition for jobs and talent in America is fierce. Now is the time for us to refine our strategies around job creation, securing the best and brightest talent, and finding a solution to our transit needs. Over the next five years, we will work aggressively and strategically to make the Nashville region the best possible place to live, work and grow a business.

This strategy must have support from our entire community. Fortunately, our business partners understand the importance of collaborating to ensure our business climate remains competitive, and our community leaders and elected officials work with us every day to keep our region prosperous.