The state of economic development in Tennessee was the focus of the monthly Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce membership meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Government, business and community leaders from across Hendersonville and Sumner County attended the event, which was held at Live Events Hendersonville (formerly Premier Event Centre).
The meeting attracted one of the Chamber’s largest crowds in several years due to the presence of keynote speaker and special guest, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. Hundreds of supporters and well-wishers turned out to hear the governor discuss ongoing state and local economic development efforts and projects.
Chamber President and CEO Kathleen Hawkins came to the podium to offer welcoming remarks, followed by Pastor Jeremy Austill of Cornerstone Church Nashville, who delivered the invocation.
Hawkins next introduced Chamber board chair Fran Marcou, who asked Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary and Davidson Academy 7th grade student Cooper Balitsos to come to the podium. Subsequently, the Mayor and Balitsos introduced Governor Lee, evoking a standing ovation and a round of thunderous applause from the audience.
Before he began his economic remarks, Lee offered his personal condolences to the family, friends and community following the recent passing of Sumner County Sheriff Sonny Weatherford.
“I want to send out my prayers for everyone affected by the loss of Sheriff Weatherford – he was a great public servant whose impact was felt far beyond Sumner County,” said Lee. “I want you to know that you didn’t just lose a Sumner County treasure with his passing. Instead, the entire state lost a Tennessee treasure.”
As he closed out his homage to the late sheriff, Lee noted that he had directed the Tennessee State Capitol staff to light up the entire Capitol building in blue in honor of Weatherford and his family. He then turned his attention to his planned presentation on the state of Tennessee’s economic prowess.
“As you may have heard me say before, we have the number one economy in the nation,” said Lee. “Tennessee has the fastest growing and highest performing economic landscape, the lowest debt rate per capita anywhere and a stable and predictable regulatory environment. All these factors, along with our qualified workforce, have contributed to making our state a significant player in both national and global commerce.”
Lee continued to explain how Tennessee’s strong economy is admired by states all across the nation.
“I currently chair the Republican Governors Association, and I meet with my counterparts four times each year. Let me tell you, Tennessee is the envy of them all,” said Lee. “My fellow governors keep asking me how we do it and what is our secret to a strong, growing economy. I always tell them that the answer is simple – it is our people, our businesses and our elected leaders. We understand that we must be good stewards with our revenues – there are no state dollars, only taxpayer dollars.”
Lee continued his list of Tennessee economic achievements by pointing out two additional accolades. First, Tennessee was one of only six states that managed to maintain a treasury surplus during the Covid pandemic. Next, he noted that recently, Tennessee’s poverty rate has fallen below the national average for the first time in history.
Lee also praised the success enjoyed by his administration and his predecessors in enticing major global and national corporate players to relocate all or portions of their operations to the Volunteer State.
“A few years ago, Ford Motor Company decided to build its first new automotive manufacturing facility in over 50 years,” said Lee. “Due to various incentives being offered to them, the Ford team realized that they could build anywhere that they wished. However, after weighing all the relevant factors, they chose Tennessee – the same choice made by other companies such as Oracle and Meta.”
Following his high-level state comments, Lee turned his attention to Sumner County and its impact upon Tennessee’s success.
“I want to applaud you for all the great things happening in Sumner County,” said Lee. “Let me assure you that the good things happening here are not often found elsewhere in communities across the nation. You are making a difference that is having a major positive impact upon not just your economy, but also Tennessee’s economy as a whole.”
Lee concluded his remarks by acknowledging the accomplishments of Sumner County’s legislative team, including State Sen. Ferrell Haile and State Representatives William Lamberth, Johnny Garrett and William Slater. He also gratefully acknowledged the hard work and support of Sumner County Mayor John Isbell the other mayors, aldermen and councilmen across the county.
