Nashville Area Chamber named among top 10 economic development groups in the country
April 25, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 25, 2012) – Site Selection magazine has named the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce one of the Top 10 Economic Development Groups of the year. The announcement was made at a luncheon in Austin, Texas, on April 23.
The Chamber was recognized for its successful work on relocation and expansion projects in 2011, including Asurion, ServiceSource, BNY Mellon, 3M, TRG, Viacom and many others.
The recognition reinforces the work of Partnership 2020, the Chamber’s public-private economic development initiative to maintain and grow the Nashville region’s economy by creating jobs, working with relocating and expanding businesses, attracting a talented and creative workforce, and improving quality-of-life offerings.
“Nashville is fortunate to have a talented team of job-creation professionals who work hard to attract corporate operations to our city and help them grow once they get here,” Mayor Karl Dean said. “I am grateful to the Chamber’s Partnership 2020 initiative and to the private-sector leadership for the terrific work they do, in partnership with my own economic development office, to help grow the region’s business community and keep this area vibrant.”
Local economic development groups were ranked according to four objective categories: new jobs, new jobs per 10,000 residents, new investment amount and new investment per 10,000 residents. Additionally, economic development groups were judged on commitment to innovation, leadership and customer service.
“Being recognized as one of the top 10 economic development teams in America is a testament to the outstanding leadership in this 10-county region and to the private-sector leaders who support job creation and economic development every single day,” said Ralph Schulz, president and chief executive officer for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Middle Tennessee truly is one of the leading places to be in America today. The Nashville Area Chamber is fortunate to be in the midst of such a great place with such amazing leadership, on the city, region and statewide levels.”
Other economic development teams recognized for the Top 10 designation include: Greater Houston Partnership, Texas; World Business Chicago; Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce, Baton Rouge, La.; Dallas Regional Chamber, Texas; New York City EDC, New York; and Kansas City Area Development Council, Missouri, Kansas; Select Greater Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pa.; and the Greater Statesville Development Corp./Mooresville-South Iredell EDC in North Carolina.
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s economic development team also received the Top 10 recognition in 2011, 2009 and 2003.