At the Chamber, our economic development efforts focus on keeping Middle Tennessee nationally and internationally competitive as a place to do business. With 277 foreign-owned company locations employing nearly 49,000 people in the Nashville area, foreign direct investment and exports are integral to our work.
This month, the Chamber was named one of the top economic development corporations in the nation by Global Trade magazine, a trade publication for international business professionals.
“Nashville may receive more attention for its eponymous TV show and honky-tonk establishments, but Music City has emerged as a global leader in commerce,” says the article. “The city, which is home to international brands Under Armour and Amazon, saw exports surge 10 percent, year-over-year, to a record $9.6 billion in 2014 — a volume largely attributable to the efforts of the NACC. The chamber also helped 154 companies relocate or expand in Nashville last year, with nearly 28 percent of the new jobs created through foreign direct investment.”
Statistics tell a compelling story about how crucial international business is to Middle Tennessee’s economy:
- 63 Japanese company locations employ more than 19,000 Middle Tennesseans
- Foreign direct investment creates an economic impact of $25.5 billion and sustains about 83,000 jobs in the Nashville region
- The Nashville MSA sells more goods to Canada than to our next four largest foreign markets combined
- 15 international companies expanded or relocated in our region in 2015
The Global Trade article adds to the accolades our talented team has received recently. In November, the Chamber was recognized as a top economic development organization at the International Economic Development Council’s annual conference.
