in thisissue

february 2014Vol. 16 | Issue 2

Outlook Williamson focuses on county’s future

Get front row seat for legislative briefing

Even in good economic times, businesses need to be ready for what’s next to continue to thrive. The Chamber’s first-ever Outlook Williamson economic forum is aimed at helping regional entrepreneurs, companies and community leaders do just that – be better posi-tioned to take full advan-tage of the changes coming to Williamson County in the years ahead.

The half-day forum will be held Tuesday, March 25, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road. Breakfast

and brunch items will be available at the beginning of the program and during 15-minute breaks through-out the morning.

“The goal of Outlook Williamson is to help people learn about the environment where they’re doing business and where we’re headed as a county,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Largen. “People are intrigued by the growth in Williamson County, but is this going to continue?”

Outlook Williamson will provide participants multiple opportunities to engage with

local leaders and industry experts, learn what’s on the horizon and get the first look at the inaugural Trends Report prepared by the Chamber’s Economic Development staff.

The keynote speaker will be Jeremiah Lynch, a nationally known tax expert who vets prospective com-pany site locations. A consultant with the Dallas-based Ryan global tax ser-vices firm, Lynch will address the specific factors that

make different areas attrac-tive for business relocation and expansion. Ryan is the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States.

The site selection process includes an analysis of factors related to doing business in a specific geographic area.

“In 2013, we responded to about 50 projects that

were a fit for our commu-nity,” said Jeremiah Pyron, interim director for economic

Government policies and regulations can be good news or bad news for busi-ness. That’s why the

Williamson Chamber is com-mitted to helping members get access to the informa-tion and people they need to

know to stay abreast of what’s going on in the state legislature and other govern-mental agencies – from local cities and towns to the governor’s office.

To create a broader forum for this undertaking, the Feb. 18 membership meeting will include a Public Affairs Roundtable (PAR) session as Chamber Government Relations Chair Dave Crouch talks with a panel of elected state officials about the hot-button issues on tap for the 2014 Tennessee General

Assembly. Joining the panel will be Reps. Charles Sargent, Glen Casada and Jeremy Durham, along with Sen. Jack Johnson.

An added highlight of this first-ever event is that Chamber members will have the opportunity to submit any questions they want to be considered for the dis-cussion, which Crouch will moderate. Since the round-table is being presented as one part of the monthly lun-cheon, the question-and-

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Q&a revealsWilliamson’sappeal

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Who’s a member? l continued on Page 7

l continued on Page 2

Jeremiah Lynch

The February membership meeting will feature local state legislators, shown here at a recent Public Affairs Roundtable. From left are Rep. Charles Sargent, Rep. Glen Casada, Sen. Jack Johnson, panel moderator Dave Crouch, Chamber head Matt Largen and Rep. Jeremy Durham.

Emailabby@williamsonchamber.com

for sponsorship information

2014 SPONSORSHIP GUIDE

Page 2 THe POiNT l february 2014

THE POINT is published as a partnership between the Williamson Chamber and The Tennessean. For advertising information, contact Lauren Carpenter at lauren@williamsonchamber.com.

5005 Meridian blvd., suite 150 | franklin, TN 37067 | 615.771.1912 | www.williamsonchamber.com

ABRA Auto Body & Glass244 Seaboard LaneFranklin, TN 37067(615) 771-7325www.abraauto.comRachel Serfass

Aflac709 Helmsdale Place S.Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 370-3814us.aflac.comJulie Templeton

Allison Sindelir1127 Westhaven Blvd.Franklin, TN 37064(813) 789-8708Allison Sindelir

Charles Threet141 Tusculum RoadAntioch, TN 37013(615) 506-1128hbwadvisory.comCharles Threet

Circa1549 Thompson’s Station Road W.Thompson’s Station, TN 37179(615) 614-2079circagrill.comRobynne Napier

Concept Technology Inc.1009 Third Avenue N., Ste. 200Nashville, TN 37201(615) 321-6428concepttechnologyinc.comJames Farley

Cyril Stewart3813 Whitland Ave.Nashville, TN 37205(615) 207-5959cyrilstewart.comCyril Stewart

deMarco DeCiccio625 Baker’s Bridge Ave., Ste. 105Franklin, TN 37067(323) 816-3348isatennessee.comdeMarco DeCiccio

Durante Home Exteriors2512 Commerce Square QIrondale, AL 35210(205) 956-4110GoDurante.comDaniel Gallegly

Family Dynamics Institute318 Seaboard Lane, Ste. 316Franklin, TN 37067(615) 627-0751FamilyDynamics.netKim Mayfield

Farmers Insurance District 66-29214 Overlook Circle #275Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 369-9400farmersagent.com/ajahanbinArastu Jahanbin

Guidant Partners1410 Donelson Pike, Ste. B5Nashville, TN 37211(615) 277-3361guidantpartners.comEddie Finley

Harley-Davidson of Cool Springs7128 South Springs Dr.Franklin, TN 37067(615) 771-7775hdcoolsprings.comLaVonda Schneringer

Johnsen’s Home Improvements1253 W. Main StreetFranklin, TN 37064(615) 934-5020johnsonshomeimprovements.comKeith Johnsen

Joumana Rahime9686 Sapphire CourtBrentwood, TN 37027(615) 891-8020Joumana Rahime

Judge Bean’s BBQ7022 Church St. E.Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 823-2280judgebeans.comMolly Shatto

Karol Krahn1317 Decatur CircleFranklin, TN 37067(615) 210-2379Karol Krahn

Lizard Thicket535 Cool Springs Blvd., Ste. L100Franklin, TN 37067(615) 807-2545shoplizardthicket.comAnn Stanford

Middle Tennessee Council Boy Scouts of America

3414 Hillsboro PikeNashville, TN 37215(615) 383-9724mtcbsa.orgDanny Sutherland

Moose Head Kettle Corn2817 West End Ave.Ste. 126-137Nashville, TN 37203(615) 394-2852Kettlecorn.meJack MacDowall

Music City Mortgage, Inc.1224B Columbia Ave., Ste. 100Franklin, TN 37064(615) 599-2101Musiccitymtg.comPaul D’Angelo

Orange Theory Fitness710 Old Hickory Blvd, Ste. 302Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 373-0333orangetheoryfitness.comBrigitte Edwards

Papa Murphy’s Pizza 101 Creekside CrossingSte. 1000Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 730-6804Liz Allbritton

Sherwin-Williams Co. 1010 Murfreesboro RoadSte. 198Franklin, TN 37064(615) 790-6682sherwin.comTyler Ellis

Sue Beth Murphree(615) 476-3339Sue Beth Murphree

Swings & Billiards, Etc.7061 Moore’s Lane, Ste. 100Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 719-1765swingsandbilliards.comAnthony Kim

The Milam GroupColdwell Banker Barnes114 Cool Springs Blvd.Franklin, TN 37067(615) 400-4211TheMilamGroup.comDonnel Milam

UL Workplace Health and Safety5000 Meridian Blvd., Ste. 600Franklin, TN 37067(615) 367-4404ulworkplace.comElaine Wilder

Vaco5410 Maryland Way, Ste. 460Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 324-8226vaco.comBrandy Zimmerle

These companies and individuals have made a commitment to business growth and to their community by joining the Williamson Chamber. They will enjoy the benefits of a robust business directory listing on the Chamber website and referrals from our office and from fellow members. When you need products or services, please search the directory on the Chamber website and do business with a Chamber member.

wElcomE new members Join tHe 1,400 MeMBeR BuSineSSeS tHat SuPPoRt tHe WiLLiaMSon cHaMBeR – caLL uS todaY at 615-771-1912.

Legislators to be featured at february luncheon (continued fRoM Page 1)

answer session will have a shorter format than the regu-lar 7:30 a.m. session held the fourth Monday of each month at the county Administrative Complex in Franklin.

With coffee at the ready, the monthly hour-long Public Affairs Roundtable is attended by a committed cadre of early-risers. Those who can’t make it in person can watch it live

or check their television list-ings to see when it’s rebroad-cast on the county government and education channel WC-TV, which is Comcast Channel 3. During 2013 the roundtable’s guests included the area’s four state legislators, the city lead-ers of Franklin and Brentwood and U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn. The next regular roundtable will be Monday,

Feb. 24. It’s free and open to the public. Attendees should arrive by 7:15 a.m.

“One of the key goals that came out of the membership’s strategic planning was for the Chamber to be a resource for information about governmen-tal activity as it relates to business issues,” explained President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Largen. “The

roundtable sessions provide our members and the commu-nity unique access to these decision-makers. As an engaged Chamber, we always are looking for ways to be an effective advocate for our business community.”

Networking at the mem-bership meeting, which is being presented by Vanderbilt Health, begins at 11:30 a.m.

followed by the luncheon pro-gram at noon at The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road. The cost is $35 for members and $40 for non-members, who may register as guests. A $5 late fee is added after noon on Friday, Feb. 14. Register and learn more online at williamson-chamber.com, or call the office at 615-771-1912.

THe POiNT l february 2014 Page 3

www.WilliamsonChamber.com | 5005 Meridian Blvd., Suite 150 | Franklin, TN 37067 | 615.261.2880

Page 4 THe POiNT l february 2014

YOUR HEALTH. OUR PASSION.YOUR LIFE. YOUR WORK. YOUR PLAY.

business community steps up to support education

Chamber members who responded to a survey of ways to engage with the county public schools will be invited to training sessions in the next few weeks where next-steps will be targeted and discussed.

The Chamber sent out the survey of engagement opportunities following the January membership meeting as part of a joint education initiative with Williamson County Schools (WCS) to help businesses and individuals learn about ways they can support teaching and learning for students and education professionals.

As of Feb. 3, 123 responses had been received, with the most popular pick being participation in a speakers’ bureau through which business leaders could share their industry expertise with students and teachers in the classroom.

The project, a Chamber focus for 2014, was highlighted during the January meeting, during which Schools Superintendent Mike Looney shared statistics and information

about academic achievement, the arts and athletics to show why Williamson County schools are among the coun-try’s best. He said real-world career experiences for students and teachers will help bring relevance and rigor to what’s being taught in the classroom.

“I am so excited about the ongoing partnership between Williamson County Schools and Williamson, Inc.,” Looney said after the meeting. “These new initiatives prove the collaboration between the schools and our business community will open doors for our stu-dents and families into the 21st Century workforce. It’s a win-win for all of us. I encourage all members of the business community to get involved.”

Regarding their organization’s inter-est in participation, 67.5 percent of those responding picked partnering with WCS on a speakers’ bureau. The percentage that indicated interest in five other partnership areas were: 61.4, career exploration day; 54.4, student job shadowing; 35.1, student

Enjoying some meet-and-greet time are, from left, Audrey Buffington, Chris Robinette and Matthew Evans.

Luncheon attendees Tressia Grant, Kaye Ivanoff and Ann Easton.

Superintendent Mike Looney highlighted student and teacher achievements during his luncheon address and asked attendees to get involved through the joint education initiative of the Chamber and Williamson County Schools.

New Chamber members, from left, Brigitte Edwards, Patrick Slota, DeAnna Croom, Brice Robinson, Tia Smith, Tyler Ellis, Jack MacDowall and Cyril Stewart join volunteers Patty Bearden and Chris Henson for a group shot before the meeting.

Williamson County Schools employees, from left, Carol Birdsong, Cory Mason, Deb Enright, Gina Fancher and M. Haden McWhorter.

l continued on Page 6

feBRuaRY MeMBeRSHiP Meeting

THe POiNT l february 2014 Page 5

what’s new In wIllIamsonWe ceLeBRate WitH LocaL BuSineSSeS aS tHeY oPen, exPand and Renovate!

brEntwood mcdonald’s109 East Park Dr. • Brentwood

ribbon cutting – Jan. 25 • 55 employees

This newly renovated store now has a patio for outdoor eating and a drive-through option that gets customers through more quickly. The inside décor has a modern look with new seating and televisions contributing to a relaxed dining experience that delivers hot, fresh food in a hospitable environment.

couturE for a causE127 Franklin Road, Suite 141 • Brentwood

ribbon cutting – Jan. 30 • 4 employees

This non-profit store accepts donations of new and like-new women’s high-end, designer clothing and accessories for resale. It gives half of each sale to a non-profit named by the donor of the goods. Since last June it has presented checks to 67 Middle Tennessee non-profits. Volunteers are needed.

all star mEdIcal401A Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 115 • Franklin

ribbon cutting – dec. 20 • 1 employee

This is the second area location for this business, locally owned and operated by three long-time friends. All Star Medical provides lift chairs, mobility scooters, compression garments, walking aids and bathroom safety devices. The Franklin showroom lets customers see the products before they buy.

wIllIamson mEdIcal groupat tollgatE mEdIcal plaza1106 Elliston Way • Thompson’s Station

ribbon cutting – Jan. 13 • 20 employees

This physician practice is the first Williamson Medical Center has opened south of Franklin. It features an internal medi-cine practice as well as diagnostic imaging, physical therapy services and a blood-draw lab. Residents can access these services conveniently near home with orders from any doctor.

wIllIamson mEdIcal group4323 Carothers Parkway, Suite 505 • Franklin

ribbon cutting – Jan. 13 • 10 employees

Staffed by three local physicians, this is one of three pri-mary care practices owned by Williamson Medical Center. The physicians bring decades of experience to serving patients of all ages in one convenient location – from children to aging parents. The office also offers travel medicine services.

papa murphy’s pIzza101 Creekside Crossing, Suite 1000 • Brentwood

ribbon cutting – Jan. 24 • 12 employees

One of three county locations, this shop offers take-and-bake pizzas, salads, dessert pizzas and cookie dough. Store-made pizza crust, hand-chopped veggies and high-quality meats join 100 percent whole-milk mozzarella cheese to produce a product that is fresh, never frozen. School and non-profit partnering is welcomed.

ElEmEnts massagE of franklIn539 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 140 • Franklin

ribbon cutting – Jan. 10 • 12 employees

Open every day, Elements of Franklin welcomes walk-ins and offers a membership program for discounted services for regular customers. Therapists provide customized massages based on each client’s physical condition and health goals to improve energy, increase circulation, relieve stress and more.

gEttIng notIcEd Is thE poInt!

Are you opening a business, renovating or expanding? Chamber members can get assistance

with a ribbon cutting, then share their news in The Point, which is delivered monthly

to 40,000 Tennessean subscribers.

Email jenn@williamsonchamber.com to plan your celebration.

*We congratulate this valued Chamber member, whose ribbon cutting announcement should have appeared in the November issue of The Point. We apologize for the delay.

physIcal thErapy spEcIalIsts of tEnnEssEE*3326 Aspen Grove Dr., Suite 306 • Franklin

ribbon cutting – oct. 3 • 2 employees

This outpatient physical therapy clinic offers private, one-on-one treatment with doctoral-level providers. The therapists specialize in orthopaedics, vestibular rehab and Titleist Golf Fitness programs. On-site personal training and massage also are available to help you regain a healthy lifestyle.

Page 6 THe POiNT l february 2014

feB 18 MeMBeRSHiP LuncHeon 11:30 am, The Factory, Jamison Hall 230 Franklin Road, Franklin Speakers: State Reps. Glen Casada, Jeremy Durham and Charles Sargent; State Sen. Jack Johnson Presented by Vanderbilt Health feB 24 PuBLic affaiRS RoundtaBLe 7:15 am, Commission Auditorium County Administrative Complex 1320 W. Main St., Franklin Speakers: Local area state legislators feB 24 futuRe MeMBeRS info SeSSion 4 pm, Chamber office 5005 Meridian Blvd., Ste. 150, Franklin feB 25 WoMen in BuSineSS 11:30 am Brentwood United Methodist Church 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood Speaker: Pat Shea, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee Presented by MedSolutions feB 27 MeMBeR connect! LeadS excHange Two sessions, members only 7:30 am and 3:30 pm, Chamber office 5005 Meridian Blvd., Ste. 150, Franklin MaR 7 YouR SMaLL BuSineSS ReSouRce: fiRSt fRidaY 7:30 am, E|SPACES 1550 W. McEwen Dr., Franklin Speaker: Bryan Huddleston Nashville Technology Council Presented by FirstBank MaR 11 cHaMBeR 101 oRientation 3:30 pm, Chamber office 5005 Meridian Blvd., Ste. 150, Franklin Presented by First Citizens National Bank MaR 12 Young PRofeSSionaLS focuS 11:30 am, Jackson National Life Insurance 300 Innovation Dr., Franklin MaR 13 futuRe MeMBeRS info SeSSion 9 am, Chamber office 5005 Meridian Blvd., Ste. 150, Franklin MaR 18 WoMen in BuSineSS 4:30 p.m., Carnton Plantation 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin Speaker: Eric Jacobson Battle of Franklin Trust Presented by Saint Thomas Health

RiBBon cuttingSFEB 27, 4 pm • Franklin Brentwood Arts Academy

First Friday fills up fast, so register now to hear Bryan Huddleston of the

Nashville Technology Council on March 7.

PLease CHeCK THe WebsiTe fOr uPDaTes aND MOre iNfOrMaTiON.

‘urban living’ predicted for Cool springsA “downtown Cool Springs,”

an “urban lifestyle” in the sub-urbs, a live-work-play environ-ment with something going on day and night – all these were discussed at the January Young Professionals session on develop-ment in Williamson County, presented by BancorpSouth.

A diverse crowd of more than 100 gathered at the Franklin Theatre to hear a panel of people looking to make all that happen. Guest speakers were Glenn McGehee of SouthStar, Brian Reames of Highwoods Properties, Mark Traylor of Boyle Investment Company and Victoria Hirschberg, a project manager with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

SouthStar and Highwoods Properties are partnering on a nearly 150-acre development at the corner of McEwen Drive and

Carothers Parkway. The $700 million mixed-use development – called Ovation – is expected to include high-end apartments and condos, retail stores, offices, a full-service hotel and environ-mental amenities meant to appeal to the fast-paced Millennial generation. Ovation is branded as a “new epicenter for business, culture, entertainment and community.”

Boyle Investment Company is moving on two large projects on opposite sides of the county – CityPark in Brentwood and Berry Farms in Franklin.

CityPark is a revitalization of the former Synergy Business Park. It was named for a one-acre open green space planned for its center. Central to the Brentwood business and shop-ping district, CityPark will add restaurants, retail and a Hilton Garden Inn hotel to the current

office space. Farther south off Interstate 65

and Peytonsville Road at the Goose Creek Bypass interchange, Berry Farms has been planned as a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development of office, retail and residential spaces, including townhomes and single-family res-idences. The community of just more than 600 acres promotes its proximity to key locations north and south.

A more in-depth look at the future of economic development and growth in Williamson County will be offered at the Chamber’s Outlook Williamson signature event on Tuesday, March 25, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road. Register now at william-sonchamber.com for that special session and also for the next Young Professionals meeting on Wednesday, March 12.

events&meetings

internship; 26.3, teacher job shadowing; and 8.8, student work-based learning co-op.

The interest in participating as an individual varied slightly, with the speakers’ bureau still at the top at 75 percent. Other percent-ages for individual participation were: 51.9, student job shadow-ing; 46.2, career exploration day; 26, teacher job shadowing; 25, student internship; and 7.7, stu-dent work-based learning co-op.

Those who want to pursue one or more of these partnership opportunities will be invited to meet with school representatives by mid-March to get specifics about how the volunteer engage-

ment will work, explained Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Largen.

“We look forward to seeing how these connections make a difference in teaching and learn-ing, as well as how they help local businesses and profession-als gain insight into the different ways they can support education,” he said.

Before Looney’s meeting pre-sentation, Pyror Manning of Nissan updated attendees on another initiative aimed at educat-ing students about technology career opportunities – the Williamson County Schools Technology Advisory Board.

Through day camps, informational campaigns and other efforts the group is working to educate stu-dents about these “high-paying and secure jobs,” Manning said, calling programmers the “wizards of the future.” In 2013, the Nashville area was named by Forbes magazine as the fourth hottest place in the country for tech job creation, he explained.

The membership meeting, which was presented by Saint Thomas Health, opened with a $5,000 check presentation to WCS. BancorpSouth provided the funding to expand computer availability in the schools.

The Young Professionals January event focused on development and featured panelists, from left, Mark Traylor of Boyle Investment Co., Victoria Hirschberg of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Glenn McGehee of SouthStar and Brian Reames of Highwoods Properties.

Membership support assistant Liz Long, left, visits with Chamber member Brooke Sweeney.

Chamber supports education (continued fRoM Page 4)

staying ahead of growth is key to successIn The Point this month,

Tennessee Economic and Community Development Project Manager Victoria Hirschberg provides some background as we look toward the Outlook Williamson forum in March.

l How is the economic development landscape changing?

The economic development landscape certainly has changed in recent years, and it is incumbent upon eco-nomic developers and commu-nities to adjust and improve. We have all learned that we cannot afford to just react; we need to act faster, be agile and think critically and cre-atively about economic devel-opment and our communities.

The current landscape fea-tures companies and site con-sultants collecting information in short time frames and requiring hard data and facts. Data could include everything from how many students take advanced math classes to the specializations of local weld-ers. They want to know the available resources and incen-tives. More companies now will request information related to the fiscal strength of government entities. Tennessee stands apart, as it

has the lowest debt per cap-ita according to the Tax Foundation, and was ranked the third best-run state, as reported by Barron’s magazine.

Even economic develop-ment marketing has dramati-cally changed. Marketing used to mean a magazine advertise-ment. Now people consume information from multiple plat-forms on numerous devices. Technological changes have impacted all aspects of the economic development land-scape – think Google Earth and social networks. Economic developers must approach sit-uations with a more critical, data-driven method and must tell the entire story of the community.

l What are the key factors considered as companies decide where to locate and expand?

Every company looking to grow and expand will have different needs and require-ments. Tennessee has a diverse composition of com-panies, from large headquar-ters and manufacturers to distribution centers and small machine shops. Every com-pany will execute a different approach when seeking a location. Some companies

will base the search on loca-tional requirements: land or building, near the interstate, close to a major customer, rail access and air service. Other compa-nies prefer rural areas. Some companies first will focus on the tal-ent pipeline, as they may need to hire 100 engineers before the company opens for business. These com-panies might request a meeting with univer-sity leaders and develop community and corporate partnerships before searching for real estate.

Overall, when companies seek a new location, they want to mitigate risk. Management wants to feel confident in the investment, and the community must feel good as well. Several commu-nities have worked to mitigate the risk by certifying land for development. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development launched the Select Tennessee Certified Sites pro-gram with the goal of helping communities prepare avail-able sites for investment and expansion, partnering with

Austin Consulting and The Foote Consulting Group to vet and certify the sites.

Throughout Tennessee,

economic developers and community leaders have worked to mitigate risk through the construction of flexible spec buildings, the development of specific train-ing programs at local schools and investments in infrastruc-ture, as every location search is different.

l How does Williamson County fit these key factors? What might be strengthened?

Williamson County is attrac-tive for companies considering locations for headquarters, research and development offices, shared service centers and other back-office opera-tions. The quality of life, edu-cated workforce and the pres-

ence of very large private sec-tor employers make Williamson County appealing for other companies.

The growth through-out the county has been tremendous – just drive south from Nashville along Interstate 65. While communities through-out the United States are stagnant, it is refreshing to see new office space, retail and housing under con-struction. Williamson County’s leadership,

economic development agents and community stakeholders have been successful in estab-lishing an attractive commu-nity for outsiders and a com-fortable home for its residents.

The success is proven, but like any community, staying on top and ahead of that growth will be essential to sustaining for the future. Continuing to develop sites that complement Williamson County’s vision and character, making strides and implementing innovative edu-cational programs in the school district, and offering a great story and product to corporate partners and residents will only help foster continued economic gains for Williamson County.

THe POiNT l february 2014 Page 7

viCTOria HirsCHberG Project ManagerTennessee Economic and Community Development

Q a&

development. “We receive a request for information from the consultant, which asks for details around labor force, taxes, local businesses and other quality-of-life items. When the client remains anonymous, it’s more of a challenge to tailor our answers and sell the region for that particular indus-try. But if we know the sector – for example, insurance, health care or finance – we can target our pitch to show similar businesses that are thriv-ing here and promote the environmen-tal qualities that make that possible.”

Complementing the keynote speak-er’s look at what makes a business location hot spot will be viewpoints from those who facilitate economic development and those who see the projects through. Speaking on the

shape and extent of growth expected in Williamson County will be develop-ers Phil Fawcett of Boyle Investment Co., Pat Emery of Spectrum|Emery and Glenn McGehee of SouthStar. Providing insight into the process from the economic development side will be Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty.

With the take-away Trend Reports, the Chamber’s Economic Development staff wants to connect Chamber mem-bers, business leaders and other com-munity stakeholders to high-quality data that adds value to their decision-making processes.

“The Trends Report will inform business and community leaders about local and regional economic

indicators and trends,” explained Amanda Murray, vice president of economic development. “The report will look at several different measures of the Williamson County economy, such as demographics, housing data and education. It also will include pro-jections and analysis – for example, location quotients that can show which industries Williamson County may have an advantage in and which present opportunities for growth.”

Sponsorships for Outlook Williamson are now being firmed up. This signature Chamber event will have one presenting sponsor and 12 event sponsors, with Williamson Medical Center, Grand Avenue, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and FirstBank already on board at that level. For more infor-

mation about sponsorships, email abby@williamsonchamber.com or call 615-771-1912. Chief Operating Officer Cindi Parmenter also is happy to meet with prospective sponsors to discuss benefits and options, which are out-lined in the 2014 sponsorship booklet.

Registration for Outlook Williamson is open on the website. The cost for the half-day event is $50 for Chamber members, $75 for non-members who register as guests, and $35 for students with an ID.

Don’t miss out on this forward-looking event that will provide amaz-ing access to local thought leaders and be packed with information that will help Chamber and community members make better-informed busi-ness decisions in 2014 and beyond.

Outlook Williamson coming in March (continued fRoM Page 1)

Page 8 THe POiNT l february 2014

Company membership gives all employeesfull Chamber benefits

The Chamber has a lot to offer young professionals, women in business, professionals who depend on community contacts to do their jobs – and just about everyone else.

That’s why we want to make sure individuals know that if their employer is a Chamber member, they also are a member who can take advantage of everything the Chamber has to offer.

Because the Williamson Chamber was created in 2012 from the unification of three separate organiza-tions with varied member-ship guidelines, many mem-bers may not be aware of this valuable asset. From the Young Professionals Council targeted toward those 40-and-younger to monthly membership meet-ings that offer a superb introduction to the commu-nity at large, companies can use their Chamber member-ship to educate employees and expand their reach.

“The Williamson Chamber is all about leadership, edu-cation and community,” explained Chief Operating Officer Cindi Parmenter. “Committee participation, volunteering and other types of engagement provide great opportunities to hone leadership skills and make valuable connections.”

By fully utilizing their Chamber membership, com-panies and individuals can stay abreast of what’s new in business and learn new skills. Anyone can sign up to receive Chamber and Economic Development reminders and updates by clicking on “Subscribe to our newsletter” at the bottom of the page on the website.

“The speakers we feature at our events – from promi-

nent business leaders to local, state and national leaders – provide education and insights that are unavail-able in any other forum,” Parmenter explained. “A company might actually be able to put together an edu-cation package for their staff members by choosing an appropriate group of Chamber activities to have them attend.”

In addition, non-members are welcomed to attend most Chamber events by registering as a guest and paying a small additional fee. The goal of this open-door policy is to bring the Chamber mission to all com-munity members with the hope that they will find the experience valuable enough to join. An exception to this is the enormously popular Members Connect! Leads Exchange. Two of these lim-ited-attendance, high-partici-pation sessions are held each month, during which Chamber members promote their businesses and network with each other.

“Anyone can go to our new website and explore the many educational, networking and other opportunities the Chamber offers,” explained Abby Bass, director of meet-ings and events. “We host about 60 meetings and events annually, so there truly is something that will add value to the work of every business professional. We hope more people will take advantage of the wide variety of opportunities available to them through their compa-ny’s Chamber membership.”

To learn more, check out williamsonchamber.com or talk with a staff member at 615-771-1912. Registration for events and meetings is available online.

franks embraces pet nutrition nicheFrom her part-time posi-

tion as a product quality checker to her current post overseeing government and industry affairs, Jill Franks’ career has focused on our non-human loved ones.

The Mars Petcare US executive shared her experi-ences and the company’s story at the January Women in Business (WIB) meeting, attended by more than 140 Chamber members and guests.

Mars Petcare is only one of many brands operated by the family-owned Mars, Inc., which started in 1911 as a confectionary company. Today the Virginia-based business has sales of more

than $30 billion in six busi-ness segments and includes such iconic products as Dove chocolate, Doublemint gum, Uncle Ben’s rice and Altoids. Eleven are billion-dollar brands annually – “a very rare thing,” Franks explained.

About 600 employees of Mars Petcare and The Nutro Company are based in Cool Springs. But in April local

operations will expand to a 93-acre Global Innovation Center in Thompson’s Station, Franks said. It will be one of five – and the only U.S. location – that Mars operates throughout the world. A late fall grand opening is expected.

On the Thompson’s Station campus the Pet Feeding Center will be home to up to 300 dogs and cats that will provide feedback, even without words, on new company prototypes. The center will have about 150 employees, with many of those moving from a current facility in Kansas City, Franks said. For now, other company operations will remain at the Cool Springs location, she added.

Mars Petcare, maker of the popular Pedigree and Whiskas brands, is known for a company policy that invites employees to bring their dogs to work. After 28 years on the job, Franks said it’s been an honor to work for the family-owned business.

“It’s a company that val-ues each individual’s contri-

bution,” said Franks, a California native who relo-cated here six years ago. Mars was named one of the FORTUNE 100 best compa-nies to work for in 2014 from among hundreds of contenders.

The company backs up its commitment to pets and their owners through grants to pet shelters, pet adoption events, assistance during disasters and donations to food banks, Franks explained. WIB committee chair Linda Hirsch pointed out that Mars Petcare was a Founding Member of the unified Chamber at the top Chairman’s Circle level, add-ing that the day’s topic really couldn’t miss.

“Most people in this room either love a pet or chocolate,” she said.

The January Women in Business was presented by MedSolutions. Registration is available online for the Feb. 25 luncheon, which will fea-ture Pat Shea, president and chief executive officer of the YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee.

Women in Business participants visited with Mars PetCare’s Jill Franks, second from left, before the near-capacity meeting. Shown with Franks are, from left, Denise Cunningham, Paige Thompson and Linda Hirsch.

Dianne Conlee, left, and Julie Hash represented meeting presenting spon-sor MedSolutions.

A record crowd attended the Nolensville Area Business Council quar-terly meeting in January to hear a panel of successful local business leaders. Sharing their stories were Melissa Hall, Stephen Prince and Darlene Bobo. The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for April 17.

Among the 46 attendees at the Nolensville Town Hall meeting were, from left, Missy Michaels, Megan Climer and Debbie Martin.

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