Chamber's annual meeting highlights wins in a tough economy

Mayor argues again for new convention center as economic driver

Email | Print By Erin Lawley

It's the "Chamber of the Universe." At least, that was the joke at today's annual meeting of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and its Partnership 2010 economic development initiative, where the organization's leaders and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean applauded the Chamber for its accomplishments in this economically challenging year, including its selection in July as Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

The hour-long event at the Country Music Hall of Fame was led by Chamber Board Chairman Ron Samuels and gave an overview of the Chamber's activities and P2010's economic development progress for its 2008-2009 fiscal year.

Samuels discussed the former, highlighting the Chamber's "A Leading Edge" program to help members survive in a difficult economy as well as the Chamber's participation in the Nashville for All of Us coalition to defeat the English Only charter amendment.

Dean, who was a vocal opponent of English Only, also applauded the Chamber's work this year, noting its economic development wins – 102 business expansions and relocations that added nearly 7,400 jobs and had a $1.9 billion impact on the local economy.

However, Dean also used the platform to renew his call for the proposed Music City Center project, saying it is necessary to bolster Davidson County's tourism industry and the region's economic development.

"This city is on the rise. It's a city with a fantastic future, and we just need to embrace it," Dean said.

The facts and figures of Middle Tennessee's "rise" were detailed by Janet Miller, Chamber chief economic development and marketing officer, discussing P2010's progress report. Here are some of statistics for 2008-2009:

• Middle Tennessee saw 33 business relocations, beating its goal of 30. Over the past three years, 127 businesses have relocated to the region, beating P2010's goal of 90.

• 69 businesses expanded during the year for a three-year total of 153, beating goals of 30 and 90, respectively.

• The region lost 14,733 jobs, falling well short of P2010's goal to add 11,500. Over the past three years, nearly 10,000 net jobs have been added. The goal was 34,500.

• The region's population grew by 30,485 compared to a goal of 33,410. Total population is up 111,145 over the past three years, compared to a goal of about 98,000.

The complete annual report will be available soon on the Chamber's Web site.