LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN I am honored to be serving as chairman of the Knoxville Chamber Board of Directors this year. I feel fortunate to be working with the talented and knowledgeable business professionals on the Board and the skilled Chamber staff as we fulfill the Chamber’s mission of driving regional economic prosperity. The Chamber has been at the heart of local business efforts for 143 years, and it is more important to our region’s success now than ever before. Current initiatives such as workforce development, attracting new businesses, job creation, and advocating for pro-business policies are vital to moving our community forward. Workforce development is our priority, first and foremost. Providing an educated workforce is critical to the achievement of our economic development goals. A workforce skilled in STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – is important now and will become increasingly essential as more companies seek knowledgeable and technologically savvy workers. We live in a beautiful area with an affordable cost of living, excellent quality of life and many cultural opportunities. The Smoky Mountains are nearby and Knoxville is gaining recognition for its system of connected parks, greenways and trails known as the Urban Wilderness. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a tremendous asset to the Innovation Valley as it generates scientific breakthroughs and facilitates industry’s adoption of new materials, designs and manufacturing methods. And our central location and proximity to major highways, rivers, and McGhee Tyson Airport make us a convenient transportation hub for new businesses. These strengths make Knoxville attractive to new companies, but we must be able to provide the sophisticated workforce new businesses require. Public education reform has become a focal point for the Chamber because today’s students are tomorrow’s workers. We need to ensure our workforce pipeline meets current and future employer needs by collaborating with K-12 and higher education institutions to improve student
outcomes. Advocating for Common Core State Standards and supporting the University of Tennessee’s efforts to become a top 25 public research university are two priorities for workforce development. Advocacy is an integral tool for workforce development and other major projects at the Chamber. One of the Chamber’s key roles is representing the business community’s interests at the state capitol and with local leaders. The Chamber serves as a go-to resource for well-considered public policy and advocates for regulations that are in the best interest of the broader business community. The health and growth of our business community affects everyone. Businesses drive the local economy. Businesses employ people and exchange goods and services. They support community causes and cultural organizations, which enhance the quality of life in our region. We are fortunate to have many national and international companies headquartered here. These companies and their executives give back professionally and personally. Much good is accomplished through corporate donations and executives who volunteer their time to community causes. It is in everyone’s best interests for local businesses to flourish. A vital local economy is critical to me in my roles as chairman of the Chamber and publisher of the News Sentinel. Some have asked me about juggling these roles, but they are more similar than different. The ultimate concerns and goals of the two roles are aligned. For both, the importance of a strong local economy is paramount. Both organizations support the well-being and growth of the community and act as driving forces for change. I look forward to working with you in my role as chairman of the Chamber this year. I will be pushing for quantifiable results – new jobs, new companies, and better educational outcomes. I encourage your active participation as we lead the regional business community forward.
Patrick Birmingham Publisher, Knoxville News Sentinel
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