DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Buck Dellinger

CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council

Clarksville’s Economic Development Council, established in 1996, recently welcomed David (Buck) Dellinger as its new chief executive officer. Dellinger’s responsibilities as President/CEO of the Economic Development Council include EDC coordination and management, oversight of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Board, and Aspire Foundation, a non profit 501(c)(3), and he’ll be Director of the Central Business Improvement District.

Colonel Dellinger, U.S. Army (Ret) is undaunted, saying, “I wear five different hats in this job, but there are a lot of people doing great work in all those areas. I’m just here to help coordinate all those activities.”

Dellinger is no stranger to Clarksville, or to multi-faceted leadership roles. He is a former Battalion Commander, a Garrison Commander for three years, and in his last job at Fort Campbell was Chief of Staff of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

“It’s great to be back in Clarksville-Montgomery County, it feels good,” Dellinger said. “I’m looking forward to making a measurable impact on this wonderful community. I’ve been committed to it for a long time through my positions at Fort Campbell. I’ve also been committed to all the veterans in this community. I’ve had a connection here for several years, and I’m excited to step into this role.”

Dellinger says that over the last twenty to thirty years, a lot of strategic ground work was done to make Clarksville-Montgomery County the first place in the Southeast looked at by opportunityseeking industries.

“The partnerships we have with TVA and TN Economic Development allow us to look at large industrial recruitment, as well as all the suppliers, and even the smaller industrial/ technological development companies,” Dellinger said. “Our workforce development with APSU and our local community colleges creates a pipeline that is so significant, it allows us to continually meet workforce demand for industries and businesses that want to come to this area.”

“We strive to create different and better career choices for the entire family. In today’s economy, the more people in the household you have working, the more opportunities you have for housing, and other quality-of-life advantages. So, we’re trying to create opportunities for everyone in the household.” “Clarksville-Montgomery County is an easy sell because of all the great work that has been done in the past to set us up for success, and because of all the great people here. It just feels good to be in Clarksville-Montgomery County. I know from being here a couple of times, whenever you come back it just feels right.”

“As far as what’s coming up, I’ll just say we’re always working many angles,” Dellinger said. “There are lots of folks interested in this area. We answer all their questions, and continue to put our best foot forward. I see a lot of potential for the business park near Tennova Medical Center. I’m pushing that issue, lots of interest there. I’m hoping that continues. The hotel industry is bouncing back now. Lots of interest in future projects, but with the high cost of construction it’s a little early for commitments. A lot of companies are still recovering from the last year, especially those in the hospitality industry.”

“I’m encouraged by all the interest there, and in the industrial park. I’m also excited about our downtown area. As we continue to grow, with more activities, industry and business, people are looking at the opportunities downtown has to offer. And, for ways to improve the quality of life, walkability and activities in that area.”

“It’s also important to talk about the different things that the Army is doing to expand and upgrade their capabilities. Things that could give us some reasons to do development on the border with Fort Campbell. These are all areas that we’re looking at, currently.”