“The Tri-Cities will always be strong because of the people who live and work here. They are smart, innovative, and determined. The work ethic of the people in this area is amazing and everyone is quick to welcome outsiders, like me, to the team.” She is impressed too by the sense of optimism and desire that those who live in this region have when it comes to really making things happen. “You can always tell a lot about the community when you are out and about. People here relish being with their families and it reminds me a lot of growing up in North Dakota.” Madison is impressed by the fact that family and friends are such a priority and feels that, for sure, this is one trait that makes the Tri-Cities such an attractive place to live. Family is important to her in her own life and it is something that has been a consistent benefit in her daily life. “I come from a family that has always worked hard. My parents and grandparents served as excellent role models and each of them instilled the belief in me that not everyone is as blessed as I have been. They always told me that if I could help, then I needed to give back to the people and planet that have nourished and sustained me.” Madison admits, though, that is actually feels good for her to be able to give. “I think working through breast cancer has given me a sense of urgency to do more. I have a keener sense of my mortality and a selfish need to make whatever time I have left, whether it’s years or decades, really positively impact wherever I can.” She feels that she is both blessed and cursed by determination and the need to be the best at whatever she does. She consistently strives to be an asset and partner to the business community, because she wants to see that sector grow, prosper, and maximize their potential. Because the Chamber was able to work behind the scenes and help, many businesses have been successful when they otherwise might have failed and this is an accomplishment that Joy Madison attributes to collaboration and cooperation. “The chamber is driven to promote a strong economy, encourage community development, represent the interest of business before government, engage in political action regarding those business issues, and improve business relationships.” She admits, however, that it is not one person nor just one Chamber that is able to accomplish these goals. Businesses, individuals, organizations, and city governments must all work together in order to reach the goals set forth to help the people of the Tri-Cities Region. Before Joy Madison took the position at the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, those who were hiring her looked long and hard for the right candidate. She stood out among many because of her dedication to helping other communities be successful. While serving in an executive role at the chamber of commerce in Ottuma Iowa, she helped raise $11.5 million for an events center using private and public funding. She has served as Corporate Counsel for a family owned company in North Dakota and was a lobbyist for the economic development association of North Dakota. In 2009, she was named the Woman of the Year from the 25th Assembly District in the State of California. Don’t name off the accomplishments of Madison’s life though because she feels that she has not nearly done enough to help the regions that she has lived in. “At the end of the day when I kick off my high heels, I want to know that I, as part of the Chamber Team, made a difference.”
SHE ROCKS
she jumped at the opportunity. She parlayed that positions into one that soon had her lobbying for the Economic Development Association of North Dakota. When she was ready for a CEO position, she moved to Iowa, then to California, and now here to Bristol. “I am excited about the diversification in the economy and I would like to see more growth in the manufacturing sector.” With the burgeoning tourism and destination retail, commitment to education, housing, and healthcare, though, Joy sees the Tri-Cities as a place positioning itself for smart growth. “We are planning for the future,” she tells me, “not reacting to the past and that is a great reason why we are in the top ten best places to live in work.” It is clear that, despite the fact that she has lived and worked in other places, Joy Madison has established a quick fondness for the East Tennessee Region.