A Four-Year, $1,500,000 Economic, Business and Workforce Development Plan for Cheatham County

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1 A Four-Year, $1,500,000 Economic, Business and Workforce Development Plan for Cheatham County

2 A Four-Year, $1,500,000 Economic, Business and Workforce Development Plan for Cheatham County What is Cheatham Vision? Cheatham Vision is an economic, business and workforce development initiative, funded and directed by the local business community, designed to improve Cheatham County s economy and overall quality of life. The Cheatham County Chamber of Commerce, working in partnership with local public sector leaders through Cheatham Connect, will spearhead this critical initiative. Our business leaders understand job creation, the Middle Tennessee marketplace, and the competitive advantages of our community. Through the Cheatham County Chamber and Cheatham Connect, these business leaders have constructed an action plan that, when implemented, will generate new jobs, increased consumer spending, higher tax revenues and other measurable economic impacts for our community. Vision is not enough. It must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs. Vaclav Havel President Czech Republic Vision isn t just seeing it s foreseeing better things to come, then making them happen. Anonymous One needs only look to Clarksville, Nashville, Jackson, and Murfreesboro, to see how successful corporate recruitment and expansion activities fuel retail and tourism revenues and create quality of life amenities (parks, trails). When Cheatham County residents and leaders ask, Why not here?, the answer is clear: we have lacked a comprehensive, private sector economic development strategy similar to plans implemented by those Tennessee communities. What about past plans? In a recent study involving 85 business and community leaders, several leaders mentioned past economic and business development plans designed to better our community. Those past attempts lacked a vetting process to ensure the plans (i) reflected the priorities of the business community, (ii) were funded by local businesses, and (iii) demanded accountability for measurable goals and objectives. Cheatham Vision was developed through a series of visioning sessions involving over 50 community and business leaders. In February 2011, the initial plan was presented to 85 business and community leaders, asking for their confidential input, specific suggestions and required changes. Through these confidential interviews, leaders prioritized and suggested appropriate funding levels for the five Cheatham Vision initiatives. Leaders also demanded that measurable goals be set for each initiative. Business leaders, understanding that Cheatham Vision takes a different approach, one proven successful throughout Tennessee, are now committing financial resources to implement the Cheatham Vision plan. 1

3 Economic Development Plans Drive Growth in Middle Tennessee Now is the time for Cheatham County to aggressively recruit corporate relocation prospects, Hemlock-related companies, suppliers and vendors to our existing industries, light manufacturing, corporate offices, and other businesses interested in a prime I-24, I-40 or Highway 12 location. Our local workforce is talented, but the vast majority leaves every day, commuting to higher wage positions outside Cheatham County. With Cheatham Vision, Cheatham County will now be open for business. Our location, workforce and quality of life can compete for outstanding business opportunities, and it s time to begin! Community Initiative Name Private-Public Funding Level Clarksville/Montgomery County Aspire Clarksville IV - A Vision for the Future $ 3,500,000 Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Destination Rutherford III $ 3,500,000 Jackson/Madison County, TN All Aboard Jackson II $ 3,500,000 Maury County, TN Economic Development Partnership $ 2,750,000 Sumner County, TN Forward Sumner $ 2,000,000 Cheatham Vision: Open for Business Corporate Recruitment Cheatham County needs more jobs and higher paying jobs for our citizens. In the recent planning study, 85% of community and business leaders rated corporate recruitment the community s highest priority. Community leaders envision the new Hemlock Semiconductor plant as a positive development for Cheatham County, with 92% supporting efforts of the Chamber and Cheatham Connect to actively recruit Hemlock-related companies to the area. Red River Preserve This joint Cheatham-Robertson corporate business park will be a game-changer in Middle Tennessee, offering busisnesses a unique, environmentally-friendly location on I-24 between Nashville and Clarksville. Corporate recruitment derives support from, and in turn bolsters, all parts of the Cheatham Vision plan, from Existing Business Support and Retail Development to Senior Living and Tourism Development. Business leaders understand that focusing resources and efforts on corporate recruitment will create a myriad of opportunities for our existing businesses in Cheatham County. Existing Business Support Cheatham County has a reputation for being unfriendly toward business. Under Cheatham Vision, that image will change, not through a slick public relations campaign, but through an ongoing commitment to listening to our existing businesses. Information gathered by the Chamber will be translated into action. When necessary, legislation will be proposed to city, county and state governmental bodies to ensure Cheatham County is open for business. Workforce Development Developing our local workforce and improving our local schools are critical to keeping our existing employers, attracting new companies, and improving the quality of life for all our citizens. According to a recent study, business leaders are excited to support Dr. Tim Webb s efforts to improve our local education system. Under Cheatham Vision, the business community will fund initiatives that complement and enhance the working relationship between our schools and our local businesses. Also, the Chamber will partner with existing businesses and education providers to coordinate post-secondary education and training offerings required by local companies and corporate recruitment projects. Senior Living Cheatham County s elderly have been leaving our community in search of independent and assisted living facilities. A Cheatham Vision priority is the attraction of independent and assisted living retirement options for our citizens. Attracting these facilities not only creates jobs, produces construction activities and retail sales, it provides our senior citizens the opportunity to stay here and remain an important part of our community. Tourism Our Wildlife Management Area, rivers, parks, lakes, trails, athletic facilities and newly-acquired 220-acre riverfront county property can, if developed, utilized and marketed properly, produce sales tax revenues, retail and restaurant business, and priceless amenities for our visitors and our citizens. Tourism development will also create jobs, and generate other economic opportunities and benefits for Cheatham County. 2

4 o p e n f o r b u s i n e s s A Four-Year, $1,500,000 Economic, Business and Workforce Development Plan for Cheatham County Corporate Recruitment $ 475,000 Existing Business Support & Workforce Development 325,000 Retail Development 300,000 Senior Living 200,000 Tourism Development 200,000 $ 1,500,000 Corporate Recruitment $ 475,000 Objective: Proactively target and aggressively recruit companies that will (i) complement our community, (ii) hire local employees, (iii) generate higher skill and wage opportunities, and (iv) diversify the corporate base of Cheatham County. Market Cheatham County to Business Relocation and Expansion Prospects Establish the Red River Preserve business park and aggressively market this community asset to companies interested in its prime location and companies with a culture of environmental stewardship Work with Cheatham County on a plan to fund infrastructure improvements necessary to fully develop the Red River Preserve business park Work with state and regional economic development partners to aggressively market our community to companies and site selection consultants with clients interested in opportunities along the I-24, Highway 12, and I-40 corridors Work closely with Cheatham County and local municipalities to address code and regulatory obstacles that make our community less competitive to new businesses Assemble a Cheatham County Corporate Relocation Packet for recruitment prospects highlighting key demographic, cultural and economic data, along with information on Cheatham Vision investors Establish a Business Incubator to encourage and assist entrepreneurs in developing their ideas into profitable, job-creating local businesses Cheatham Vision Investors Ask Cheatham Vision investors to participate in the Cheatham Vision CEO Forum, a group of Cheatham County CEO s, business owners, plant managers and other decision-makers involved in the development of corporate recruitment strategies Work with the CEO Forum to develop a comprehensive list of companies, suppliers, vendors, and other potential recruitment prospects to target for recruitment Invite Cheatham Vision investors to participate in on-site recruitment visits Qualify at least 100 corporate recruitment prospects Recruit or significantly grow at least 2 new sizeable employment opportunities over the next four years Create 200 new jobs over the next four years 3

5 REGIONALISM Middle Tennessee has become a model for regional efforts throughout the country. Initiatives such as Aspire Clarksville, Partnership 2010, Destination Rutherford, Forward Sumner and Partnership 2020 have built a high level of cooperation between cities, counties, businesses, and civic organizations. Thanks to these initiatives our region has experienced unprecedented growth and enjoyed an exceptional quality of life. In a recent study of Cheatham County leaders, a significant majority wants our Chamber, working hand-in-hand with Cheatham Connect, to work cooperatively with Clarksville, Nashville, state, TVA and other area leaders to actively recruit new companies to the area. A regional approach to economic development is vital to our success. Existing Business Support & Workforce Development $ 325,000 Objective: Coordinate community-wide implementation of short and long-term initiatives that will (i) assist existing businesses, (ii) support and improve Cheatham County schools, and (iii) address current and future workforce issues. Improve Cheatham County Workforce Conduct a Labor Market Analysis to identify (i) critical entry-level skills and training needs for the existing and potential workforce, and (ii) ways of expanding the labor supply for area businesses Establish regional educational partnerships with area economic development organizations to broaden marketability of the region to new industries Develop innovative programs to expand our workforce (retirees, college students, spouses ) Partner with the Cheatham County schools to increase the number of employable high school and post-secondary graduates, and encourage student achievement through: Renaissance Club Teacher Mini-Grants Academic Excellence Awards Dinner Strengthen the partnership between business and Cheatham County schools by identifying and incorporating necessary skill training and business/workforce realities into school curriculums, through: Teacher Shadowing Program Business & Industry in the Classroom Career Academy Career Fair Junior Chamber Streamline the supply of qualified employees for local employers through: Job Apprenticeship and Internship Programs Career Readiness Certificate Program Support Existing Cheatham County Businesses Provide Expansion & Incentive Assistance to local businesses interested in expansion or relocation opportunities in Cheatham County Conduct Existing Industry Interviews with owners, CEO s and plant managers in order to identify and address issues that threaten the economic competitiveness of local plants and companies Work closely with Cheatham County and local municipalities to address code and regulatory obstacles that hamper the development and expansion of existing businesses Conduct semi-annual, informational CEO Forum sessions to help local companies increase efficiencies and productivity, as well as to promote cooperation and foster business-to-business relationships Conduct monthly networking events and educational workshops to help local business owners work more efficiently and increase referrals Work with local corporate human resource professionals to create Relocation Packets to help recruit highly skilled employees and management candidates Conduct 25 annual one-on-one Existing Industry Interviews with CEO s, business owners and plant managers Recruit or significantly grow at least 2 new sizeable employment opportunities over the next four years 4

6 Retail Development $ 300,000 Objective: Aggressively (i) communicate the economic and community development benefits of increasing retail sales in Cheatham County, (ii) measure and attract consumer and business-to-business retail demand, and (iii) recruit retail businesses that cater to the demographics of Cheatham County and its visitors. Maintain a comprehensive inventory of available retail properties Work closely with local legislative bodies to ensure that zoning and other regulations encourage retail development Attract unique retail establishments that cater to Cheatham County residents and tourism demographics Conduct an in-depth retail market study in each of the geographic regions of the county Attend local and regional International Council of Shopping Centers conferences to market our community and our available properties Implement the 3/50 Program to encourage Cheatham County residents to shop local and reduce the retail leakage rate (percentage of Cheatham County residents retail spending occurring outside Cheatham County) Provide Cheatham Vision investors access to a demographic program allowing businesses to more effectively target demand for products and services Maintain regular contact with regional developers to be considered for new retail developments moving to Middle Tennessee Coordinate regional marketing efforts for new retail outlets with area chambers and ECD offices Senior Living $ 200,000 Objective: Actively recruit independent and assisted living facilities to Cheatham County for its citizens, while encouraging investment in community amenities (retail, medical, tourism) that foster and encourage regional retirees to consider Cheatham County as a retirement option. Locate and market properties suitable for active and assisted-living facilities Actively recruit projects that will develop a range of retirement residential options Market Cheatham County to developers of 55+ retirement communities Market Cheatham County to military retirees currently participating in recreational opportunities present in our community, linking the marketing efforts to our central location between the PX in Clarksville and the VA in Nashville Join the Retire Tennessee Program, a state-sponsored program promoting Tennessee as a great place to retire Actively recruit at least one assisted living development to Cheatham County over the next four years Actively recruit at least one 55+ retirement community to Cheatham County over the next four years Identify and contact at least 25 retail rental prospects capable of occupying current vacant storefronts in Cheatham County over the next four years Reduce Cheatham County s retail leakage rate of 70% to 60% over the next four years Successfully recruit 5 retail outlets that complement Cheatham County s developing tourism infrastructure 5

7 Tourism Development $ 200,000 Objective: Identify, develop and market our cultural and recreational assets to a local, regional and national audience in order to generate jobs, positive economic activity, and increased sales tax revenues. The Chamber, working in concert with the Visitors and Recreation Bureau, will: Activate the recently-created Visitors and Recreation Bureau (VRB ) to package and market our many cultural and recreational assets, leveraging private sector Cheatham Vision funding with current public sector funding of $10,000 Create strategic alliances with public sector agencies (Wildlife Management Area, Harpeth River State Park ) and regional convention and visitors bureaus (e.g., Nashville CVB ) in order to expand our marketing reach Lead the development of a comprehensive plan to maximize the use and economic impact of the recently-acquired 220 riverfront acres in Ashland City Solicit and coordinate multi-day sports and other tournaments, church group meetings, canoe tours, hunting, fishing, bird-watching, and other organized gatherings, bringing thousands of visitors to Cheatham County Actively market Cheatham County directly to the more than 200,000 annual visitors to the Harpeth River State Park Work closely with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development on tourism initiatives such as the Discover TN Trails and Byways and Civil War Trail Aggressively market Cheatham County through Now Playing Nashville to regional hotel concierge services Create a new tourism calendar of events website Now Playing Cheatham - through the Middle Tennessee Community Foundation Create sustainable music and arts festivals in partnership with the Arts Council Market our recreational activities through an aggressive advertising campaign utilizing outdoor magazines, websites, billboards, and other media Produce and distribute updated tourism marketing materials through a network of strategic partners designed to target Cheatham County s visitor groups Link the VRB with local retail and other businesses in order to market tourist attractions so as to maximize consumer exposure Attract at least one marathon / triathlon event to Cheatham County (Fall 2011) Generate a comprehensive plan for use of the 220 riverfront acres in Ashland City by 2012 Increase current tourism-related spending in Cheatham County from $595,000 to $750,000 per year by 2014 Each year, process and distribute 25,000 Cheatham County tourism information packets Generate an Annual Tourism Report containing an comprehensive schedule of planned events, festivals, and a tally of annual visitors, for use in calculating economic impacts and attracting additional retail outlets to our community Develop a plan to establish Visitors Centers on I-24 and I-40 6