Companies of All Sizes Thrive in Middle Tennessee

The Williamson County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 22nd at the Marriot Cool Springs. This month’s meeting was packed as always and the topic for presentation is one on everyone’s mind, Economic Development. The county is flourishing beyond the national average according to Matt Largen, Director of the Office of Economic Development for Williamson County.

According to figures presented the area is still managing to draw new and recurring business growth to the mid-state. The county experienced a 10.1 percent growth rate. There are currently 36 projects on the radar and 18 of those are in active discussions. Mars Petcare broke ground on their new facility that very morning.

Largen explained that much of the business growth is coming from businesses that already have a presence in Tennessee, around 71 percent in fact. Williamson County accounts for only 10 percent of the population of Tennessee, but is responsible for 25 percent of the new jobs coming to the state.

“The key,” says Largen,” is to get people to the area and let them experience all Williamson County and Middle Tennessee has to offer. Seeing is believing.” There are challenges to growth for the county, but all are manageable.” Currently commercial property yet to be developed amounts to 6 million square feet of space. If developed appropriately there will be room for the active projects in the pipeline,” said Largen.

A lack of “depth and talent” in areas of IT is another factor hurting the region. Columbia State is actively addressing that concern with its curriculum. Cost of housing is causing sticker shock for companies moving into the area but it has yet to thwart any moves. Finally the perception of the South is a factor, leading back to the necessity to get companies to visit the area.

“Companies of all sizes thrive in middle Tennessee,” said Largen. Recent examples include Saddle Creek Design, Nissan and Dalmatian Press. Sustainability and transportation are also potential problems on the radar for growing the mid-state, but through proper planning Largen feels they are obstacles that we can overcome.

Find out more about the economic development of your county since 2002 here.