by Kirsten Grenier
More than 100 community and business leaders came together Tuesday, April 22 to celebrate the public launch of Williamson, Inc.’s inaugural Economic Partnership.
Co-chairmen Williamson County Mayor, Rogers Anderson and Tractor Supply Company CEO, Greg Sandfort hosted the event along with Williamson, Inc. CEO, Matt Largen and Jackson National Life Insurance Company CEO, Mike Wells.
Hosts gave an overview of the five-year, $2.9 million plan, which has been developed through working with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, a capital campaign management firm, since July of 2013.
According to Williamson Inc.’s Economic Partnership brochure, “Historically, economic development in Williamson County has been funded by Williamson County government and the City of Franklin. Although we anticipate that funding to continue, we still need an additional $2.9 million over the next five years to fully implement the work plan…To do this, Williamson County Economic Development is turning to the private sector.”
The plan focuses on the following key initiatives: higher education and workforce development, business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, new business recruitment, regional cooperation and investor relations.
Investors have committed $1.965 million in support so far, which is 68 percent of the goal. Campaign Director Elizabeth West said she anticipates the full $2.9 million goal will be funded by mid-summer as Convergent National Solutions presents investment opportunities to an additional 60 regional business during the next two months.
“A partnership between the public and private sector is essential to growing Williamson County’s economy in a strategic way. The public sector has a vested interested in smart, sustainable growth and the private sector sees the economy from an entirely different perspective,” Williamson Inc. CEO Matt Largen said. “I am grateful and thankful we have private sector leadership who understand, recognize and support this initiative that will provide resources necessary to maintain our existing industry base, recruit new business and foster a culture that welcomes business investment.”
So far, platinum investors include: Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Tractor Supply Company, Grand Avenue, Mars Petcare, Saint Thomas Health, Video Gaming Technologies and Williamson Medical Center. Each have committed $100,000 or more toward the Economic Development Partnership. Nineteen non-platinum investors have also made financial commitments.
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