Boyd Speaks at EDA Dinner
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County Economic Development Alliance hosted investors, potential investors and interested parties Thursday evening, April 20, 2017 at the First Annual Economic Development Alliance Investor’s Dinner at the Carriage House in Dandridge. Current Chairman of the EDA, Langdon Potts, offered the welcome address and recognized Board Members and distinguished guests. Potts also introduced the Key Note speaker for the evening, gubernatorial hopeful Randy Boyd. A native on Knoxville, Boyd spent several years at the helm of economic development for the State of Tennessee under current Governor Haslam. A businessman in his own right, Boyd has recently announced his candidacy for the office of Governor of Tennessee.
In his address Thursday evening, Boyd outlined avenues and ideas that are central to economic development both on a local and state level. He emphasized the need for space for economic development, noting that the State of Tennessee and other economic partners cannot help a community fill space that is not available and that space availability is a key component for economic growth. Boyd also put emphasis on the expansion of existing businesses, stating that the majority of job growth in a healthy Tennessee market is from existing business expansion. According to Boyd, entrepreneurship is necessary for a healthy economic heartbeat and should be a part of the local thrust, as well as tourism, which Boyd noted is particularly viable for Jefferson County. In noting the many faces of economic growth, Boyd named education as the vehicle for economic growth. In his time with the State of Tennessee, the gubernatorial hopeful was a force behind the Drive 55 thrust to promote education in the state. In his speech Thursday, he contended that an educated work force is necessary for success on both the state and local levels and investing in education is the path to stability and livability across the state. Locally, time spent mentoring and encouraging an educated work force will attract businesses that pay good wages and are an asset to the community. Boyd said that he had the pleasure of meeting Shimon Peres on a trip to Israel with Governor Haslam. He said that Peres’ contention that service continues as long as the actions of the past do not exceed the dreams and hopes of the future struck a chord with Boyd. He concluded by challenging the group to hope and dream big.
Greg Williams, EDA Board Member and Appalachian Electric Representative, gave an overview of the goals and activities of EDA. Williams also spoke of the decision to re-brand EDA from the previous Economic Development Oversight Committee. He noted that there has been activity on the part of EDA in regard to interested businesses and that the organization is in the hunt for economic growth potential for Jefferson County. Scott Faulkenberry, Director of EDA, introduced his staff and thanked those in attendance for their commitment to economic growth in Jefferson County. Videos of addresses may be viewed here.
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
