PUTNAM COUNTY – The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce’s existing industry committee – in conjunction with the Highlands Economic Partnership, formerly the Highlands Initiative – is hosting the inaugural Highlands Industrial Trade Show from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at the Hyder-Burks Agriculture Pavilion. The expo will showcase industrial businesses in the four-county region of the Highlands, which includes Jackson, Overton, Putnam and White.
The goal of the trade show is to showcase industry of all sizes and to facilitate awareness and relationship building between companies to benefit the economic future of the Highlands. The first-time event is already the largest-scale industrial trade show in the region.
“Business is all about relationships. If a small or medium sized company can learn about a goods or services provider in the area and use them, it helps build those relationships and supports our business community,” said Jody Sliger, interim president of the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to networking opportunities, the trade show will also have three breakout seminars and a guest luncheon speaker, Kenneth Adams IV, grandson of late Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams.
“The goal is to demonstrate that our region is serious about business and more specifically industrial business,” said Randy Adams, chairman of the existing industry committee. “With 120 industries listed in Putnam County alone, the need for a trade show is twofold; first allowing an opportunity to coordinate networking opportunities and dialogue between Highlands industries, and secondly allowing outside industry prospects to see what goods and services the Highlands has to offer.”
“I hope to see this as a kick start to an annual event that can grow and encompass a much larger sector of the state to help draw more business to the area and help the Highlands be recognized as a significant contributor to the State’s manufacturing base,” added existing industry committee member David Prowse.
The chamber’s existing industry committee works to provide benefits and assistance to local industries. Whether through existing industry visits, various seminars or in serving as a facilitator connecting industries with state and federal contacts, the committee makes an effort to provide assistance with operations.
The Highlands Economic Partnership, launched in 2006 as the Highlands Initiative by the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, is a collaborative, public/private sector program designed to boost economic and community development in Jackson, Overton, Putnam and White counties. Supported by more than 90 investor companies and government organizations, the Highlands Economic Partnership is dedicated to the long-term vision for the region’s economic prosperity.
For more information or to register, call (931) 526-2211 or email Stephen Crook at SCrook@highlandsoftn.com.
