Please Scroll Down To Read Our 2023 Annual Report

Nashville Area
Chamber of
Commerce

Our Purpose

To Create Economic Prosperity by Facilitating Community Leadership

2022 - 2023

Annual Report

Letter & Introduction

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Middle Tennessee business community have had a productive year. As the second year of our five-year Partnership 2030 regional economic development plan concludes, we celebrate our Partnership Investors for their unwavering commitment to the Partnership plan, and the region’s continued success. With more than 250 businesses and organizations invested, the Partnership is focused on implementing community strategies that accelerate job creation, workforce development, and livability. Your input and direction have been instrumental in shaping this strategy, continuously highlighting regional collaboration, and fostering a deliberate approach to create longstanding prosperity and economic inclusion.

To increase opportunity for all Middle Tennesseans, we are focused on supporting education and talent development initiatives that ensure our local population has the necessary skills to access and attain high-wage, high-demand jobs. Through active collaboration with our community partners, we continued to expand opportunities for students through work-based learning, dual enrollment, high quality career pathways, and seamless transitions into postsecondary education and careers.

Nationally recognized as a talent magnet, Middle Tennessee has seen a strong number of in-migrations to the region. The Nashville MSA added over 35,624 people in 2022, ranking in the top ten among major US cities with a population of at least 1 million. With a cost-of living-index ranked below the national average and 10.3% job growth since February 2020, it’s no surprise that this past year we announced 26 business relocations and expansions. This growth added 5,456 new jobs and $4.7 billion in capital investment. As the Chamber works to grow and diversify the region’s economy, collaboration between businesses, the public sector, and community leaders will continue to push Middle Tennessee toward long term economic prosperity. 

Over the past year, we added 316 new members and 19 new Partnership 2030 investors. Through programming such as our Small and Diverse Business Forum, Nashpreneurs Conference, and Business Studios, we help connect these businesses to resources that allow them to collaborate with the community and prosper. 

As we move into the next year, we want to take a moment to thank each of our members and investors – leaders who have embodied the Chamber’s purpose of creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. You are at the heart of our region’s prosperity. With your partnership and support, together we will build a prosperous future for generations to come.

Robert Higgins
Chamber Board Chair, 2022 – Present
President & CEO, Barge Design Solutions, Inc.
Lee Blank
Partnership 2030 Chair, 2022 – Present
Middle Tennessee Market Executive, Regions Bank
Ralph Schulz
President & CEO,
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

Thank You to Our Sponsors

2022 - 2023

Pivotal Partners

Friends of the Chamber

Presenting Sponsors

Altria | Baker Donelson | Belmont University | First Horizon | Forvis | Frost Brown Todd | Lipscomb University | Piedmont Natural Gas | PNC Bank

Supporting Sponsors

Ajax Turner | Ascend Federal Credit Union | Austin Peay State University College of Business | Bank of Tennessee | Barge Design Solutions, Inc. | BNA – Nashville International Airport | Gallagher | Google Fiber | Gary Ashton Real Estate | Greater Nashville Realtors | KraftCPAs PLLC | Made in TN | Mitsui & CO. (U.S.A.), Inc. | MP&F Strategic Communications | Music City Center | Pinnacle Financial Partners | RaganSmith | Southwest Airlines | Sunrise Promotions | United Healthcare | Vanderbilt University Executive Education | Urban League of Middle Tennessee | Wilson Bank and Trust | Womble Bond Dickinson

Intro Nashville Corporate Sponsors

BNA – Nashville International Airport | Fifth Third Bank | The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage | Polsinelli, PC | Wilson Bank and Trust

Media Partners

Cromwell Media | FW Publishing | Lightning 100 | Tennessean – LocaliQ

Technology Partner

Atiba

Spirit of the Region Award

Since 2008, the Nashville Area Chamber’s annual Spirit of the Region Award has honored individuals and businesses that have contributed greatly to our organization’s purpose: creating economic prosperity through community leadership. Honorees are chosen based on business excellence and advancing prosperity on behalf of Middle Tennessee. 

This year’s recipient, BNA Nashville International Airport, is recognized for its contributions as an economic driver to the region and the community. Over the 2023 fiscal year, BNA served a total of 21.9 million passengers—a 18.7% increase from its record-breaking 2022 year. More than a transit point, BNA is a catalyst for business, a driver for tourism, and a beacon of innovation. Its recent expansion projects have created over 2,000 jobs, injected hundreds of millions into the local economy, and set the stage for Nashville to become a pivotal connection point between the east and west coasts. 

From fostering international trade relationships to elevating our profile as a destination for business and leisure alike, BNA’s impact is multidimensional. Its commitment to sustainability, community outreach, and technological innovation positions BNA as an integral ingredient to the regions long-term economic success.

Economic
Development

Economic Development is a core focus of the Chamber, given our mission to make the Nashville region the best place to call home. With over 2 million people and 60,000 businesses, Middle Tennessee is known for its diverse economy, low cost of living and doing business, collaborative culture, and well-educated population.

This past year, Nashville was named a “Top Market to Watch” (PwC) and landed in the “Top 3 Best States to Do Business” (Chief Executive), while our top-ranked economic development team was hard at work, assisting with 10 relocations and 16 expansions, adding 5,456 new jobs and over $4.7 billion in capital investment to our economy. Company announcement highlights include Kroger, LG Chem, In-N-Out Burger, Kewpie, Ultium Cells, New Balance, and McNeilus.

In addition to supporting 26 announcements, the team prioritized outbound visits with site selection consultants and companies. To promote the Nashville region as a top business destination, the team traveled to more than 20 cities and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco. The work of our dedicated Economic Development team is not only improving the Nashville region but also providing more opportunities for Middle Tennesseans to succeed.

Economic Development Highlights

"Top Market to Watch"

PwC
Kroger Fulfillment Network, LLC, announced that Kroger Co., America’s largest grocery retailer, will locate a “spoke” facility in Nashville, Tennessee. The project will create more than 180 jobs in Davidson County, supporting and facilitating Kroger’s direct-to-customer product delivery.

"3rd Best State to Do Business"

The Chief Executive
LG Chem announced plans to establish a cathode manufacturing facility in Clarksville, Tennessee. LG Chem’s anticipated investment of $3.2 billion represents the single largest announced foreign direct investment in Tennessee’s history and is expected to create 860 jobs in Montgomery County.

Tennessee Ranks 5th Best
Economy for Residents

CNBC
In-N-Out Burger announced a plan to invest $125.5 million to establish an eastern territory office in Franklin, Tennessee, which represents In-N-Out’s first expansion east of Texas. The project will create 277 new jobs by late 2024 in Williamson County.

Job Investment Scorecard

0
Announcements

16 Expansions | 10 Relocations

0
Jobs

3,338 from Expansions | 2,118 from Relocations

0
Square Feet

6,388,120 Sq Ft from Expansions | 512,000 Sq Ft from Relocations

$ 0
Capital Investment

$1,070,430,648 from Expansions | $3,713,243,611 from Relocations

International
Business

With increasing foreign direct investment and exports, the Middle Tennessee region is on the leading edge of international business. Music City appeals to international businesses of all sectors, including health care, advanced manufacturing, technology, supply chain, music, and entertainment, due to its pro-business policies, cost advantages, and location. This year, the Chamber traveled to several countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.

This year, six international companies relocated or expanded into the region, bringing with them added jobs and economic investment. Companies like Kewpie Corporation and Hankook Tire & Technology Co. joined the over 340 foreign-owned companies already in the region. These businesses represent 26 countries and employ more than 56,000 middle Tennesseans.

International Business Highlights

The Team visited Alberta, Canada, at the invitation of the Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta. The Consulates in Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami partnered with the Alberta government to invite key partners to learn more about the energy relationship between Canada and the U.S. The Chamber also visited Sister City connections in Edmonton during the trip.

The Chamber traveled to London, Leeds, and Liverpool to strengthen relationships between the Nashville region and areas of opportunity in the United Kingdom. Chamber representatives attended London Tech Week, the BritishAmerican Business Annual Networking Conference, and met with key partners such as the UK Department of Business and Trade, site selection consultants, and more.

The International Business Council, in partnership with Baker Donelson and the US Commercial Service, hosted IBC members for an update on recent international trade actions and legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act, and Buy America Act, and how they will impact businesses in the EV and manufacturing sectors.
The Chamber hosted the Ambassador of Ireland and Consuls Generals representing Canada, Japan, Ireland, Israel, and the UK.

Partnership 2030

The Nashville Area Chamber’s Partnership 2030 is a public-private initiative dedicated to Middle Tennessee’s long-term economic prosperity. The Partnership was formed in 1990 to maintain and grow the Nashville region’s economy by creating jobs through relocating and expanding businesses, building a talented and creative workforce, and promoting quality of place and livability. Since the start of Partnership in 1990, the population has grown by more than 88% to over 2 million people, over 3,300 companies have expanded or relocated to the Nashville region, resulting in the creation of more than 569,000 new jobs. There are over 250 businesses and organizations investing in the regional economic development initiative.

Partnership 2030 investors are invited to exclusive investor-only events throughout the year to receive information about the region and network with other investors. The Partnership Economic Development Council met quarterly to hear economic and regional updates on topics including the growing private equity and venture capital scenes to the introduction of the Transportation Modernization Act of 2023. The Lead Investor Council also met throughout the year to discuss the progress of the P2030 plan and hear from some of our region’s leaders, including TNECD Commissioner McWhorter, and Metro Planning Director Lucy Kempf. Other opportunities for investors included an event around the state of housing, tour of the BNA expansion, and a luncheon with regional partners.

Partnership 2030 Highlights

0
Jobs Added

17 Partnership 2030 events held

0
New Investors

32,000 people moved to the Middle Tennessee region

$ 0 billion
in GDP Growth

P2030 Progress Report

Year 1 & 2 Performance

5 Year Goal

Employment Growth (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
75% of 5 year goal

+ 112,200 Jobs

+ 150,000 Jobs

Growth in GDP (Bureau of Economic Analysis, BEA)
49% of 5 year goal

+ $14.6 Billion

+ $30 Billion

Population Growth (U.S. Census Population Estimates)
31% of 5 year goal

+ 61,905 People

+ 200,000 People

Educational Attainment

Educational Attainment is the percentage of population 25 years and older with an associate’s degree or higher

(Lumina Foundation)

Cost of Living

Our goal is to be less than 100.0, the national average for cost of living

(Council for Community and Economic Research, C2ER)

The Partnership 2030 goal around educational attainment aligns with the state’s Drive to 55 goal, striving for 55% of adults aged 25-64 to have a short-term credential or degree by 2025. While the 55% goal includes short-term credentials, the measurement for the Nashville Economic Market only includes associate degrees and higher due to data availability. For additional context, the most recent short-term credential attainment rate in Tennessee boosts total attainment by 7.0% (2021).

Education &
Talent Development

The Chamber works closely with key partners like Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) throughout the region to advance policies and initiatives that help Middle Tennesseans, from high school students to adult learners, succeed in post-secondary education and the workforce. Each year our dedicated talent team works to empower Chamber members to engage with and advocate for issues surrounding PreK-12 education, post-secondary attainment, and transitions into the workforce.

K - 12 Education

The Chamber released the 30th Annual Chamber Education Report this year, focusing on innovation and work-based learning in MNPS. In the 2021-2022 school year, MNPS piloted a paid, for-credit work-based learning practicum for students. The committee suggested communicating the program values to everyone involved, identifying the support students need, allocating resources to these needs, and expanding work-based learning opportunities for all students.

The Chamber also continues to support the Academies of Nashville in MNPS, a nationally recognized career academy model, in collaboration with other founding partners Alignment Nashville, Metro Schools, and PENCIL. The district-wide Partnership Council, convened by the Chamber, advises the founding partners on industry trends to support the Academies.
  • The 4th cohort of Leadership Public Education included 20 businesses and community leaders learning about and engaged with the public education system and a wide range of experts.
  • 400+ business partners engaged with MNPS high schoolers through the Academies of Nashville.

New Skills Ready

Concluding the third year of a 5-year grant, the JPMorgan Chase New Skills Ready (NSR) investment, led by the Chamber in partnership with 13 organizations and state agencies, focused on the alignment and rigor of career pathways; designing, implementing, and scaling real-world work experiences; seamless postsecondary transitions; and closing equity gaps.
  • Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville offered dual enrollment courses in technical fields to Metro School students.
  • 4 high schools participated in an investment funded by the Gates Foundation and administered by Education Strategy Group around social capital, helping students identify their networks and learn how to leverage them in pursuit of professional goals.
  • In June, New Skills Ready released a report by the Tennessee College Access and Success Network recommending transit solutions to increase postsecondary enrollment and degree attainment for MNPS graduates.

Adult Attainment

The Chamber’s work around adult attainment included Nashville Reconnect which serves adults returning to earn a degree or credential with a focus on Nashville Promise Zone residents. To address the barrier of juggling education, work, and family, the Nashville Flex program provides funding for part-time students to create a proof point around expanding access to Tennessee Promise for part-time students.
  • 800+ Reconnectors served
  • 40+ Graduates
  • 100+ Reconnect Ambassadors trained

Education & Workforce Policy

With grant support from National Skills Coalition, the Chamber and Martha O’Bryan Center co-lead a statewide coalition, TN Business Leaders United (BLU)-SkillSPAN, working to address policy barriers that keep employers from filling middle skills jobs, jobs that require some education beyond high school. The national BLU-SkillSPAN coalition includes more than 65 chambers, employers, community-based organizations, along with state and metro agencies.
  • In May, coalition members attended the National Skills Coalition’s Skills Summit in Washington, D.C.
  • Coalition leaders met with representatives from Tennessee to identify regional priorities and discuss how the statewide efforts relate

Talent Pipelines

The Chamber expanded the Talent Solutions Council to include a broad range of human resource professionals from key employers seeking to engage in regional talent solutions for common HR challenges using a supply chain management framework from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management system. A steering committee of executive-level industry leaders, led by committee chair Hal Lawton, President and CEO of Tractor Supply Company, was established to create the strategic vision for the council.

This year the Chamber hosted Talent Solutions Forums which are designed to inform and inspire employer participation in the talent space. Forums covered topics including second chance hiring and individuals with disabilities.

To increase awareness of the available talent transitioning out of Fort Campbell, the Chamber hosted three leadership visits to Fort Campbell, building synergy between the business community and the available servicemember talent. Additionally, in February 2023, the Chamber partnered with Operation Stand Down Tennessee and Belmont University to host Career Recon, a program designed to assist transitioning soldiers and spouses attain business fluency, gain transition tips, and begin developing their network.
  • 130 Talent Solution Forum attendees
  • 40 business leaders and 30 businesses attended Fort Campbell visits
  • In 2022, 4,571 soldiers transitioned out of Fort Campbell, and 34% remained in Tennessee (national avg 26%)
  • Fort Campbell ranks in the top 5 largest installations to retain exiting soldiers and families

Policy

The Policy team at the Chamber focuses on the Middle Tennessee region and ensures that the public and private sectors work toward a common goal of creating prosperity for our communities and residents. By engaging our members in leadership roles, we can extend our voice and our impact in the community. Our policy work encompasses community development and legislative advocacy, all of which support our members needs in a competitive business environment.

Each year, the team frames key policy goals related to Metro, Regional, and State policies and mobility. This year’s frames are:

Creating an environment where businesses can prosper

Talent development for the region's workforce

Quality of life that attracts & retains residents & workers

Collaboration that leads to economic prosperity in Tennessee & the Nashville Region

Membership

The Nashville Area Chamber’s purpose is to create economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. Membership with the Chamber is an asset for businesses and professionals seeking to establish a strong presence in the Nashville business community and leverage the benefits of a well-connected and influential network. We are a business-driven leadership organization working to improve the quality of life for our region through attracting a talented workforce and promoting diverse job growth. We are Middle Tennessee’s largest regional business advocacy organization helping over 1,800 member companies representing more than 293,000 employees grow and prosper. Our members range from entrepreneurs, small business owners, and mid-sized companies to large corporations across more than 100 industries. Last year, we welcomed 316 new members and upgraded the member benefit offerings for all levels of investment.

Membership Highlights

0 +
Engagement Meetings

Companies & Corporations from over 100 Industries

0 +
Chamber Chat & Pick Your Place attendees
0 +
Ribbon Cuttings &
Grand Openings
0
New Members

75% of Members are Small Businesses with 50 Employees or Less

Programs & Initiatives

The Chamber serves as a vital catalyst for community growth and prosperity through its diverse array of signature events and programs. These initiatives create an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas, forming new connections, and educating individuals as they grow their businesses. Programs this year included Intro Nashville, Nashpreneurs Conference, YP Summit, Small & Diverse Business Fair, and the premier of the Growing Together Women’s Voices of Vision series. 

Programs & Initiatives Highlights

Intro Nashville

The Intro Nashville program, created in 2019, offers community members new insight into our city and region, and provides an opportunity for participants to expand their network. Tailored toward professionals, Intro Nashville is a way to connect with and learn from community leaders who have shaped the region. This year’s storytellers included Chief John Drake, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, and Judge Sheila Calloway. Since inception, 17 virtual or in-person sessions have been with almost 350 attendees.

Leadership Study Mission

In May, the 30th Leadership Study Mission delegation traveled to Tampa, Florida to hear from regional leaders on key topics such as waterfront activation, education, talent development, and affordable housing. Trip highlights included a panel focused on sports culture, historical breakout sessions, and an address from Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor, before departing on a sunset dinner cruise. The 2023 Leadership Connect cohort was also in attendance sponsored by the Chamber’s Pay It Forward program.

Nashpreneurs Conference

In June, the 5th annual Nashpreneurs Conference joined small business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives for panels and discussions on Capital Catalyst: Driving Small Business Success through Venture Capital and Banking. Keynote speaker, Mignon Francois, founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection and newly published author received the esteemed Nashpreneur of the Year award.

YP Summit

The Chamber and YP (Young Professionals) Nashville hosted the 1st annual YP Summit hosted by Belmont University. The half-day conference geared toward aspiring leaders, provided insightful sessions, engaging speakers, and invaluable networking opportunities. Brittany Cole kicked off the conference with a captivating keynote address, followed by breakout sessions focused on career growth, coachability, skill development, and well-being.

Area Advisory Councils

The Chamber hosted quarterly Area Advisory Council (AAC) meetings, building momentum over the past year. Supporting six specific geographic areas in Davidson County, each meeting featured programming alternating between networking and community content. Speed networking was one of the highest attended programs with nearly 100 registrants.

Small & Diverse Business Supplier Diversity Fair

As an expansion of the Chamber’s small business offerings, our team hosted the 1st annual Small and Diverse Business Fair, sponsored by Truist. Featuring more than 30 investors promoting procurement opportunities, the fair attracted over 100 small business owners and attendees.

Strategic Networking

In April, the Chamber hosted Business & Baseball in collaboration with the Nashville Sounds, featuring networking, a ticket to the game, and exclusive access to Hit City Hall. In June, we hosted Sips & Swings, a sold-out event at TopGolf that offered members networking in a social setting including lite bites, music, and free access to golf bays.

Voices of Vision Series

In May, as part of our women’s initiative Growing Together, the Chamber launched Voices of Vision. The three-part series featured panelists who shared leadership stories, how they navigate and overcome challenges, and their vision for the future of women in business. Diverse female leaders from various industries across Nashville were featured.

Actuals

2022 - 2023 Actuals

Revenue

Chamber

  • Investor Contributions $4,520,006
  • Membership Dues $1,739,946
  • Sponsorship Revenue $800,490
  • Program Revenue $1,658,146
  • Total Revenue $8,718,587

2023 - 2024 Budget

Revenue

Chamber

  • Investor Contributions $4,665,672
  • Membership Dues $1,798,320
  • Sponsorship Revenue $986,000
  • Program Revenue $1,902,513
  • Total Revenue $9,352,505

Actuals

2022 - 2023 Actuals

Expenses

Chamber

  • Economic Development $857,164
  • Investor Relations $464,449
  • Marketing & Communications $574,814
  • Research $431,956
  • Talent Development & Education $1,353,124
  • Policy $795,173
  • Membership Services $906,145
  • Programs & Events $1,280,561
  • General & Administrative $1,421,185
  • Capital Expenditures $-
  • Total Expenses $8,084,573
  • Net Income $634,014

2023 - 2024 Budget

Expenses

Chamber

  • Economic Development $1,215,962
  • Investor Relations $569,429
  • Marketing & Communications $665,862
  • Research $467,951
  • Talent Development & Education $1,580,422
  • Policy $695,876
  • Membership Services $984,098
  • Programs & Events $1,532,816
  • General & Administrative $1,637,415
  • Capital Expenditures $ -
  • Total Expenses $9,349,831
  • Net Income $2,674