CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Despite a weak national economy, Bradley County has finished its two best years ever for economic development, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
David Fair, the 2010 board chairman of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, on Tuesday recounted the 2009 Wacker Chemical announcement plus Whirlpoool, Amazon, Olin Corp., Coca-Cola and others announcing expansions in 2010.
Fair, addressing the 85th annual Chamber membership meeting, said those projects represent maintaining 2,500 jobs and creating 550 new ones.
Those announcements also total over $1.8 billion in corporate capital investment in two years, he said.
In 2011, Fair said local governments and the Chamber are working to secure a new industrial park to attract more businesses.
“We have to be able to react very quickly, as evidenced by this year,” Fair said.
Barbara Baxter of FSG Bank is the 2011 board chairman.
“This year will be one of construction for all the wonderful announcements,” she said. “We will be doing our part to make sure everything goes smoothly with the myriad of details that will be forthcoming.”
Making a new industrial park a reality, she said, is a primary goal “so we can stand ready for the momentum we have created.”
Baxter thanked members who kept their Chamber memberships through a difficult economy and said she hopes others will be able to return.
She said the Chamber will continue to support the 25-year planning for growth initiated in 2010.
The Chamber also makes its top two awards each year at the membership dinner and meeting.
Ross Tarver, vice president and general manager of Tarver Distributing Co. Inc., received the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award. The award is the highest given by the Chamber to honor the ideals of the late businessman Headrick.
Among his many business and community activities, Tarver is the chairman of the Bradley/Cleveland Industrial Development Board.
Dr. Ed McIntire of the Tennessee Urology Center received the Robert W. Varnell Jr. Leadership Award recognizing outstanding community leadership.
McIntire was recognized for numerous community and professional achievements including the Bradley Initiative for Church and Community.
Contact staff writer Randall Higgins at rhiggins@timesfreepress.com or 423-314-1029.