Registration Now Open for The 59th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development

Conference to Focus on ‘Global Reach, Local Impact’ for Economic Development 

NASHVILLE – Registration is now open for the 59th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development to be held October 18 – 19 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.  The conference will focus on thinking globally in terms of economic development and the impact that will have locally in Tennessee communities. Click here to register online or visit www.tnecdcon.com.

“In today’s global economy, it’s important to understand that economic development is no longer a competition amongst neighboring states but with countries around the world,” Bill Hagerty, ECD commissioner, said.  “Governor Haslam and I look forward to another successful conference this year and hope that attendees are inspired by fresh ideas, resources and initiatives that can make their community more competitive in this global race for new investments.”

The two-day conference includes multiple educational sessions with the latest on economic development topics including entrepreneurship, exporting, incentives, research and development, site certification, online marketing, workforce development, agribusiness and more.   Back by popular demand, the conference will open with a plenary session on Thursday featuring some of the nation’s leading site selectors on what they are looking for in potential locations and what it takes to land a project.

Mike Curb, founder and chairman of Curb Records, will keynote this year’s Commissioner’s Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 18. Owned and operated by Curb since 1962, Curb Records has achieved 432 number one hits and is one of the world’s leading independent music companies.  With a roster that includes some of the top names in Country, Christian and Pop/Rock music, Curb Records was named Billboard’s 2001 Country Music Label of the Year and Radio & Records’ 2005 Overall Gold Label of the Year.  Curb’s experience is not limited to the entertainment industry but also includes public service.  He was elected lieutenant governor of California in 1978.  He also serves as chairman of the board for the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission.

A room block has been reserved at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel for the conference. Conference attendees are eligible for a special room rate of $107 for a single and $127 for a double. These special rates are only available as occupancy permits or until 5 p.m. CST on Sept. 28.  To make reservations call 1-800-327-6618 or 615-255-8400 and mention "Governor's Conference ECD" to get the discounted rate, or click here to make room reservations online.

For more information and to register to attend the 59th Annual Governor’s Conference, please visit www.tnecdcon.com.  For the latest updates on all things Governor’s Conference, like us on facebook: facebook.com/tnecd and follow us on twitter: twitter.com/tnecd, #ECDGovCon.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development 

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd.  Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd.  Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.