Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber 2017 Chamber Annual Report | Page 6

Economic Development Division
PHILIP OLDHAM, VICE CHAIR
Accomplishments & Highlights:
Hosted key consultants at the CMA Fest and the Site Selector’s Guild Conference.
Launched new Target Marketing Campaign with MultiView.
Distributed over 2,000 copies of the Highlands Economic Development Guide
Served on The Tennessee Economic Partnership Board and Marketing Committee
Planned key market visits in Dallas, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago.
Planned marketing strategies at IAMC, SEDC, Site Selectors Guild, and the Coverings Conference.
Stephen Crook, VP Of Economic Development for the HEP, completed Oklahoma University Economic Development
Institute – a 3-year professional development program that qualifies students to sit for the CEcD exam.
• A total of over 1400 job commitments was realized in 2017 alone, with a total for Phase III of the HEP of more than
3500 job commitments in the region. A snapshot of some of the regional wins included: Digital Dream Forge –
February (80 new jobs), Aphena Pharma – April (230 new jobs), SAIC – April (300 new jobs), Shoppes at Eagle
Pointe – September (600 new jobs), and Hormann – October (230 new jobs) 
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BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION Committee
RANDY ADAMS, CHAIR
Accomplishments & Highlights:
• Coordinated Industry Appreciation Month through signed proclamations from local governments and highlighted
Highlands industry through industry-focused Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Business Before
Hours, industry spotlights and written spotlights in local newspapers.
• Conducted 40 Existing Industry Site Visits.
• Conducted the Wage and Benefit Survey in collaboration with MTIDA. This is the first W&B survey conducted since
2013. The final reports are being finalized now.