Monday, January 23, 2012

Brandon Talks ECD with Rotary

Recent recipient of the Tennessee Economic Development Council Lifetime Membership Award, Joe B. Brandon, recently presented a program to the Lewisburg Rotary Club on economic development in Lewisburg and Marshall County.
Brandon’s dedication to Tennessee’s economic strength is exemplified in his many roles in economic development throughout his career. He has served at the State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, where he introduced the Retention and Expansion (R&E) program. Also deeply involved in economic development on the local level, Brandon served on Lewisburg’s first Industrial Development Board and as a County Commissioner. He is a dedicated, long-time member of TEDC, having served as Middle Tennessee Director and, for a decade, as principle fundraiser.
Brandon gave the Lewisburg Rotary an overview of the challenges in economic development facing Lewisburg and the region, but he also outlined some of the positives he sees as building blocks on which Lewisburg and Marshall County can grow and strive. Lewisburg’s location, its rich tradition in industry and its focus on business expansion and retention as well as new industry recruitment programs Brandon believes are strong points Lewisburg can use to market the community in the new age of economic development.
Pictured – Joe B. Brandon gives the Lewisburg Rotary Club a lesson in economic development – past, present and future.