Stephen Chambers announced Economic Development Volunteer of the Year
Oct 17 2014
STEPHEN CHAMBERS, 4L/TENNESSEE CENTRAL, HONORED AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) – The Tennessee Economic Development Council (TEDC) has recognized Stephen Chambers, 4L/Tennessee Central Economic Alliance Board of Directors, as the 2014 Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Chambers’ tireless leadership efforts in economic development were honored in his award selection for the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Mr. Chambers’ dedication to economic development can be traced back to the formation of Trousdale County’s first Economic Development Committee. He coordinated with TVA's Community Development Team for an economic development strategy planning session to identify objectives, priorities, strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for moving forward.
As a result of the Committee's work towards local unified leadership and coordination, Mr. Chambers participated in establishing a unified economic and industrial development effort in Trousdale County and the 4L/Tennessee Central region.
Mr. Chambers has provided valuable leadership and research to the Foreign Trade Zone designation pursuit by the five-county 4L/Tennessee Central region, saving communities and the organization an estimated $100,000 in consulting fees.
Charly Lyons, Excutive Director of 4L/Tennessee Central Economic Alliance stated, “Trousdale County may be one of the smallest counties in the State of Tennessee, but resident Stephen Chambers is one of the biggest volunteers for economic development without regard to County lines. Mr. Chambers is sincerely immersed in improving the economic circumstances of his community and recognizes the significance of regional economic development. Mr. Chambers has dedicated long hours of time, resources, and energy to improve the attitudes and efforts of both projects and leaders. Mr. Chambers works quietly, but confidently, to advance the understanding of economic development while improving programs that will enhance the lives of people around him.”
TEDC Immediate Past President Gary Farlow expressed his admiration for Mr. Chambers when he stated, “Stephen Chambers exemplifies what we look for in a Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year recipient. He is dedicated, passionate and tireless in his role as an economic development leader.”
“I try to serve the residents of Trousdale County to the best of my abilities,” stated Stephen Chambers. “I am honored by this recognition from the Tennessee Economic Development Council.”
TEDC is a statewide professional organization for people involved in economic development. The Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 1977. Recipients of the award must be nominated by TEDC members and selected by a committee of past presidents of TEDC from the field of nominees. Chambers’ accomplishments were recognized at the TEDC Annual Fall Conference, which was held in Jackson, Tennessee.
L-R: Charly Lyons, 4L/TCEA Executive Director; Stephen Chambers, Volunteer of the Year; Jamie Stitt, TNECD Assistant Commissioner; Gary Farlow, TEDC President; Jessica Farlow, 4L/TCEA Project Manager