“Every community is in either a constant cycle of growth and improvement, or one of decline, and with growth, we must also enhance the quality of life through economic development. Communities with strong economic development organizations and a clear mission are more likely to succeed.” – Buck Dellinger, CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council
Clarksville-Montgomery County has an abundance of the resources and attributes that drive interest and growth: available land for businesses to grow, great schools for growing families, a thriving economy for entrepreneurs, and plentiful outdoor recreation and amenities. With all this to offer, along with charm and hospitality, the energy in Clarksville just feels right. A small-town atmosphere with big potential.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council (EDC for short) increases this potential and is a partner with City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government organizations to develop, support, facilitate and coordinate economic progress. The EDC includes the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Clarksville, and the Industrial Development staff. These agencies drive growth in the business, tourism and industrial sectors with funding from multiple sources, to include Montgomery County, the City of Clarksville, Chamber of Commerce members and generous support from the Aspire Foundation.
The relentless pursuit of prosperity for all is the vision of the EDC. Retention and expansion of current businesses and the attraction of new opportunities are necessary to chase this goal while enhancing quality of life. Keys to quality living are great schools; safe communities; and a satisfying, entertaining and hospitable environment.
Growth, specifically in business and tourism sectors, helps to generate local tax dollars and provides individual opportunities for job advancement to achieve a high quality of life. The additional sales tax dollars created by high employment and an expanding economy provide resources for infrastructure (roads, utilities, schools) and amenities (parks and services). Since 2019, Clarksville-Montgomery County has added over 6,000 new jobs and, even with the decline in travel from the pandemic, in the last 12 months hotel revenue is up by 6% over any previous year. Those additional hotel stays add hotel tax revenue and bring in outside dollars to benefit the community.
The EDC facilitates growth and ensures Clarksville-Montgomery County is competitive and continually advancing economically by marketing the high quality of our community and specifically the available land in the Industrial Park and the Business Park. In addition, through other public-private ventures, the EDC assists with attracting resources, supporting business development (Chamber Home Show and Speaker Series), reinforcing workforce recruitment (clarksvilleishiring.com), and coordinating tourism efforts (sports events and tournaments, Historic Collinsville).
As the community continues to develop, strengthen and build for the future, the citizens are the best asset and indicator of success. The people in Clarksville-Montgomery County make it an amazing community that people want to visit, build a business in, and call home.
To learn more about the EDC, visit clarksvillepartnership.com.