With a working population of more than 700,000 (more than 2 million if you count the Greater Nashville Region), more than 1,000 foreign-based businesses, and per capita income growth of 208%, Nashville is redefining what it means to be a thriving global city.
In an exclusive interview with GMI POST, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ralph Schulz shares his thoughts on why moving your business to Tennessee could be the best decision of your life.
“First and foremost, we are a welcoming culture”, Schulz said. Middle Tennessee, in particular, has attracted refugees since the 1960s. The interaction of different cultures has turned the metropolitan area into an inclusive community.
In terms of its business landscape, Schulz says Tennessee’s “low cost, low regulation” environment makes it appealing to both investors and entrepreneurs.
Tennessee’s location is also an added premium. According to Schulz, the state is very close to a huge concentration of talent in the United States, has easy access to airports and rail hubs, and near the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, making it convenient for people to conduct business.
Schulz also highlights how all these factors are interconnected, which is why The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to nurturing each part of its robust economic ecosystem.
“The Nashville Area of Commerce’s mission is to create economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership,” says Schulz, who believes that bringing together the private and public sectors will result in an ideal community. “You have to be a livable place to attract talent. You need the talent to create and sustain businesses. You need businesses to create prosperity.”
For 32 years, The Nashville Area of Commerce has accomplished its mission by improving housing, transportation, education, health, child care, manufacturing, as well as its entertainment industry. After all, music is closely linked to the brand of Nashville.
Dubbed “Music City”, Nashville generates $15.6 billion from its music and entertainment scene. According to Schulz, the city’s concert promoters, record labels, and entertainment media outlets help drive investments, trades, jobs, and new relationships to the global marketplace.
From Schulz's interview, it’s clear why Tennessee is the perfect place for business. Everybody is guaranteed a welcoming and culturally-rich environment, as well as a thriving economic ecosystem. Following the decision of the likes of Mitsubishi, Nissan, and FedEx to relocate their respective HQs to the state, will your company follow suit?
