Monday, February 23, 2015
South Lawrence Economic Development Association Announces Recruitment Partnership With Next Move Group
Press release
Economic development firm to help identify and recruit industrial and commercial prospects to south Lawrence County
Loretto, TN - South Lawrence Economic Development Association (SLEDA) announced today that it has retained the Economic Development and Recruitment firm, Next Move Group, to help SLEDA identify and actively recruit industrial and commercial prospects to south Lawrence County. This project, named Project Next, is the result of a year-long discussion on how to best attract industry to the southern half of Lawrence County, and Lawrence County as a whole. The project will focus on qualified industry prospects that may be smaller than the typical state or TVA recruitment project.
Project Next is funded by a combination of public and private investment. Private stakeholders are providing up to 50% of the project’s cost, with the remainder coming from the cities of Loretto and St. Joseph.
Rodney Robinson, current SLEDA president explained, “SLEDA has searched for ways to pitch in and help with our county’s efforts to attract jobs. In such a competitive job environment, this project is an important step in helping our county find and recruit the best in opportunities for our citizens and families. Next Move Group offers us the rare combination of knowledge, experience and expertise, industry relationships, economic data, and familiarity with south Lawrence County to make this project a resounding success.”
Next Move Group, LLC is an Economic Development and Recruitment firm founded by Chad Chancellor. Chancellor is a name familiar to Lawrence County, having spent a successful stint as CEO of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and chief economic recruiter for the county from 2008 to 2010.
Mr. Chancellor explained his company’s approach to industrial recruitment. “Through a partnership with Troy University, my company has access to advanced business and labor data which is very useful in recruiting new companies to an area. We will utilize this data to put a plan in place to recruit companies to the Southern end of Lawrence County. For example, I am sure we will recruit automotive suppliers and wood products manufacturers. What is important to an automotive supplier is totally different than a wood products manufacturer. Using our proprietary data, we will detail precise reasons different kind of companies should consider the area. Additionally, we will put boots on the ground and go visit companies to make the South Lawrence pitch. Our work won’t just be a study to sit on a shelf. We will actively implement this plan to recruit qualified businesses to the area. “
Chancellor continues, “Lawrence County took a gamble on me as a young man, and we produced Precision Laser, Bertolini, and Modine’s huge expansion during my short two years in Lawrence County. Because Lawrence County believed in me and gave me my first real shot in economic development, it will always be important to me to see Lawrence County succeed. I have kept many friendships from Lawrence County since I have been gone and look forward to rekindling those on my trips back. I always enjoyed the people and beauty of the Southern end of Lawrence County, I am excited about this partnership and will work tirelessly to make it fruitful.”
County and local officials expressed their excitement and support for the upcoming project. TR Williams, Lawrence County Executive said, “I applaud SLEDA for their proactive approach in pursuing companies of a smaller size that are looking to locate in our area. The industrial park in Loretto is perfect for the 25-50 employee sized companies, as well as other prime locations in Leoma, St. Joseph, and south to the state line. I feel that by contracting with Chad Chancellor, President / CEO of the Next Move Group, they will be able to focus on companies that are a good fit for the south end of the county."
Commissioner Chris Jackson added, “This partnership represents a new progressive strategy to creating jobs for our citizens, something that the entire county can be proud of. Going forward, this effort coupled with existing efforts at the county level, make our county as-a-whole as competitive as it ever has been in terms of recruiting jobs to our community."
Loretto Mayor Jesse Turner reflected, “Our success in south Lawrence County is a success for everyone in Lawrence County. The economic impact of new jobs will be felt in every corner of our county.” St. Joseph Mayor Bubba Carter agreed and added, “We welcome this new focus on St. Joseph for industry and recruitment. As a small community, the prospect of adding 10 to 50 jobs will make a huge difference to everyone who calls St. Joseph home.”
