ONCE A month Franklin County’s industries, manufacturers, and local educators come together to observe how they help each other, learn more about each other, and assist each other in the continued growth and success of the county.
The coming together of these groups is known as the Franklin County Manufacturers’ Roundtable. Administered by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce (FCCC), the roundtable has been meeting for 40 years.
Almost four years ago, the executive director of the FCCC, Kayla Doney, partnered together with the director of the Franklin County Industrial Development Board, Kelli Riley, to have industry play a more active role in the roundtable. She wanted the industry side of the county to have the opportunity to play a more active role in the roundtable.
“Industry wasn’t as heavily involved. Typically, there was only a representative from Nissan,” explained Doney. “Over the last three or four years, Kelli and I have collaborated together, because why would the chamber do it and not involve the IDB (industrial development board). We also involve the school system, local educators such as the University of the South and TCAT (Tennessee College of Applied Technology), and Motlow, because they all collaborate with the manufacturers for coops and things of that nature.”
Riley said that she was thrilled to be able to join in on the meetings, as it gave her a better sense of how she could assist area industries.
“It’s, in a sense, an open forum for them all to discuss anything they need to discuss. If one is having an issue, there might be a business that can offer a solution or at least offer a few ideas. While it’s an open forum, we’re also trying to give them something they can learn [from] and make sure they’re benefiting from everything that the state has to offer in the county on their behalf.”
The August meeting welcomed Debbie Clabo, director of tax for the state of Tennessee. According to Doney, Clabo was able to provide the roundtable with a wealth of knowledge on tax information.
“The topic was tax credits and how to take advantage of all the initiatives that Tennessee offers,” she said.
All meetings welcome local industry, manufacturers, and educators. Doney added that for anyone that comes, they will leave with something to help them in their business.
“What I love most is the connection, the networking, and that industries are able to work together and share ideas and solutions. You are going to learn and walk away with connections that you never thought you would have. Even if you meet someone who is in the same business, you are going to be able to work with them and get solutions, because there is enough business to go around.” GN
