For many years, Sumner County has been one of the fastest growing counties in Tennessee. From Hendersonville to Gallatin to White House, new residents and businesses are moving to Sumner County at a rapid pace, making it the 8th largest county by population in the state.
While this growth has brought many new opportunities to the county, it has also brought a significant number of challenges. As in many communities across the nation, the increasing population has often outpaced the existing Sumner County’s infrastructure, including roads, utilities, housing and schools.
For many years, municipalities across the county attacked the infrastructure shortage dilemma individually, without considering the impact of their solutions upon the entire county. Needless to say, this “going it alone” process was inefficient, occasionally resulting in suboptimal solutions.
Over time, civic leaders began to realize that the “going it alone” approach had its drawbacks. As a result, in 2002 a group of progressive thinkers created a public-private organization focused healthy and sustainable economic growth – Forward Sumner.
Forward Sumner is Sumner County’s economic and workforce development office, charged with marshalling leaders from across the county to work together for the common good. The primary areas that the group focuses on are economic development, transportation, infrastructure, workforce training and development and education.
“I believe that Forward Sumner exists because we believe in something bigger than any one organization or jurisdiction,” says Board Chair Kelley Crecelius. “We believe in thoughtful growth, strong partnerships and a shared vision for a thriving Sumner County.”
Kelley’s comments were echoed by Forward Sumner Executive Director Chris Taylor.
“Forward Sumner's three pillars are work force, economic development and infrastructure, and we are making a lot of strides toward the future,” says Chris. “Thanks to the assistance that we have received form our municipal, county and state leaders, our county has received significant funding to help us accomplish several major projects. Some of the more prominent fundings include $1 billion toward Tennessee Department of Transportation road projects, $145,000 to support Sumner County Schools’ Carolyn Smith Innovation Center and $50,000 for a feasibility study for a convention hall in our county.”
One of the key areas of focus for Forward Sumner over the past few years is fostering a closer bond between local businesses and the county school system. This partnership yields benefits for both the schools and participating businesses.
By aligning public and private partners, Forward Sumner helps ensure that Sumner County continues to attract opportunity while protecting the quality of life that makes this community such a special place to live and work,” says Kelley.
Forward Sumner
1598 GreenLea Boulevard,
Gallatin, Tennessee 37066
615.206.6624
"I believe that Forward Sumner exists because we believe in something bigger than any one organization or jurisdiction."
Kelley Crecelius