Buck Dellinger, President & CEO, Clarksville-Montgomery EDC

Buck Dellinger, the president and CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery EDC, spoke with Invest: about how the Council is able to foster growth in northern Middle Tennessee through fostering a business-friendly environment, tackling affordable housing, and supporting a strong school system. Investment in infrastructure and amenities has been instrumental in attracting new industries and workers to the region, he said.

What have been some of the most significant milestones and achievements for the Clarksville-Montgomery EDC over the last 12 to 18 months?

Our most significant achievements have been in industrial expansion. A major mayonnaise manufacturer is expanding into additional phases and deals from 2023 are now breaking ground. Amazon opened in mid-2024, contributing to overall industrial growth. These developments are adding 5,000 jobs to the community. In anticipation of the expansions, we are planning housing and childcare solutions, including an 800-child-capacity facility in the industrial park for employees of these new companies. A percentage of the daycare spots receive a discount for industrial park employees and military families. Currently, there are already 625 children enrolled. Additionally, phases two and three of Hankook Tire have begun, which will add another 1,400 jobs. We are building out new communities around these industrial projects, with a focus on childcare and road networks. On a broader scale, Clarksville is seeing increased economic activity as Nashville’s economic influence grows, creating cohesive opportunities across the region.

As the region experiences population and economic growth, what are some of the fundamental factors behind this expansion?

Growth starts with a business-friendly state. Tennessee benefits from a strategic confluence of interstates, and our housing remains affordable compared to the rest of the country. The average home price here is $320,000, with significant new construction underway. Builders remain confident, and there are a variety of land, multifamily, and diverse housing options. In neighboring counties, the average home price is over $400,000, making us approximately $80,000 more affordable — about 20% cheaper for the same home. Clarksville also receives credit for its strong school system, which earned a Level 5 rating from the Tennessee Department of Education, the highest ranking for growth and effective progress. Families moving here can expect a quality education and lifelong opportunities for their children.

Further, crime in our county has declined for five consecutive years, which is largely a reflection of strong job opportunities. According to both the sheriff and city police, most crime is not committed by county residents but by individuals coming from outside who see opportunities due to our region’s prosperity.

How is the EDC addressing workforce development in key industries?

The jobs we are creating are concentrated in advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries. Salaries in these sectors are approaching $100,000 for experienced professionals. Recently, LG Chem announced it would hire 800 new roles, including 200 chemical engineers. While the engineer roles start at $90,000, entry-level positions start at $52,000 per year. We are committed to only recruiting companies that will not lower our median household income of $75,000. Companies that cannot meet this standard will not thrive here. Additionally, we have worked closely with Korean investors, traveling to Korea to showcase our workforce development capabilities. Our state and privately supported education system ensures that before a company even breaks ground, we have a workforce pipeline ready for them. Workforce Essentials plays a key role in recruitment. Each year, approximately 1,500 soldiers transition out of Fort Campbell, with 36% choosing to stay in our county. We have a dedicated employee at the transition center who connects these individuals with employment, education, and training opportunities in our community.

How does the region grow in the aviation and aeronautics industries?

Our region has a strong presence in aviation, with many skilled mechanics and aviators. We continue to market this area for aviation opportunities, but progress is largely dependent on how quickly the military upgrades its aviation capabilities.

What major infrastructure or logistic projects are underway to further support the economic growth and strength of the region?

Our 10-year infrastructure plan, released in December 2024, outlines the expansion of the interstate from four lanes to six lanes over the next decade. The timeline for these projects is influenced by state leadership, with construction schedules often shifting from governor to governor. Another exciting project is the transload site, which focuses on bringing raw materials into our industrial park. Currently, we have a seven-rail spur facility that could be expanded, allowing for the transportation of raw materials by rail instead of by truck. This initiative will significantly reduce road traffic by removing hundreds of trucks from highways. Additionally, we have a liquid gas facility in the industrial park, and due to our ongoing projects, we are doubling its capacity and integrating it into a pipeline network beneath the roadways. This will provide direct gas service to properties within the industrial park, which will be highly beneficial for the aviation sector.

What projects are underway to improve residents’ quality of life and the downtown district?

Quality of life is essential for sustained growth. We have expanded our greenway system by 10-15 miles and are continuing to add more. In downtown, we are developing over 500 multifamily apartment units to support increased residential demand and retail activity. Dense development will help sustain retail businesses, improve downtown vibrancy, and make the area more attractive. Retail growth plays a key role in making downtown a desirable destination.

We are preparing to announce new retail developments in the city, including the addition of high-demand retailers that residents frequently ask about, such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. With the level of growth we are experiencing, we expect to secure these retailers soon. Maintaining high-quality growth and retaining residents is a priority.

What are your priorities moving forward?

We have been highly successful over the past three to four years, but we must continue pushing forward. Managing growth effectively while continuing to innovate will be key. This part of the country is a great place to live, and we are excited for what the future holds.