2 min read November 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Wil Evans, president & CEO of the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance, shared how that chamber’s partnership with SGB Enterprises is a step forward in diversifying Maury County’s industrial base. He discussed why childcare, educational opportunities and quality of life are on the chamber’s advocacy agenda to foster a business-friendly environment.
What will be the impact of SGB Enterprises relocating its headquarters to Maury County?
SGB Enterprises is an exciting addition to our county, and its investment of $1.7 million marks a significant step towards the future. This project is not just in its infancy; it has been operational for a little over a year now, giving us ample time to familiarize ourselves with the company. The potential impact on our county is multifaceted. It’s more than just an injection of new capital investment; it’s about high -wage job creation and the further diversification of our local industries. This endeavor will result in the creation of 40 new jobs, and what’s particularly noteworthy is that these jobs are highly skilled, paying well above the median average wage in the county. This move towards high-quality employment opportunities is expected to improve the economic mobility of the community.
What’s particularly exciting about this project is that it represents a shift into diversified industries. Maury County has long had a strong presence in the automotive sector, and while we hold our automotive community in high regard, we also recognize the importance of diversifying our economic base for future sustainability. SGB Enterprises’ presence marks a strategic move into the aerospace and defense sector, a promising cluster for our county. The core of SGB Enterprises’ expertise lies in developing cockpit simulators. While these simulators might not involve actual flying, they play a vital role in pilot training by allowing in-depth practice of various flight procedures and emergency scenarios. The production of these simulators provide a unique and valuable resource for honing the skill sets of our local workforce, especially in the aerospace and defense realm. This technology prepares our residents for high-skill, high-wage jobs in a growing industry.
What business sectors do you expect to see more growth from in Maury County?
As we look to the short term, we anticipate significant growth in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The global push for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation has driven tremendous momentum in this industry. Our region has seen substantial investments from major players like General Motors and Ultium Cells, positioning us to be a significant contributor to the burgeoning EV industry. This growth will have a cascading effect on various related sectors, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
As we evaluate our economic pipeline, we recognize a diversification of opportunities. While metals remain a robust sector in our county, we are also actively looking to expand our footprint in business services. The broad spectrum of services in this sector can cater to various industries, offering more room for growth. Furthermore, manufacturing services, particularly the production of components for different manufacturing processes, is a segment we are keen to nurture. This type of manufacturing is integral to various industries and holds considerable potential for growth.
What is on the advocacy agenda for your organization?
We have a strong partnership with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, specifically through its robust Public Policy Department. Annually, we engage in creating a legislative agenda, a crucial step that involves surveying our membership for two to three weeks to gauge their perspectives on forthcoming legislative matters. We primarily concentrate on state and local legislation, dividing our focus into three business-centric sectors aimed at cultivating an environment where businesses can prosper, talent development of the region’s workforce, and a quality of life that attracts and retains residents and workers. One top priority is watching legislation that either facilitates business prosperity or presents potential barriers to businesses, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions and thrive within the community. Talent development constitutes another top priority of our agenda. We actively support legislation that fosters collaboration between Maury County schools, Columbia State Community College and TCATS to meet our workforce needs..
In terms of enhancing the quality of life, we ardently advocate for local government collaboration, as we believe in the power of partnerships. We also actively support efforts to identify additional funding sources to adequately support our community’s growth. A prime example of our advocacy from last year was pushing for the county’s ability to levy impact fees on new developments. Our current structure contrasts with neighboring Williamson County, which has the authority to impose these fees to fund their schools. Maury County, growing at a similar pace, currently lacks the resources needed to construct additional schools. We’re committed to identifying opportunities that ensure our infrastructure keeps up with our rapid expansion.
Lastly, we have a watchful eye on legislation related to housing affordability and childcare. We’re acutely aware of the challenges faced by a workforce segment that had to leave their jobs to care for children during the pandemic and has yet to return. Making affordable and accessible childcare options available to this group is a priority, as we recognize the potential within this untapped segment of the workforce.
What key considerations should business owners and potential investors keep in mind when establishing local business connections in Maury County and Middle Tennessee?
We boast a great quality of life. Despite the nationwide and Middle Tennessee-wide rise in the cost of living, if you’re exploring the Nashville market, Maury County remains one of the more budget-friendly options. You’ll discover all the essential amenities for a well-rounded community experience, including dining and entertainment options, while still enjoying a cost-effective lifestyle. Plus, you’re within convenient reach of other metropolitan areas. Not only this, but doing business here can be notably smoother. The advantage lies in the fact that we’re a smaller community, making it simpler to establish and nurture professional relationships. It still retains that charming small-town atmosphere, where getting plugged into the community is a straightforward process. You’ll find numerous avenues to connect, whether through our organization or participation in local civic clubs, ensuring you can quickly become an integral part of the Maury County network.
What projects or initiatives are you excited about for the organization moving forward?
Our focus is on planning our next set of priorities. We operate on a five-year strategic plan, and 2024 marks the fifth year of the current plan. In the coming months, we will extensively evaluate our plan to ensure that no priority items have been left unaddressed. From my perspective, it appears that we’ve tackled the major items on our list. As we move forward, our strategy will continue to emphasize a strong push on workforce development and alignment. This includes robust support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the small business community. Additionally, we’ll maintain our focus on improving livability in our community. We recognize that Maury County is at a significant juncture, experiencing considerable growth. With growth, of course, come some growing pains. Our aim is to facilitate these discussions and position ourselves as thought leaders in addressing the challenges that come with our growth.
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