Vision 2020
Overview
Bartlett is the 10th largest city in Tennessee and serves as the hub for a market of over 250,000 residents within the Memphis Metropolitan Area. The area consists of a strong and diversified business community and workforce. The Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce’s (BACC) strategy is to define the economic strengths of the community and develop and implement a cohesive long term plan of action resulting in sustainable capital investments and job growth.
In 2007 the Bartlett Area Chamber created a Public/Private partnership to embark on a three year economic development initiative (Phase I) aimed at: identifying stakeholders, securing initial funding, hiring a full-time Economic Development professional, assessing the area’s strengths and the development of a conceptual plan. With impressive results Phase I was completed in June 2010. Upon completion, the BACC Board of Directors and Strategic Partners have unanimously approved moving forward to Phase II.
Phase II of the Bartlett Area Chamber’s economic development initiative, was launched in July of 2010 as “Vision 20/20 A Clear Vision for the Future.” This program is the first comprehensive economic development strategy to encompass Bartlett and the Northeast Corridor of Shelby County. It targets specific industries, includes a detailed course of action and provides an outline of goals & objectives. Four target growth industries have been identified as major focal points of the initiative. The long term plan will also address other major topics such as Workforce Development, Office/Industrial Park Development, Existing Business and Retention, Community Development and Revitalization.
The five focus industries are:
- Life Science Industry
Establish the Bartlett Area as a magnet for Life Science companies building upon the cluster of companies already existing within the area. - Agribusiness Industry
Establish the Bartlett Area as an anchor for agribusiness companies. Build upon the strong concentration that currently exists. - Growth Industries
Highlight the growth-mode industries within the Bartlett Area and the business friendly environment that makes doing business so attractive. - Retail and Tourism
Promote the Bartlett area as a viable market for retail and commercial entities and to improve the viability of existing retail, hospitality and tourism investment. - Team Green Zone
Team Green Zone is the Bartlett Area Chamber’s exclusive program dedicate to lowering a business’ operating costs by improving their energy and environmental efficiencies. TGZ is a national trend setting model that originated at the BACC. Its concept is simple yet revolutionary, industry experts providing objective advice on a national benchmarking formula.
