Bradley Economic Development Forum

The Economic Development Practice Group of Bradley is pleased to host its first Economic Development Forum. Our goal with this effort is to bring together leaders in economic development to learn about and share ideas regarding issues affecting economic development efforts in the Southeastern States.

Our participants include senior governmental leaders in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee; experts in Workforce Development; some of the most highly regarded site consultants practicing in our region; economic developers that possess a wealth of experience; and attorneys from our firm that are experienced with economic development issues.

As you well know, although the Southeastern United States is a vibrant, growing, and exciting area, it faces challenges. We look forward to discussing issues related to competition from other NAFTA countries, particularly Mexico, for manufacturing jobs, the fact that having right-to-work laws is not sufficient to attract companies without also being able to provide a quality, educated workforce with the skills necessary for complicated work assignments, and dealing with increased media and political scrutiny of incentive programs and economic development efforts. The changing dynamic as a result of lower-cost natural gas will also be an interesting topic.

We are also most pleased to host the event at the new Nashville Music City Center, and to provide an opportunity for the participants to spend networking time together the evening after the program while enjoying some of the best barbecue in the South, and a chance to enjoy music together in the famous honkey-tonks in downtown Nashville.