by Writing by Design Media, Inc. Staff
On March 17, 2023, the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce (JMCAACC), Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce and Lane College, hosted a meeting to share resources about the opportunities coming to West Tennessee related to Ford BlueOval City.
The meeting was held at Lane College in Jackson, Tenn. Small business owners and community supporters were in attendance along with representatives from the Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (Go-DBE), Gwen Sanders, liaison for the Go-DBE, and Dewayne Scott, deputy commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Sanders and Scott shared information via PowerPoint presentations about construction projects and workforce development opportunities.
The office of Go-DBE has monthly sessions with Walbridge Construction, the general contractor for the Ford BlueOval City construction project.
"Knowledge is Power! It was a pleasure for the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce to support Don McCorry and President Logan Hampton with professional leaders who could provide information that allows minority businesses to prepare and do business with the Ford Blue Oval City operations. I want to stress that it is essential for minority businesses to get proper business certifications in order to qualify for any contracting or general services, "said Carolyn Waller, president of the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce.
"When the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce agreed to sponsor the event, we had no idea of the overwhelming interest from the business community," said Don McCorry, executive director of the (JMCAACC).
"We had standing room only during one of the most thoughtful, informative and relevant conversations between business owners and state representatives on how to take advantage of this monumental opportunity which will change the lives of citizens throughout West Tennessee."
In 2021, Ford announced the largest investment in history - $5.6B in a new manufacturing plant located in Stanton, Tenn. in Haywood County - Ford BlueOval City and BlueOval SK Battery Park located in Glendale, Kentucky.
"I would like to take the time to thank you (Don McCorry) for all of your hard work for helping to bring this much needed event to Jackson, TN. I would also like to thank all of the chambers (JMCAACC and Nashville Black Chamber), Lane College and the state representatives for taking the time and the initiative to help small businesses succeed," said Gwen Major, board member of the JMCAACC).
"I am able to move forward in seeking opportunities with BlueOval City in my small business because of the information that was provided."
To learn more about certification with Go-DBE, click here.
To learn more about Walbridge Construction, click here.
To read more articles on Ford BlueOval City see below.
Grant program rolls out as Ford moves to funnel Blue Oval benefits - TSDMemphis.com (tri-statedefender.com)
To contact Writing by Design Media, Inc. send email to editor@wbdmedia.com.