Doug Berry, vice president for economic development, will speak at the quarterly “Food for Thought” membership luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 20, at noon at the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber’s Small Business Committee designed the “Food for Thought” luncheons to provide a menu of diverse topics of interest to the community. Previous programs have featured Dr. Bill Seymour, president of Cleveland State Community College, discussing plans for the college going forward under his leadership; Matt Ryerson, president and CEO of United Way of Bradley County, talking about the state of charitable giving and the challenges of operating nonprofit organizations in today’s economy; and most recently, Eric Watson, sheriff of Bradley County, talking about positive changes in the police department since he took office in 2014.
Mr. Berry will talk about progress on a variety of economic development projects and the general economic health of Cleveland and Bradley County.
“Doug Berry needs no introduction,” Nancy Neal, Chamber communications, said. “Since joining the Chamber of Commerce in 2009, he has focused on growing existing industry in Cleveland and Bradley County and in pursuing those projects that will enhance the employment opportunities for the citizens of our community. Doug is passionate about his work and this community.”
Successful projects in the six years he has been with the Chamber of Commerce include Whirlpool Corporation, P&G—Duracell and Mars Chocolate North America, along with projects at Olin Corporation and Lonza. He was also the community's lead contact on the Amazon project. These projects, and others, translate to some $2.5 billion in new capital investment.
In 2011 his professional peers named Mr. Berry the Tennessee Economic Development Council's Fred Harris Professional of the Year in recognition of his contributions to Bradley County and to the state of Tennessee.
Before he came to Cleveland, Mr. Berry served as project manager and affiliate broker for Blue Ridge Development LLC in Knoxville. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of Hodge Engineering Company in Knoxville with responsibilities for business development efforts and planning services for a full-service engineering, architectural and planning firm. Earlier he spent 11 years as president of the Loudon County (Tenn.) Industrial Committee of 100 where he coordinated economic and community development activities for Loudon, Loudon County and Lenoir City.
The third quarter “Food for Thought” Dutch-treat luncheon will take place at the Chamber of Commerce, with reservations required to facilitate room setup and food. Please call the Chamber at 472-6587 to make a reservation or visit the events calendar on the Chamber’s website, www.clevelandchamber.com, by Tuesday, Aug. 18.