Memphis Business Journal by Andy Ashby, Staff writer
Date: Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Andy AshbyStaff writer – Memphis Business Journal
TVA’s economic development efforts helped West Tennessee notch capital investment of $1.2 billion and 10,400 jobs this year.
Companies like Electrolux Home Products and Mitsubishi Electric Power Products topped the list, but a $22 million automotive parts plant by Quaprotek USA in Ripley, Tenn., and a $10.5 million automotive parts plant by UGN Inc. in Jackson helped drive the numbers as well.
“I think it was better than the last couple of years for sure,” John Bradley, senior vice president for economic development at TVA, says. “I just think Memphis and Jackson have done a good job as anchors.”
Bradley pointed to the Memphis area’s strong economic development organization as part of the driving force. He also said Jackson has taken more of regional approach to economic development. This effort, which looks at the nine counties in and around Jackson, is similar to what Memphis does.
West Tennessee still has a mega site available in Brownsville, Tenn., which will continue to draw attention from developers.
“We’ve had interest in the past,” Bradley says. “You just don’t come across sites this size. It’s really hard to find.”
Bradley was quick to laud the city of Memphis and Shelby County’s approach with the new EDGE board.
“When you have a city mayor and county mayor working together and streamlining the process, prospects pick up on that,” Bradley says. “Mayor (A C)Wharton is heavily in economic development. I think his focus on the structure is going to streamline a lot of the process and I think his involvement is huge. He’s got a great relationship with the state of Tennessee.”
Among TVA’s regions, West Tennessee saw the most added employment and the second most capital investment.