Tennessee government makes decisions, sets policy, and interacts with business everyday. Those actions can have a tremendous effect on the profitability, expenses, and regulatory hurdles faced by businesspeople. And the person that sets the tone for the government is Governor Phil Bredesen.
On February 1, just days after the State of the State Bredesen will be in Knoxville to speak at the Chamber’s biannual Governor’s Luncheon sponsored by Alcoa, Inc. and Aqua-Chem, Inc. Please make plans to attend. The event will begin at 11:30 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Seating is limited, so please register now by calling 865-246-2622 or by visiting the Chamber’s online events calendar. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. Tables of 10 are also available for $500 and incllude extra benefits. Call Michelle Kiely at 865-246-2617 for details.
The state’s 48th governor, Bredesen is a former businessman and understands what it takes to make a business successful. During his public service, he has focused on fixing TennCare, extending healthcare coverage to the employees and owners of small businesses, reforming the state’s workers’ compensation system, and recruiting new businesses and new jobs. Recently, Bredesen has turned in earnest to focus on his number-one priority — education.
The governor has committed to improving high school graduation rates and seeing more Tennesseeans complete college degrees. He recently joined the American Diploma Project initiative. The Tennessee Diploma Project will restructure the state’s education system so students have a more rigorous education and take standardized tests that more accurately and truly measure gains. The project also requires all Tennessee high school students to take a college entrance exam.
The Governor’s Luncheon on February 1 will be a key opportunity to hear firsthand about Bredesen’s positions for the upcoming session of the General Assembly. The governor will expand on his State of the State address and also answer questions submitted by Chamber members.
