Tennessee Business Roundtable

Earlier this month, our member & guest execs gathered at Bradley County Schools' PIE Innovation Center for our Q2 Convening. We saw "Industry in Action" during our tour of the Center's areas, and received insights from Wright Bros. Construction, McKee Foods Corp, Cleveland Bradley Chamber, and Cleveland State Community College. Our participants saw and learned how industry and education can partner to deliver hands-on, real-world that's changing lives and communities in Tennessee.
THANKS to WACKER's Lisa Mantooth & Ken Collins, to Unum and John Haley, and to Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and Mike Griffin for making it all possible.

Discover the Roundtable: Where Business Leadership Grows brought business leaders together in Martin and Union City for a full day of connection and collaboration.

From a regional workforce conversation to a networking lunch and evening dinner program, the day focused on strengthening business and community leadership across Tennessee.

A special thank you to our lunchtime keynote speaker, Dr. Adnan Rasool of UTM Political Science and University of Tennessee at Martin, for his powerful remarks on why investing in rural futures, student career pathways, and data-driven governance is essential to Tennessee’s long-term growth.

We’re also deeply grateful to Savant Learning Systems and their CEO, Dr. Nassar Nassar, for generously sponsoring this event and helping make the day possible.

Here’s a look at a few moments from the day — more photos coming soon!
📷: Paige Ramage Photography

🎉 Help us congratulate CHI Memorial for earning an elite “Straight A” designation from The Leapfrog Group—for the 10th consecutive time! This national recognition reflects CHI Memorial’s deep commitment to patient safety and healthcare excellence.

👏 We especially want to recognize Janelle Reilly, Market CEO and Roundtable member, for her visionary leadership. Her impact on healthcare in Tennessee is clear—and powerful.

Learn more: https://www.chattanoogan.com/2025/5/1/503129/CHI-Memorial-Earns-Elite--Straight-A.aspx

CHI Memorial Earns Elite 'Straight A’ Designation From The Leapfrog Group Hamilton Medical Center celebrated its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 20-26. A celebration luncheon was provided. “Volunteers are such a great asset to Hamilton,” said ... more

Roundtable President Patrick Sheehy and Middle TN VP Michael Fann joined fellow Roundtable member Whisper Aero to celebrate their new location in Nashville. Founder & Chief Product Officer Ian Villa and Product Manager Laura Morejón Ramírez shared a sneak peek at their ultra-quiet leaf blower prototype! 🌿🔇

📢 Have you watched our latest interview yet?

In our conversation with Matt Kisber, Chairman & Founder of Silicon Ranch Corporation, he shares how solar energy is shaping Tennessee’s future and why innovation is key to economic growth. Don’t miss his insights on leadership, sustainability, and the power of business collaboration!

🎥 Watch the full interview now: https://www.tbroundtable.org/video-gallery?wix-vod-video-id=3aa5ad15c4374891941095a74f9d7620&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-lwi7nkkx

Video Gallery | TN Biz Roundtable

In our latest interview, we sit down with Matt Kisber, Chairman & Founder of Silicon Ranch Corporation, to discuss his journey, the impact of solar energy in Tennessee, and the role of innovation in business growth. 💡☀️

As a longtime leader in both business and public service, Matt shares insights on sustainability, economic development, and why being part of the Tennessee Business Roundtable matters to him.

🎥 Watch the full conversation: https://www.tbroundtable.org/video-gallery?wix-vod-video-id=3aa5ad15c4374891941095a74f9d7620&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-lwi7nkkx

Video Gallery | TN Biz Roundtable

📢 Bringing the Voice of TN Business to the Capitol! 📢

On Feb 12, we had a powerful Day on the Hill, meeting with key legislators to discuss commerce, workforce development, infrastructure, and fiscal policy—ensuring that TN businesses remain a top priority.

Thank you to Senators Stevens, Bailey, Briggs, Walley, & Taylor and Reps. Darby & Vaughn for your time & leadership! We capped off the day with great conversations at our Chairman’s Dinner at Morton’s.

📸 See event photos here:

2025-02 Day On The Hill 2025-02 Day On The Hill. 2025-02 Day On The Hill on February 12, 2025. photos by Tennessee Business Roundtable

In his thoughtful post on our blog this past weekend, chairman David Pickler outlined some limitations in how this week's proposed Education Freedom Act supports K-12 school choice, and offered some thoughts about how the accountability and fairness of its proposed scholarship program could have been enhanced.

On Schools, Choice, and the Proposed Education Freedom Act January 24, 2025by David A. PicklerPresident & CEO, Pickler Wealth Advisors, Collierville, TN2025 Chair, Tennessee Business RoundtableWhen our General Assembly convenes in special legislative session during the week of January 27, one of the central subjects will be Governor Lee’s proposed Educati...

Congratulations to Ian Villa of Whisper Aero for being recognized as one of Nashville Business Journal's 40 Under 40! A true leader, innovator, and advocate for growth, Ian continues to inspire with his vision and commitment to shaping the future of business in Tennessee. We’re proud to have him as a part of the Tennessee Business Roundtable family!