Wrapping Up and Looking Forward
As we come to the end of 2019, my reflections on this year have been very positive for our Chamber and our community. Our community continues to experience tremendous industrial and retail growth.
I also just read an article that showed the Morristown MSA as having the leading home price index appreciate of all MSAs in the State of Tennessee. That shows a strength in our real estate market that is demanding an increase pricing and selling realization. Even if you aren’t in the market, this would typically mean through the community’s work and growth, your property is worth about 8.1% more than this time last year. If we could only get 8.1% from all of our investments!
The Chamber also is still reflecting on our first craft beer festival. While we all gauge success in different ways, I think it is a safe bet that this festival will return next year if we retain our previous sponsors and cultivate some new ones. I reflect on the Make Morristown Home Committee’s efforts toward the festival and how listening to the wants and needs of the community resulted in a wonderful fun day for our community. I anticipate us adding this event to our 2020 work plan and expect sponsorships to fill up fast, so if you want your business to be included, please let us know.
Looking forward to 2020, I would expect another steady year of industrial growth, with a majority of our focus being on housing and workforce development. It is fun to recruit new industries, but it is equally important that we continually grow and strengthen our workforce to allow these industries to grow with us.
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and prayers for your personal and business success in the coming year!