Nashville Chamber Hosts Inaugural In-person Intro Nashville Program
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the completion of the first in-person Intro Nashville program session in December.
In this multi-day, immersive program, Intro Nashville participants establish new friendships, new ideas, new networks and new perspectives from a diverse group of people within our growing community. Intro Nashville was born to help individuals and teams make their dreams a reality.
Due to COVID-19, Intro Nashville made its debut as a virtual program in December 2020 hosting over 120 attendees and 100 storytellers within a span of six virtual sessions. With the launch of our first in-person session, an alumni group was created to facilitate networking and collaboration amongst participants who didn’t have an opportunity to be in person. Both virtual and in-person alumni will be invited to the Intro Nashville Alumni group and attend private networking events.
The inaugural in-person Intro Nashville session featured a variety of storytellers and unique venues that have played a vital role in developing the Nashville we know today. Information about the content and storytellers included in the December Intro Nashville session are below:
Opening Reception: Held at the TownePlace Suites by Marriot in Midtown. Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry, kicked off the program as the keynote speaker, discussing Nashville’s past, present and future, and the unique characteristics of the region.
Day 2: “It” City? was held at the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Chamber’s office. The day illustrated how Nashville was built on innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Featured storytellers include:
Marty Dickens, Founding Chairman, Music City Center Authority
Henry Hicks, President & CEO, National Museum of African American Music
Butch Spyridon, President & CEO, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp
Hayley Hovious, President & CEO, Nashville Health Care Council
Darrell Freeman, Founder & Executive Managing Director, Zycron Inc.
Claire Tucker, Founding President & CEO Emerita, CapStar Financial Holdings, Inc.
Day 3: Athens of the South was held at Hastings Architecture and the Tennessee State Capitol. The day explored the role of consolidated government and discuss big policy decisions that shaped our region. It also highlighted the breadth of educational options in the region, illustrate the importance of deep prosperity and explain the talent pipeline in Middle Tennessee. Featured storytellers include:
Dr. Sharon Gentry, Board Member, Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education
Angie Adams, President & CEO, PENCIL
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vanderbilt University
Tony Holt, Chief Development Officer, Cushion Employer Services
Clifton Harris, President & CEO, Urban League of Middle Tennessee
Jacky Akbari, Managing Principal, Worthington Advisory
Pat Nolan, Political Analyst, Inside Politics
Sheriff Daron Hall, Davidson County Sheriff's Office
Pat Nolan, Political Analyst, Inside Politics
State Rep. John Ray Clemmons, District 55, State of Tennessee
Ken Moore, Mayor, City of Franklin
Councilmember Jennifer Gamble, District 3, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County
Day 4: Find Your Rhythm in Music City was held at the Nashville Symphony and National Museum of African American Music. The day featured Nashville’s creative spirit, cultural assets, and instill a commitment to community engagement. Featured storytellers include:
Tari Hughes, President & CEO, Center for Nonprofit Management
Howard Greenstone, Founder & Partner, Red Pebbles Hospitality
Asst. Vice-Chancellor Alfred Degrafinreid II, Local Gov't Relations & Community Partnerships, Vanderbilt University
Agenia Clark, President & CEO, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee
Ron Samuels, Vice Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners
The Chamber will host the next Intro Nashville session in February 2022. Register now by clicking here or learn more by attending a virtual info session included on the Chamber’s online Event Calendar.
Please contact Caitlin Okrzesik at cokrzesik@nashvillechamber.com to learn more about upcoming sessions or sponsorship opportunities.
