Bohannon to retire from Chamber leadership

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (June 4, 2008)—Jerry Bohannon has announced his pending retirement as president and CEO of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.

Among Bohannon’s achievements at the Chamber of Commerce was the successful completion of the aggressive $1.6 million Climbing to New Heights to impact the local economy.

“The initiative was developed by area business leaders to implement proactive economic and community development measures,” Bohannon explained, adding that relocation of the Chamber’s offices at the Village Green Town Center was the most visible result of the campaign.

“Relocation of the Chamber’s offices in a downtown home has increased business participation in area economic and workforce development,” Bohannon noted. “It has also projected a positive, progressive image of our community.”

The 10,000-square-foot complex at the south end of the Village Green includes a conference center and equipment to operate computer-generated presentations that were vital when hosting such industrial prospects as Starplex Scientific Inc., a Canadian-based manufacturer, and Exel Inc./Eastern Lighting Distribution Center, both of which are now members of the industrial base of Bradley County.

“The Climbing to New Heights initiative has also allowed the Chamber to have a more active role in financially underwriting projects and studies to benefit the community as a whole,” Bohannon said, citing the downtown master plan and the Airport Authority’s master plan as funding recipients.

Under his leadership, the Chamber of Commerce has strengthened its workforce development programs with the addition of such programs as Tennessee Scholars, Ethics in the Classroom, and Business/Industry in the Classroom.  These programs and others continue to facilitate stronger relationships between businesspeople, educators and community leaders for the common good of ensuring an educated workforce.

“Our workforce development programs alone have given the Chamber greater visibility in the community in recent years through various media outlets and have positioned us as a source for ensuring a skilled workforce.”

Among Bohannon’s proudest achievements is the establishment of the Transportation Task Force.

“We continue to encourage the city and county to address our need for a comprehensive transportation plan for future growth,” he said. “But we also support the need to address the challenges we have today with our streets and roads that need immediate attention.”

The retiring president also noted that he is proud of the progress made on a new airport for Cleveland/Bradley County.

“Because of our New Heights initiative, we were able to help fund the master plan and subsequently support the Airport Authority’s efforts to improve general aviation airport service to Cleveland and Bradley County,” Bohannon said. “The community has been so restrained by an inadequate airport and unable to realize the impact of an adequate and efficient airport.

“Of course, the jury’s still out on how much it will mean to the community, but I believe that one day we will realize the benefit of a quality and conveniently located airport that can move people and products in and out of the community quickly and efficiently. The Chamber will have played a significant role in supporting this important asset.”

Bohannon explained that his decision to retire was not an easy one to make.

“I have truly enjoyed my 12-year tenure with the Chamber, and the decision has not been an easy one,” Bohannon said in making the announcement. “After much thought and prayerful consideration, I feel that now is the best time to leave the Chamber’s administration.”

Bohannon, a native of Memphis, Tenn., has been in Chamber work more than 23 years.

“Chamber work is gratifying, enjoyable and challenging,” he said about his years in Chamber management. “We hope it is influential.”

He continued, “My involvement with this Chamber and staff has been very fulfilling. I’ll miss the great staff assembled at the Chamber, but I’m confident they will continue to pursue programs beneficial to its members and the community. I’ve had the honor to work for and with some of the best businesspeople that a community has to offer.”

His community activities include Rotary Club of Cleveland, Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region, Ocoee Region Multicultural Services, Cleveland/Bradley Keep America Beautiful, Family Resource Agency, United Way of Bradley County and the Southeast Tennessee Workforce Investment Board. He also presently serves as chairman of the Tennessee Technology Center at Athens General Advisory Committee.

The Bohannons plan to continue to make their home in Cleveland.

“The Cleveland/Bradley County area and its people have been very gracious to Betty and me,” Bohannon expressed. “We look forward to many more years here. I have always taken pride in living in a community where a person’s faith can be expressed within the business community without reservation.”

Noting that he’d like a dog and a pickup truck for retirement, he added, “We’ll able to spend more time with our [four] grandchildren, and my project list at home is growing longer. So it’s time to step aside and give someone else the opportunity to experience the work environment I’ve enjoyed for over 12 years.”

According to Fisher, Chamber Board Chairman-elect Dr. Carl Hite will lead a search committee to fill the position.