by Hunter Patterson | Feb 15, 2012 | News Slider
While hospitality is one of the Volunteer State’s most notable traits, Colin Reed says Tennessee’s tourism industry has more opportunity than ever to grow. And his audience had a vested interest in increasing tourism. The Nashville Business Breakfast, which was held at Lipscomb University and co-sponsored by the Nashville Business Journal, was attended by professionals in fields from media to politics and everywhere in between. Reed, the CEO of Gaylord Entertainment, said that though Tennessee’s tourism industry is valued at over $14 billion, the state has never attracted international tourists. While Mayor Karl Dean highlighted the uniqueness of the city’s airport, with country music artists welcoming you to Nashville, Reed said that international travelers couldn’t get directly into the city. Currently, those traveling from abroad must have a very hectic itinerary. Reed compared the local airport, BNA, to the airport in Denver, where Gaylord is building a resort and convention center. On an average day, Denver has 15 international flights. Nashville only has two – Cancun during the spring and summer and year-round flights to Toronto Reed also announced to the crowd that the 2011 year was the most successful one in the Opryland Hotel’s history. The hotel made $291.8 million last year, just one year after the flood that destroyed much of the property around the hotel. Gaylord’s plan to “attract and expand leisure based business” began earlier this year when the company announced the construction of a new theme park. Reed says the park is expected to get 500,000 visitors annually. By the third year, it is expected to generate an output of $66 million. Reed also said...
by Hunter Moss | Oct 21, 2010 | News Slider
President Lowry announced the newly established Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership at the quarterly Nashville Business Breakfast today. Several distinguish guests were in attendance including Governor Bredesen and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. Bearing the names of influential community leaders Nelson and Sue Andrews, who significantly shaped Nashville and the Middle Tennessee community throughout their lives, the institute will continue to promote the Andrews’ legacy of civic leadership through academic programs, community engagement and a leadership council. Former corporate executive and White House veteran Linda Peek Schacht will serve as the institute’s executive director. Since arriving at Lipscomb in 2008, Schacht has taught as associate professor within the departments of history, politics and philosophy and communication. The new institute will focus on establishing a master’s degree in civic leadership in fall 2011. Also, a website (leadingvoices.lipscomb.edu) devoted to civic entrepreneurship will serve as a national interactive link among community leaders, including working papers, regular blogs and results of research. “Nelson Andrews was the model of a successful civic leader, with Sue at his side as partner and friend,” said Lowry. “Over the past couple of years, Mr. Andrews and I discussed the importance of leadership education and training”. The morning’s breakfast concluded with Governor Bredesen speaking on Tennessee’s economic development over the past eight years. Several executives and vice presidents stood behind him as evidence: Hemlock Semiconductor Group’s Rick Doornbus, Volkswagen Group of America’s David Geanacopoulos and Assurion’s Bryon Smith. “I hold a debt to repay Nelson Andrews”, says Governor Bredesen. “He played a huge role in mentoring and preparing me for leadership in government”. The late...
