Dr. Sharon Younger Receives TEDC Legacy Award

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Economic Development Council (TEDC) announces its presentation of Dr. Sharon Younger, founder and president of Younger Associates, with the TEDC Legacy Award. This award is offered in recognition of an esteemed figure in economic development whose work has left a profound impact on the profession and the communities they serve. Sharon is only the tenth person to receive the Legacy Award since its inception.

Sharon, a native of McLemoresville, has cultivated a distinguished career in economic development for more than 30 years, with a focus on improving the economic conditions of rural communities, particularly in Tennessee. In 1990, she founded the marketing research firm, Younger Associates, which specializes in economic development.

The firm has since been recognized by organizations such as the International Economic Development Council and the Southeastern Economic Development Council for their innovative and successful work.

Under Sharon’s leadership, Younger Associates has pioneered approaches to projects in economic impact analysis, workforce recruitment and strategic planning throughout the United States. The firm primarily partners with regional and federal economic development organizations such as TVA, Delta Regional Authority, Metro Nashville, State of Wyoming, and Enterprise Florida for these initiatives. They have also conducted research for private clients including Toyota, Nissan, Caterpillar, SpaceX, FedEx, and other Fortune 500 companies.

Among Younger Associates’ most current work is providing research for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to assist in preparation for the impact of Ford BlueOval City.

The methodologies used by Younger Associates, shaped by Sharon’s expertise and vision, are recognized nationally for using a customized, data-driven approach to provide actionable insights that match a region’s unique circumstances and desired outcomes. They have been applied to hundreds of projects across the United States, leaving a lasting influence on the field of economic development research and analysis.

As a frequent speaker at national conferences, associate dean and faculty instructor for the Economic Development Institute, and as a lecturer for economic development programs at the University of Tennessee, Auburn, LSU and other universities, Sharon has taught countless economic development professionals to prepare the next generation of leaders in the field. In keeping with her commitment to Tennessee’s rural communities, her guidance has empowered cities and towns in 89 of the state’s 95 counties with the resources to compete and thrive in an evolving economic landscape.

“Working alongside Sharon for the past 28 years has been a true privilege,” said Lana Suite, Senior Partner and Director of Research at Younger Associates. “Not only has she been an inspiration and a mentor to me - she motivates the entire team to pursue excellence with the unwavering dedication she displays. She leads by example with keen insight, exceptional communication skills, and expertise that is invaluable to the communities we’ve had the honor to serve. Even after all these years, I continue to learn something new from Sharon every day we work together.”

The Legacy Award, first given in 2012, recognizes those in the state economic development community who have had an extraordinary impact on the profession and the community in which they worked. This award is not given annually but is instead offered as a special recognition for individuals who are highly respected, active in economic development and have been a TEDC member for at least 10 years.

Awards were presented at the TEDC Fall Conference which was held this year in Jackson, Tennessee, where Younger Associates is based; Dr. Younger is based at the firm’s Memphis office.

TEDC is a statewide organization for both public and private sector professionals involved in economic development. Since 1967, TEDC has provided professional development opportunities for its more than 425 members and works with state officials to maintain an attractive business environment in Tennessee.

For more information, visit www.tnedc.com or contact Suzie Lusk at 615.256.5141.