McKenzie Chamber, Industrial Board Host Manufacturers Breakfast

McKENZIE (October 4) — McKenzie Industrial Board and the McKenzie Chamber of Commerce, along with participating manufacturers in McKenzie, kicked off Manufacturing Week on Friday, October 4 with a breakfast for industrial leaders at Bethel University.

Attending were company officials, representatives from the McKenzie Industrial Board and the McKenzie Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), City of McKenzie officials, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Carroll County Electric, West TN Public Utility District, State Representative Tandy Darby, Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler and representatives for Senator Marsha Blackburn and Representative David Kustoff.

As part of the break event, a guest panel consisting of Janna Hellums (TNECD), Ginger Powell (Workforce Development), Roderick Woody (Apprenticeship Tennessee), Susan Dyer (McKenzie Special School District) and Dr. Jan Latimer (TCAT Henry/Carroll County). Each talked about their respective organization and how they are working to help growing industry in the region.

During the week, tours will be provided at Pottery Direct, Allegion and Plastic Products Formers - a division of VP Racing. The McKenzie Chamber and Industrial Board will provide lunches for the manufacturers as well. This includes Allegion, Haven Steel, Pottery Direct, VP Racing, Profile Metal, McKenzie Valve, CMC, Stanley Black & Decker and J&J Auto Racing.

Monica Heath, executive director of both the McKenzie Industrial Development Corporation and McKenzie Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the event is designed to honor the McKenzie manufacturers for their commitment to McKenzie.

The event was co-sponsored by Chamber premium sponsors: Haven Steel, Allegion and Centennial Bank.