the dinner program starting at 6 p.m. will open the ...

in thisISSUE

NOVEMBER 2014Vol. 16 | Issue 11

PAGE 7

Trends Reporttakes secondaward

PAGE 8

Mars recognized as Chamberfounder

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Community to get local, global look at trends

Survey respondents cite marketing as big challenge

From Williamson County to the world will be the theme of the Williamson, Inc. annual meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, as attendees get an insightful briefing on the current state of the local economy while also learning about global business issues from an international expert.

This annual celebration at The Factory at Franklin is open to the entire community and will feature a pre-meet-ing cocktail hour with a silent auction of unique goods and services offered by local businesses. The cocktail mixer and auction bidding will begin at 5 p.m. in the courtyard area outside of Jamison Hall, followed by

the dinner program starting at 6 p.m. The keynote speaker for the event

will be Robert Guest, an editor with one of the most influential publications

in the world, The Economist. Read weekly by 6 million people, the London-based news source has published for well over a century and is a trusted authority of global news analysis. Guest, editor for the United States, has written two books. He has reported from nearly 70

countries and lived in six – experiences that inform his up-to-date perspective on business around the world.

Williamson, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Largen

will open the program with a State of the Chamber address, which will include a briefing on the current business climate and what’s on the horizon for 2015 and beyond.

Lipscomb University College of Business and Spark: Lipscomb’s Idea Center are the premier presenting sponsors for this final Chamber signature event for 2014.

Chamber member businesses interested in donating items or services for the silent auction should contact Meetings and Events Director Abby Bass at [email protected] or 615-771-1912. Only 40 or so with a value of $50 or more will be featured.

Five event sponsors already had

One in 10 recipients com-pleted the second Williamson, Inc. survey, which asked for feedback about business challenges, programming and other topics to help guide the Chamber in understanding and addressing the wide- ranging needs of the local business community.

Williamson, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Largen said he was pleased with the survey partic-

ipation, as well as the many specific comments respon-dents took the time to provide.

“This is one way we can hear directly from our members, gauge how we’re doing and find out what other types of programming or support might be needed,” he explained.

This issue of The Point will spotlight what survey respon-dents said they need to grow

Robert Guest

l CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

l CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

In November the First Friday audience got a Washington update from U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, who also shared some insights on economic growth and foreign relations in The Point Q&A on page 7.

THE POINT l November 2014

THE POINT is published as a partnership between the Williamson Chamber and The Tennessean. For editorial inquiries, contact Libby Older at [email protected]. For advertising information, contact Lauren Carpenter at [email protected]. 5005 Meridian Blvd., Suite 150 | Franklin, TN 37067 | 615.771.1912 | www.williamsonchamber.com

Best Buddies Tennessee116 Wilson Pike Circle, Ste. 201Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 891-2046bestbuddies.orgAnneliese Barron

Boyden & Youngblutt7127 Crossroads Blvd., Ste. 103Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 866-1978b-y.netRob West

Cherie Hammond1681 Brightway PlaceBrentwood, TN 37027(615) 268-8068Cherie Hammond

Community Health Alliance5115 Maryland Way, Ste. 225Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 610-2332chatn.orgPerry Baines

Cool Springs Relocation LLC1616 Westgate Circle, Ste. 309Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 932-0098CoolSpringsRelocation.comJoshua Smith

El Lagutin Insurance Agency106 Mission Court, Ste. 602AFranklin, TN 37064(615) 533-9613shelterinsurance.com/CA/agent/ ELagutinEl Lagutin

Franklin Media Group Inc.625 Bakers Bridge, #105-86Franklin, TN 37067(615) 647-8700thefranklinmediagroup.comJuliana Stachurski

Geny Insurance Group7101 N. Lake Dr.Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 945-1810genyinsurance.comSonny Pittman

Ginger Farmer - HQ Insurance2451 Atrium WayNashville, TN 37214(615) 268-0660gingerfarmer.comGinger Farmer

Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee4522 Granny WhiteNashville, TN 37204(615) 383-0490gsmidtn.orgRebecca Anderson

Harpeth Graphics1203 Murfreesboro RoadSte. 145Franklin, TN 37064(615) 794-1896harpethgraphics.netSuzanne Bond

Hometown Pet1203 Murfreesboro RoadFranklin, TN 37067(615) 440-4036Hometownpet.comC.J. Pritchard

Mary Kay Cosmetics(847) 778-1077marykay.com/janoJan Onstott

Lung Institute2001 Mallory Lane, Ste. 302Franklin, TN 37067(855) 469-5864lunginstitute.comLynne Flaherty

Marco’s Pizza4115 Mallory Lane, Ste. 212Franklin, TN 37067(615) 790-2244marcos.comStuart Field

Mental Health America295 Plus Park Blvd., Ste. 201Nashville, TN 37217(615) 269-5355ichope.comTom Starling

Mr. Roof(615) 438-5708nashvillemrroof.comJeffrey Kinney

New Brand Cleaners8113 Moores Lane, Ste. 2400Brentwood, TN 37027(615) 309-0599newbrandcleaners.comTaft Ayers

Pilgrim Consulting Inc.616 Bradley CourtFranklin, TN 37067(615) 236-6868pilgrimconsulting.comJuliana Stachurski

ProHealth Rural Health Services Inc.1325 W. Main St.Franklin, TN 37064(615) 591-4750prohealth.mdRay White

Rodan + Fields5516 Joseph St. Franklin, TN 37064(615) 414-4155lizcuster.myrandf.bizLiz Custer

Saladworks600 Frazier Dr., Ste. 100Franklin, TN 37067(615) 472-1660saladworks.comMeredith Orberson

Schweer Insurance Group Inc. - Allstate Agency

106 Mission Court, Ste. 304Franklin, TN 37067(615) 861-2321AllstateAgencies.com/ BambiSchweerBambi Schweer

Sleep Apnea Institute2001 Mallory Lane, Ste. 302Franklin, TN 37067(855) 253-3096thesleepapneainstitute.comLynne Flaherty

Studio Tenn Theatre Company230 Franklin Road, Ste. 809Franklin, TN 37064(917) 692-3570studiotenn.comJake Speck

Susan Taylor Leathers311 Seward RoadBrentwood, TN 37027(615) 300-9076Susan Leathers

T.W. Frierson Contractor Inc.1330 Murfreesboro RoadNashville, TN 37069(615) 367-1333twfrierson.comTom Gregory

Taziki’s428 Main St.Franklin, TN 37064(615) 651-4583tazikiscafe.comJessie Pugh

The Ashcroft Law Firm LLC338 Shadow Creek Dr. Brentwood, TN 37027(816) 285-7600ashcroftgroupllc.com/law/Lori Sharpe Day

Tire Discounters207 Wilson Pike CircleBrentwood, TN 37027(615) 309-8044tirediscounters.comLori Heimerdinger

Tressia Grant - Assured Financial179 Lodge Hall RoadNolensville, TN 37135(615) 478-6221Tressia Grant

Thank you to these volunteers for their contributions this month to the Williamson Chamber membership committees.kudos l LAURA FRASER, Arbonne

International, as an Ambassador for attending the most Chamber meetings and ribbon cuttings.

l CANDY DONEGAN, BenefitMall, of the Member Relations Committee for excelling in reaching out to members.

l STECK JOHNSON, Healthcare Solutions Team, for bringing in the most new members for the month.

l MIKE ALEXANDER, Signs First Franklin, of the Engagement Committee for mentoring the most new members through the orientation process.

These companies and individuals have made a commitment to business growth and to their community by joining the Williamson Chamber. They will enjoy the benefits of a robust business directory listing on the Chamber website and referrals from our office and from fellow members. When you need products or services, please search the directory on the Chamber website and do business with a Chamber member.

WELCOME new membersJOIN THE MEMBER BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT THE WILLIAMSON CHAMBER – CALL US TODAY AT 615-771-1912.

Watch for news about how to reserve your meeting

choices in advance and save on registration fees.

JUST SEVEN WEEKS UNTIL 2015!

GET READY TO DO BUSINESS!


YOUR HEALTH. OUR PASSION.YOUR LIFE. YOUR WORK. YOUR PLAY.

Leadership lessonsdrawn from battle history

Local Civil War experiences were used as leadership teaching tools at the October Williamson Chamber luncheon, which was attended by nearly 200 guests and presented by Saint Thomas Health.

As Williamson County observes the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Battle of Franklin, speakers Tim Pierce and Thomas Flagel drew upon that for mod-ern-day business lessons, which they use in corporate leadership training.

“Powerful events that changed the course of history – Franklin is full of them,” said Pierce, director of executive programs at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.

Flagel gave listeners a view into three iconic Franklin locations and what happened there – Winstead Hill, the Carter House and the Carnton Plantation. He is an assistant professor of American history at Columbia State Community College.

“Even in its ugliest moment, I love history,” he said, adding that it helps people develop perspective and empathy.

From the high vantage point of Winstead Hill, the Confederate leaders had different views about how to confront the Union forces, Flagel said. This led to conflict and turmoil, Pierce suggested, much like what occurs in modern workplaces every day. This history lesson illustrates the need for leaders to have emotional and social

“intelligence” as they assess and incor-porate varying viewpoints, he explained.

At the Carter House and elsewhere in Franklin, everyday activities in the mid-1800s represented the “industrial revolution in motion,” Flagel explained.

“Every road has a story,” he added, as he praised longtime local efforts to reclaim and preserve the land in order to also save the “human stories.” This effort illustrates strategic thinking – a key trait for successful businesses, Pierce explained.

The last lesson came from the five final hours of the battle, when the stately Carnton Plantation was turned into a makeshift hospital. Hundreds of dead and wounded were carried to Carrie McGavock’s beloved home, where even her two young children helped care for them.

“They didn’t ask for it. It fell upon them,” Flagel said.

“They took ownership of the situa-tion,” Pierce added. And in business, ownership and accountability are key, he explained – the final lesson learned from this history.

In remarks before the program, the county’s new Convention & Visitors Bureau head urged attendees to con-tact the tourism office if their business wants to arrange educational or com-munity activities for employees during group meetings or at other times.

“We want to work with you on that,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Ellie Westman Chin.

Volunteers Shelley Moeller and George Zubulake, left, greeted new members Kathryn Collins, Patrick Cornell and John Dillard.

Ellie Westman Chin, the new head of the county’s Convention & Visitors Bureau, introduced the meeting speakers.

Mars Petcare was represented by Brian Douglas, left, Stan Layden, Mike Palmer, Amanda Greene, Rachel Chiappetta and Andrea Hilderbrand.

Williamson, Inc. representatives gathered to thank expo sponsors TN Media and Belmont University Center for Executive Education. Shown here from the left are Judy Hayes, Jill Robinson representing Belmont, Matt Largen, Heather Cass representing TN Media, and Cindi Parmenter.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Speakers Thomas Flagel, left, and Tim Pierce, right, pose with Matt Largen, president and chief executive officer of Williamson, Inc.


SITTERS AND MORE OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE127 Franklin Road, Suite 300 • Brentwood

Ribbon Cutting – Oct. 3 • 10 employees This family-owned and operated business oversees some 200 caregivers who provide assistance in homes, hospitals, assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. In business for 15 years, Sitters and More takes a personal approach to every client, training caregivers to meet specific needs.

VANDERBILT HEALTH ANDWILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER WALK-IN CLINIC134 Pewitt Dr., Suite 200 • Brentwood

Ribbon Cutting – Oct. 8 • 15 employees

Board-certified physicians treat everything from allergies and sore throats to fevers and minor injuries. Advanced services such as EKGs and X-rays also are available.

MORNING POINTE OF FRANKLIN1005 Generations Way • Franklin

Ground Breaking – Oct. 7 • 125 employees

This will be the third Morning Pointe community in the Nashville area. It will provide assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care in two single-story buildings on about 12 acres. Licensed nurses oversee and coordinate care plans. Residents enjoy restaurant-style meals, enrichment activities and regular outings.

RELIANCE FIRST CAPITAL840 Crescent Centre Dr., Suite 350 • Franklin

Rededication – Sept. 30 • 27 employees

The motto is “Rely on Reliance,” and customers struggling with low credit scores will find that comforting when they meet with this home mortgage lender. Drawing on an array of resources, the loan officers at Reliance consider themselves customer advocates. They are committed to quick approvals and speedy closings.

THRIFTSMART454 Downs Blvd. • Franklin


The largest non-profit thrift brand in Nashville, with this location ThriftSmart returns to Franklin. The store offers gently used clothing, accessories, furniture, housewares, books and home décor. All profits go to local charities, and every day is a sale day. Donations are accepted from individuals and groups.

MAUI WOWI HAWAIIAN COFFEES AND SMOOTHIES 4020 Hughes Crossing, Suite 100 • Franklin


Franklin’s Berry Farms is home to the new Maui Wowi, which offers gourmet Hawaiian coffee and espresso along with good-for-you fresh fruit smoothies that are non-fat, gluten-free, heart-healthy and kosher! Stop in or call to learn about catering options and fund-raising for your non-profit.

PIE FIVE PIZZA401B Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 220 • Franklin


This second Williamson County Pie Five location gives customers fast, fresh, customized pizza in five minutes at an affordable $6.99 price. Pick your ingredients and watch it made with dough and sauce that are prepared daily. Custom salads also are available. Bring your own wine or enjoy a local beer on the patio.

SLEEP APNEA INSTITUTE2001 Mallory Lane, Suite 302 • Franklin


The Sleep Apnea Institute offers an effective treatment alternative for this condition with no need for painful invasive throat surgeries, bulky dental devices and loud continuous positive airway pressure masks. The in-office, minimally invasive procedure requires no general anesthesia and has minimal recovery time.

LUNG INSTITUTE 2001 Mallory Lane, Suite 302 • Franklin


The Lung Institute is a leading global provider of innovative regenerative medicine technologies for the treatment of debilitating lung and pulmonary conditions, including COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other issues. The patient’s own stem cells help cue the natural healing process of damaged lung tissue.

what’s new IN WILLIAMSON WE CELEBRATE WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES AS THEY OPEN, EXPAND AND RENOVATE!


The CHAMBER OFFICE is located in Cool Springs at 5005 Meridian Blvd., Suite 150, Franklin.

NOV 19 ANNUAL MEETING CELEBRATION 5 p.m., silent auction and cocktails 6 p.m., dinner and program The Factory at Franklin 230 Franklin Road Speaker: Robert Guest U.S. editor of The Economist Presented by Lipscomb University College of Business and Spark: Lipscomb’s Idea Center NOV 20 MEMBER CONNECT! LEADS EXCHANGE Two sessions, members only 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Chamber office NOV 24 FUTURE MEMBERS INFO SESSION 4 p.m., Chamber office DEC 2 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HOLIDAY PARTY 5 p.m., Chamber office Presented by Lipscomb University College of Business DEC 9 CHAMBER 101 MEMBER ORIENTATION 3:30 p.m., Chamber office Presented by First Citizens National Bank DEC 9 WOMEN IN BUSINESS HOLIDAY PARTY 5:30 p.m., Audi of Nashville 1576 Mallory Lane, Brentwood Presented by Vanderbilt Health and Williamson Medical Center Walk-in Clinic DEC 11 FUTURE MEMBERS INFO SESSION 9 a.m., Chamber office DEC 18 MEMBER CONNECT! LEADS EXCHANGE Two sessions, members only 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Chamber office

RIBBON CUTTINGSNOV 18, 4 p.m. • Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Center at Williamson Medical Center

PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION.

events&meetings

Women urged to move forward with confidence

GET IT ON YOUR CALENDAR!Register now for some holiday fun

with the Young Professionals on Dec. 2 and Women in Business on Dec. 9.

The Chamber’s Cindi Parmenter, left, with incoming CABLE president Jan Maddox, current president Yolanda Harris-Jackson and Women in Business committee chair Linda Hirsch.

Stacy Wallace, left, and Stephanie Clark were on hand to represent presenting sponsor Williamson Medical Center.

Nancy Jones, left, Donna Coleman, Ellen Bradbury and Jennifer Bogard got together before the meeting.

Julie Lavender, left, and Danielle Revelette were first-time attendees at Women in Business.

Yolanda Harris-Jackson offered seven leadership lessons at the October Women in Business (WIB) luncheon, all aimed at empowering her listeners to believe in their abilities and move confidently toward their goals.

The president of CABLE – the largest women’s professional networking and leadership orga-nization in Tennessee – asked attendees to indicate by raising their hands whether they felt they were leaders in the community, in business or just “everywhere you go.”

“So we’re talking to a roomful of women leaders,” she said to audience laughter. “I think life is like musical chairs.… We’re all trying to find our seats.”

Harris-Jackson, former director of the Relâche Spa at Gaylord Opryland Resort, noted that women hold more advanced degrees than men and have been judged in research studies to be better leaders.

“I say it’s time for you to take your seat as a woman leader in this world,” the Nashville native admonished. Then she offered seven lessons that women in leadership need to know to take initiative and drive toward results.

The seventh lesson from Harris-Jackson was “don’t be afraid of an

unknown environment.” “That door of opportunity is

wide open just for you,” she said. “The best way to face fears...is to face them head on.”

Lesson six was “distractions cause reactions.” From unsuitable job offers to unwanted committee appointments, women need to say no gracefully, she suggested.

“Focus on one great thing instead of trying to accomplish five good things,” she said. “If it’s not in your path, you shouldn’t be dealing with it.... It should be adding to your life.”

Be willing to change – and not go back – was the fifth lesson on Harris-Jackson’s list. When it comes to just ignoring a problem-atic issue, “If you won’t deal with it, it will deal with you,” advised the 1995 Miss Black Tennessee.

In the fourth spot – don’t be a liability to yourself. Don’t dwell on past problems, and forgive others and yourself, Harris-Jackson advised.

“You just have to keep moving forward,” she explained. “It’s not about what people are saying about you, it’s what you’re saying to yourself.”

Lesson three was to “know thyself,” and not let others define who you are.

“As soon as you feel you’re

being judged, then that depletes you,” Harris-Jackson said. “You’ve got to understand your own campaign,” your goals and mission, she added.

“Know what you want, and let other people know what you want,” she said.

At the second spot, the self-described “preacher’s kid” suggested people should “embrace the spirit of gratitude.”

“There’s a lesson in every situation,” she said. “Be at peace wherever you are.... We can do it through gratitude.”

Taking the No. 1 spot in the leadership lessons: trust yourself – you know more than you think you do.

“Trust your gut. Trust your intuition,” Harris-Jackson said. “Stay on target. Stay focused.... Take these lessons and keep moving forward.”

At the close of the program, WIB steering committee leader Linda Hirsh recognized her com-mittee members and incoming chair Shanna Jackson. Hirsh has served in the top WIB leadership role for two years, including during the transition to the countywide Chamber.

The October Women in Business luncheon was presented by Williamson Medical Center.Get the details at williamsonchamber.com.

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker is the guest columnist this month for The Point Q&A. He spoke to an overflow crowd in early November at the Chamber’s popular First Friday meeting, presented by FirstBank. The meeting pro-vides networking and educa-tional opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

l What should Congress do to eliminate roadblocks to business and economic growth?

One thing Congress can do is peel back unnecessary federal regulations that hurt job creation. As someone who spent years in business, I understand how unnecessary regulations can affect a company’s ability to grow. Congress needs to rein in the regulatory overreach of federal agencies and work to ensure that American private sector investment is not threatened needlessly.

Additionally, we need to reform our tax code. Our country’s combined corporate tax rate is the highest in the world, putting American busi-nesses at a competitive disad-vantage. We need to reform the tax code by eliminating loopholes, permanently lower-ing individual and corporate rates and broadening the base.

Finally, we need to change the tone in Washington. American businesses are the lifeline of our economy and generate opportunities for families nationwide. Rather than criticize America’s entrepreneurs and business owners, we need to celebrate those who take risks and succeed. By championing America’s entrepreneurial spirit and by fostering pro-growth policies, busi-nesses can create more job opportunities, invest more in our communities, and help pull those individuals in the

bottom 50 percent out of poverty so they have a better standard of living.

l What overarching insight have you gained from your service on the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations?

As ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I have the privilege of traveling across the globe and seeing the positive impact that our country has on the world. I am reminded of America’s incredi-ble free enterprise system that has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and has encouraged others to try to emulate us. Our focus should be to protect this free enterprise system and create an environment where future entrepreneurs and business owners can succeed so that,

in turn, they can provide jobs and invest in communities.

As I travel across the state, I’m often asked why the U.S. must play a role in so many

places around the globe when there are many problems to address here at home. I believe U.S. leadership mat-ters from a moral standpoint when it comes to humanitar-ian issues and from an economic standpoint when it comes to trade and our global economy. For example, the

U.S. has 4.5 percent of the world’s population, but we account for about 22 percent of the world’s economic activity as measured by GDP.

This means that we have a greater stake in advancing economic growth and trade. It’s important that the administration do a better job of working with Congress to define U.S. interests and outline clear strat-egies when addressing crises abroad.

We have been given a remarkable gift by

being able to live in this country, and it is our sacred duty to be stewards of that gift for future generations. I wake up every day trying to find ways to solve the big issues before us so that my generation can leave behind a stronger nation than the one we inherited.


U.S. SEN. BOB CORKERState of Tennessee

Q A&

Annual meeting (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

Survey results (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

Graphic artist Jenn Scharbach, left, designed the 2014 Trends Report, and Vice President of Economic Development Amanda Murray did the research and wrote the content.

Corker says U.S. leadership matters around the globe

Outlook report receivesinternational honor

Already recognized with a regional award, the Outlook Williamson 2014 Trends Report now has gar-nered an international honor bestowed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The 32-page document received the “Silver Excellence” award for general purpose print promo-tion for communities of 25,000 to 200,000. Packed with statistics and explanatory infographics about the local economy and workforce, the Trends Report is available to view and download at williamsonchamber.com under “Economic Development Overview.”

The IEDC awards recognize the world’s best eco-nomic development programs and partnerships, out-standing marketing materials and the most influen-tial leaders of the year.

signed on at press time: Ascend Federal Credit Union, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, TN Media, Vanderbilt Health and Williamson Medical Center. A limited number of sponsorship spots for this highly anticipated evening are still avail-able. Contact Bass to learn more

or to join this elite group of com-munity and business supporters.

Tickets for the annual meeting celebration cost $55 for Chamber members and $75 for non-members, who may register as guests. VIP tickets, which include additional benefits, are available at $125 each or

$1,000 for a table of eight. Contact Bass for VIP details.

Online registration will be closed a few days before the event, so save your spot at williamsonchamber.com or by calling the Chamber office.

Join the celebration and get ready for business in 2015.

and succeed. Marketing was the biggest challenge cited, at 31 percent. This was followed by finding job-ready employees at 19 percent, the escalating cost of doing business at 16 percent, and the inability to grow the customer base at 15 percent. Government rules and regulations were a challenge for 14 percent, while access to funding was tagged by 6 percent.

“We will be looking at how we can help busi-nesses overcome these specific challenges,” Largen said. “Workforce development, of course, already is a top priority of our economic development efforts.”

In answer to what Williamson, Inc. could do to help them grow their businesses, the respondents cited facilitating connections and help in marketing as the two top suggestions, at 26 percent and 22 percent. Educational programming, creating community partnerships, talent acquisition and advocating for business also were mentioned.

l WILLIAMSON, INC. 2014 MEMBERSHIP SURVEY

Look for more survey results in upcoming issues of The Point and hear Matt Largen’s summary at the annual meeting celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at The Factory at Franklin.


Mars has been doing business in Tennessee for the past 35 years, employing nearly 1,700 associates across its pet care, choco-late and Wrigley business segments. The Mars Petcare U.S. headquarters has called Williamson County home since 2008 and recently celebrated the opening of its $110 million Global Innovation Center located in Thompson’s Station, Tenn.

The state-of-the-art, Gold-LEED certified campus – designed to help the com-pany make “A Better World for Pets” through pet food innovations – is the third Mars Petcare innovation center and the first in the United States. It will serve as the global center of excellence for the company’s portfolio, which includes the Pedigree, Sheba, Nutro and Greenies brands.

The campus features four

distinct buildings, each serving a specific purpose in the life cycle of pet food innovation for Mars Petcare.

• The Quality and Innovation Center houses research and development associates working in an office setting, in addition to a state-of-the-art microbiologi-cal and analytical laboratory.

• New technologies and products will be developed and produced on a small scale at the Product Development Center before full-scale production is implemented throughout the company’s manufacturing network.

• The Pet Feeding Center was designed in accordance with the caring science approach developed by Mars’ world-class Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in the United Kingdom. Each pet will be treated like a member of the family, regularly receiving grooming services, veterinary care, training and exercise. The campus also includes plenty of outdoor space designed for pets to relax and play with caretakers and their other furry friends who call the campus home.

• The Learning Center features an interactive learning environment and Mars history museum for guests. The Learning Center also includes space for focus groups, a conference center,

workout room and break areas for associates.

Mars, Incorporated is a family-owned, principles-guided company that is com-mitted to giving back to the communities where its facili-ties are located. Along with a $100,000 donation, more than 90 Mars Petcare associ-ates volunteered 800 hours to build the Nutro dog park in Thompson’s Station – the first for the community. For the past six years the com-pany has hosted the state’s largest pet adoption fair at its Cool Springs office. This year more than 120 cats and dogs found their forever homes! Whether through developing great-tasting, nutritious pet food, support-ing pet-friendly spaces or promoting pet adoption, Mars Petcare is committed to its vision to make “A Better World for Pets.”

With this feature, the Williamson Chamber is proud to recognize Mars Petcare as a founder of the countywide organization. This is the last in a series of articles highlighting those supporters, including Mars and three other businesses that invested at the top Chairman’s Circle level.

l ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATEDIn 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Wash., kitchen and established Mars’ first roots as a confectionery company.

In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in busi-ness and together they launched the Milky Way bar. In 1932, Forrest Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a “mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders” – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today.

Based in McLean, Va., Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including pet care, chocolate, Wrigley, food, drinks and Symbioscience, and more than 75,000 associates worldwide who are putting its principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through their performance.

FOUNDER FOCUS

MEET FOUNDING CHAMBER MEMBER

Mars Petcare315 Cool Springs Blvd. Franklin

877local associates

Mars: Making a better world for pets

Mars associates work on a bench for the Thompson’s Station dog park – shaped like a dog bone, of course! The dog park is the first for the community.

Dr. Tiffany Bierer interacts with one of the cats at the Pet Feeding Center, one of four campus buildings in Thompson’s Station.Dogs love to play in the outdoor paddocks at the Pet Feeding Center.

The $110 million Global Innovation Center opened recently in Thompson’s Station.

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