TEDC members came to Panama City Beach, FL to share the annual Spring Conference networking event. The Holiday Inn Resort was a beautiful location, and members came to share ideas with peers and engage with industry professionals.  I also want to say a special "Thank You!" to Mandy White and Suzie Lusk for putting together another great conference with timely and valuable information for our industry. Golfer's enjoyed the beautiful weather and Nicklaus Course at the Bay Point Golf Club. Below is a list of the golf winners.

Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst opened the conference with an informative overview of the city.  Later, Tom Trent & Jim Murphy, with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP, presented valuable legal advice, from public meeting requirements to current issues in economic development. Mike Randle, with Southern Business & Development Magazine, gave an outlook of the manufacturing sector in the south and it's huge potential. Randle also presented at the first TEDC Spring Conference in 1997.

John Bradley, with TVA, offered an overview of economic development in Tennessee and TVA staff updates. Dr. David Goetsch discussed the importance of training economic development volunteers. Finally, Jennifer Grove, with Gulf Power Company, discussed the skills gap in the workforce and strategies to correct it.

Mark your calendars for TEDC's Fall Conference, September 16-18 in Knoxville. For more information about the fall conference or to register, visit tnecd.com. Rooms can also be reserved at the Hilton Downtown Knoxville - 865/251-2578. Ask for the TEDC rate of $110.00 for Wednesday and Thursday night. Visit tnedc.com to register now.