Clarksville-Montgomery County is on the rise, driven by transformational projects, record-breaking investments, and a wave of momentum building across the region. The 2025 Growth Summit is your opportunity to hear directly from local and state leaders about what’s next, what’s possible, and how we continue to move forward.

Coming up on Tuesday, May 13, at Austin Peay State University, this morning summit will bring together business leaders, local and state officials, and engaged citizens for one powerful reason: to educate and engage the community on the critical importance of growth.

Strategic vision for growth

The Growth Summit is guided by a clear organizing principle, inspired by a model from Destinations International and adopted by the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council. This model highlights a foundational truth: in today’s competitive world, cities and communities are constantly being evaluated as places to visit, live, work and invest.

Our mission? To make Clarksville the most attractive choice in all four.

“A great place to visit becomes a great place to live. A great place to live attracts a strong workforce. A thriving workforce draws business investment. And that investment fuels more opportunities to visit, live, and work,” said Clarksville-Montgomery County EDC CEO Buck Dellinger.

This virtuous cycle is what we aim to protect and accelerate. The summit is an opportunity for every community stakeholder to reflect on how they are actively enhancing visitability, livability, workability and investability in this shared ecosystem.

Growth Summit agenda

Economic growth doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of collaboration, planning and the constant pursuit of innovation. This year’s summit will feature:

  • Panel speakers: Tennessee Commissioners Stuart C. McWhorter (Economic & Community Development), Mark Ezell (Tourist Development) and Sen. Bill Powers will deliver powerful insights into what’s driving the state’s momentum – and how Clarksville fits into the larger picture.
  • Featured remarks: Former Mayor of Bowling Green Johnny Webb and Jon Hunter with the Wings of Liberty Museum
  • Local remarks: With remarks from APSU President Mike Licari and Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, the summit will explore how education, infrastructure, tourism and public-private partnerships intersect to drive long-term growth.

Be part of Clarksville’s growth story

Clarksville’s future is bright, but it requires all of us: leaders, innovators, small businesses, developers and citizens to play an active role. Whether you’re focused on creating jobs, building housing, enhancing tourism or improving infrastructure, your efforts feed into the cycle of prosperity we’re building together.