On November 13-14, 2024, Thrive’s flagship conference gathered elected and community leaders in northeast Alabama, northwest Georgia, and southeast Tennessee.
Over two days, the Summit provided attendees with immersive learning and networking opportunities focused on key topics, including the local economy, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community identity.
Watch the recap:
On Wednesday, Summit attendees deepened their knowledge of the region by participating in excursions that included:
A private tour of the Chickamauga Lock expansion project, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A guided tour and discussion of the revitalized Lynnbrook Park in Chattanooga’s Oak Grove neighborhood, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, the City of Chattanooga, and Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise.
A bike tour of Chattanooga landmarks, hosted by Outdoor Chattanooga.
A private tour of Impact Zones, a large scale art installation by North Carolina artist April Flanders at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
The first day of the Tri-State Summit concluded with the Beyond Today Soireé, which featured an address by Thrive CEO Bridgett Massengill, an awards ceremony for newly selected Emeritus Trustees of Thrive Regional Partnership, and live music by the Rising Fawn Social Club.
On Thursday, the Summit agenda continued with a series of dynamic speaking engagements,including a keynote conversation between former Congressman Zach Wamp and Connie Vaughan, Government Relations Manager for McKee Foods and Chair of Thrive Regional Partnership.
In addition to Congressman Wamp’s keynote conversation, Thrive’s Tri-State Summit featured a full day of thought-provoking panel discussions, covering topics such as:
Resilience in Action: Implementation and impacts of locally led natural hazard strategies
Connected Communities Lightning Round: Showcasing the transformational power of digital equity
Bringing Broadband Home: Local communities prepare for internet funding
When it’s gone, it’s gone: The High Stakes of Disappearing Farmland
All Aboard! Looking Ahead to Passenger Rail in the Tri-State
The Power of Place Branding. How uncovering the story of a place drives community growth
Innovations in Transportation: Applying new technologies in the tri-state
Cultivating Biodiversity in Civic Life
“It has been a privilege to welcome community leaders, planners, and elected officials from across the region to this year’s Tri-State Summit. The collaborative framework for our region’s most pressing issues has been built. As progress moves at the speed of trust, we are deeply committed to our role as a trusted resource for sound decision-making and thoughtful dialogue about the very things that matter right here at home.”
More details about the 2025 Tri-State Summit will be announced soon.