Forward Sumner

08/20/2026

Each year, Forward Sumner recognizes an individual whose leadership, generosity, and commitment have made a meaningful impact across our county. This year, we had the privilege of partnering with Senator Ferrell Haile, who presented a special proclamation. The 2026 recipient’s dedication to students, education, and workforce development will continue to benefit Sumner County for many years to come.

We were honored to recognize Randy Smith as the 2026 Sumner Countian of the Year at our recent Summer Meeting. Chris Taylor, Forward Sumner President & CEO, said, “Randy has quietly supported our community for the past 20 years and purposely avoids accolades. We wanted everyone to know what he and the Carolyn Smith Foundation do as an example for all.”

Through the Carolyn Smith Foundation, Randy has made a lasting investment in the future of Sumner County, with a special focus on creating opportunities for students. His support of the Sumner County Schools Innovation Center is helping connect education with real-world career pathways, giving students the tools, experiences, and confidence they need to build successful futures right here in our community.

Please join us in congratulating Randy Smith, Forward Sumner’s 2026 Sumner Countian of the Year, and thanking him for his commitment to making Sumner County an even better place to be.

08/19/2026

Pulling off an event like Forward Sumner's Summer Meeting takes a community of support, and we are incredibly grateful for the many who helped make last weeks event possible.

A very special thank you to our event sponsors for investing in Forward Sumner and helping us bring together business leaders, elected officials, educators, and community partners from across Sumner County. Your support allows us to create opportunities for meaningful conversations, build stronger connections, share important updates, and celebrate the people and organizations making a difference in our county.

We also want to extend a special thank you to our Board of Directors and Executive Committee. From planning and preparation to thoughtful conversations, strategic decisions, outreach, and countless details handled behind the scenes, their leadership plays an important role in everything we accomplish. Their willingness to serve, collaborate, and advocate helps ensure Forward Sumner continues to be a strong, countywide voice.

To our sponsors, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, members, and partners...thank you for believing in our mission, supporting our work, and helping us continue what we do. We are proud and grateful to have you alongside us.

08/18/2026

At last weeks Forward Sumner Summer Meeting, we were grateful and proud to bring together business and community leaders, elected officials, investors, and partners from every municipality across Sumner County for an afternoon focused on connection and collaboration.

A special thank you to our sponsors, speakers, board members, investors, and guests who joined us. Your engagement and support make Forward Sumner’s work possible and strengthen our ability to advocate for workforce development, economic growth, and infrastructure in thriving communities throughout Sumner County.

We’re grateful for the momentum coming out of this year’s Summer Meeting and even more excited about where we’re headed next. Together, we’re moving Sumner County forward.

Want to be part of what’s next?

If you’re not currently a Forward Sumner member/partner and meetings like this resonate with you, we’d love to have you at the table. Investing in Forward Sumner is an opportunity to connect with leaders from across the county, have a voice in the issues shaping our future, and directly support initiatives that strengthen our communities. Contact us to learn more about how you/your organization can get involved.

08/12/2026

Forward Sumner is excited to sponsor Good Circle Marketing's Next Level AI next week!

Forward Sumner member or partner? We'll cover your fee..email [email protected] for the code!

Ready to go beyond basic prompts?

Next Level AI is a hands-on workshop designed for people who want to make AI part of their actual workflow, not just use it for the occasional question or brainstorming session.

We'll build custom GPTs, set up Claude Skills, explore automations, and create tools you can start using right away. You'll leave with practical resources, real examples, and a clearer plan for integrating AI into your business while keeping your voice and values intact.

📅 Join us on August 19 from 10-11:30 AM at The Station in Gallatin.

Register here: https://go.goodcirclemarketing.com/next-level-ai

07/06/2026

06/16/2026

Yesterday evening we were honored to host a Community Vision Meeting in Westmoreland, bringing together residents, business owners, and community leaders to share ideas for the future of the the Town Square/Downtown area.

The ideas, priorities, and feedback shared during the meeting will help guide future conversations and planning efforts focused on preserving what makes Westmoreland special while identifying opportunities. Thank you to everyone who participated and invested their time!

Westmoreland friends, if you were unable to attend, the online survey will remain open through Thursday and we encourage you to share your thoughts.

Please click the link to complete this form.

06/14/2026

This week, the Forward Sumner Executive Committee and staff was honored to welcome some of our past Board Chairs and retired President & CEO Jimmy Johnston for a special breakfast gathering. These leaders have each played an important role in shaping our organization and helping advance economic, workforce, and community development across Sumner County.

It was a great morning of reconnecting, sharing updates on current initiatives, discussing future opportunities, and reflecting on the progress that has been made through years of dedicated leadership. We are grateful for their continued support, insight, and commitment to moving Sumner County forward.

06/01/2026

Today we celebrate 230 years of the Volunteer State. Since Tennessee officially became the 16th state on June 1, 1796, our communities have been shaped by hard work, innovation, leadership, and a strong spirit of service.

At Forward Sumner, we’re proud to continue building on the same strengths right here in our own community by growing our workforce, and suppoorting community & economic development.