Poe Said UC Remains Economically Strong In Presidential Year

Highlands Economic Partnership Vice President Adam Poe said election years like 2024 can cause economic leaders to hold their breath.

But Poe said the Upper Cumberland’s economy appears healthy entering the new year. Poe said the unique support of local career exploration efforts, chambers of commerce, and nonprofits can help the Upper Cumberland move forward regardless of national leadership.

“I think when people lead with others in mind, that really softens the blow,” Poe said. “It’s the people over the profits type mindset, and I think that is what creates just a totally unique work environment and regional economy.”

Poe said the region has emerged from the workforce emergency sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said in 2022, there were some 11,000 jobs open, over half of them in advanced manufacturing. He said that number has been cut in half over the past two years.

“You can go from companies as big as Averitt all the way down to all the mom-and-pop shops are the backbone of the community,” Poe said. “We have servant leaders at all different levels.”

Poe said in addition to new businesses pouring into the region, it is exciting to see existing businesses rapidly expand. He said increasing the bottom line is one thing, but these businesses continue to challenge middle management and next-generation leaders to embrace their ability to accomplish more than they previously imagined.

“Being able to see somebody grow a business is great on the surface level, but when you really dig deep, what a business is doing when it expands, is it’s helping other people realize and accomplish their dreams,” Poe said.

He said it is extremely difficult for a business to scale past $5 million, but he is confident about the economic path carved out in the Upper Cumberland and the opportunities it has provided for businesses to pursue that level of growth.

“They’re not just accomplishing their goals for the year, they’re changing lives generationally,” Poe said. “That’s what we’re all about. I couldn’t be more proud.”