TDFI Commissioner Pushing For UC’s Continued Economic Growth

Tennessee Commissioner of Financial Institutions Greg Gonzales cites strong business communities as the source of regional economic growth.

Gonzales was the keynote speaker during the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting Tuesday.

“One of the things I wanted to do is just thank our financial institutions here in Cookeville for what they do, and also the business community for creating a great business environment,” Gonzales said. “So when you put the two together… you’ve got a real recipe for success. I was born here, so I’m so proud of Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland.”

Gonzales said he expects to see continued economic growth across the Upper Cumberland under Governor Bill Lee’s new administration.

“One of the things we do at the Department of (Financial Institutions) is we want to make sure we provide the people of this state with a safe and sound banking system,” Gonzales said. “But we’ve got to do it in a way that allows institutions to serve communities like Cookeville, Baxter, and the Upper Cumberland in general. We’re really trying to tailor our regulation to the risk-profile of each institution so that they can be the best they can be.”

Gonzales said keeping a healthy balance in services to both big industries and locally-owned businesses will help the region’s economy continue to thrive.

“If we do that, I think we give each institution in all these communities, as they work with the business community, to do the best they can for the people in this area,” Gonzales said. “That’s our goal. Our goal is putting these institutions in a great position to serve the people of this area.”

Gonzales said state officials are supportive of Lee’s efforts to stimulate economic development in rural communities like those in the Upper Cumberland.