LAWRENCEBURG, TN – The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the promotion of Ben Barnett to the position of Director of Economic Development. In this role, Barnett will continue working with local and state economic development stakeholders to recruit high-quality jobs to Lawrence County and will also create a strategy focused on engaging existing industries, developing industrial sites, and providing resources to local leaders to promote housing and retail development.
Serving as the Chamber’s economic development project manager since 2021, Barnett has been instrumental in attracting nearly $230 million of new private sector capital investment and has supported initiatives that brought more than $6.6 million state and federal grants to Lawrence County. These efforts have resulted in the creation of 438 manufacturing jobs.
“Ben has a track record of success and is well-respected in the economic development industry. He is prepared and equipped to drive our economic-building initiatives,” stated Ryan Egly, the Chamber’s President & CEO. “I am profoundly grateful for his work since joining our team and I am excited to see Lawrence County’s growth sustained under his leadership.”
Barnett, a Lawrenceburg native and graduate of the University of North Alabama, serves on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Young Talent Cabinet and is a member of Lawrence County’s Young Professionals Group, the Tennessee Economic Development Council, and the Southern Economic Development Council. Before beginning his economic development career, he gained experience at Evers Construction Company in Lawrenceburg and Rick’s Barbecue’s corporate operations in Leoma.
“I am incredibly honored to step into the role of Director of Economic Development. Working at the Chamber of Commerce and contributing to the economic growth of my hometown has been deeply rewarding. The successes we’ve achieved together have been remarkable, and I am excited about the momentum our team has built. Lawrence County’s future is bright, and I look forward to continuing our work to drive even greater and sustainable progress for our community.” – Ben Barnett, Director of Economic Development
Companies seeking economic development assistance, including research, can contact Ben at 931-762-4911 or Ben@LawCoTN.com.
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About the Chamber
The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is a network of businesses, industries, local governments, utilities, and private citizens committed to improving the quality of life in Lawrence County, Tennessee. Through economic development, community development, tourism marketing, and workforce development, the Chamber plays a vital role in the continued growth and prosperity of the region.
Media Contact
Kristin Doss, Marketing Manager
kristin@lawcotn.com
