FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Courtney Hall
Retail Strategies
chall@retailstrategies.com
BIRMINGHAM, AL (February 20, 2025) – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is partnering with Retail Strategies to host a two-day Retail Academy training event for 20 Tennessee communities on February 26-27 in Franklin. The intensive educational program will provide local leaders with essential tools and knowledge for retail recruitment and development.
“For our rural communities to thrive, local leaders need a foundational understanding of their real estate assets, community demographics, and a strategic approach to attracting new retail and restaurants,” said Brooxie Carlton, Assistant Commissioner of Community and Rural Development at TNECD. “This Retail Academy training equips our communities with the expertise and resources they need to drive sustainable economic growth.”
The comprehensive program includes customized demographic data reports, market research, real estate analysis, strategic retail matches, and actionable recruitment plans. Participants will receive hands-on training from retail real estate experts to effectively pursue retail development opportunities.
The two-day event will feature a retail panel with representatives from Beall’s, Cracker Barrel, and Jersey Mike’s in addition to a networking event with retail real state professionals from the state.
“The partnership between TNECD and Retail Strategies continues to create meaningful impact across Tennessee dating back to 2016,” said Lacy Beasley, President of Retail Strategies. “By providing professional retail development tools and education to local leaders, we’re helping build stronger economies in rural communities throughout the state. This investment in retail recruitment knowledge will generate long-term benefits for these communities.”
The Retail Academy workshop will be held at The Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information about the program or to learn about future workshops, please visit https://retailstrategies.com/retailacademy/.
About Retail Academy
Retail Academy is a program developed by the leading national retail advisory firm, Retail Strategies. The program assists communities in strengthening their retail landscape. Communities will be trained and equipped with the tools and education necessary to attract new retailers to their markets, while providing support to their existing local businesses.
