BRIDGE Announces New Brand Reflecting Strategic Transformation
BRIDGE staff (L-R): McKenzie Templeton, Development Director; Scott Robertson, Communications Director; Rebecca Davis, Finance Director; John Rose, Executive Director
Bristol, VA
December 4, 2024
BRIDGE (formerly NETNHub) today unveiled the results of its nearly year-long strategic planning process, including a new brand reflecting the organization’s transformation and growth. Where the organization focused in the past on traditional development in Northeast Tennessee, BRIDGE will expand its mission and service area.
​
“The goal of our organization since December of last year has been to listen and respond to community and business leaders’ needs,” said Julie Bennett, BRIDGE board chair. “Prior to that, our focus had been principally on traditional economic development in eight counties of Northeast Tennessee. What we heard was a desire for a truly regional entity that could assist communities and companies in providing solutions beyond what we had been considering.”
​
The strategic planning process, led by Younger Associates, an economic development consulting firm based in Jackson, Tennessee, sought and received input from more than 100 business and government leaders on both sides of the Tennessee-Virginia line. Based on their input, Younger Associates identified six areas of strategic importance for growing the region’s economy:
​
-
Market Research and Data
-
Tri-Cities Airport Passenger Service
-
Tourism
-
Talent Attraction and Retention
-
Site Development
-
Real Estate Development
​
“In those spaces, BRIDGE now defines its role much more specifically,” BRIDGE Executive Director John Rose said. “For instance, we’ve talked with the existing regional tourism organizations to hear how we can best assist their efforts. They know BRIDGE is here to bring the benefits of our private sector leaders’ experience and financial backing to meet their needs.”
​
“Actions speak louder than words,” Rose said. “And right now, BRIDGE is working on projects in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia with a potential economic benefit to the region of more than $175 million. BRIDGE is building real partnerships, working for the benefit of the companies and communities we serve.”