CLEVELAND, Tenn. (May 4, 2009)—Douglas E. Berry joins the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce staff May 4 as vice president for economic development, bringing with him 16 years’ experience in community and economic development and seven years’ experience as a consultant and private real estate developer.

Berry most recently served as project manager and affiliate broker for Blue Ridge Development LLC in Knoxville, maintaining community/government relations, regulatory compliance and site master planning and also coordinating infrastructure improvements for residential, commercial, manufacturing, warehouse and distribution development.

Prior to that, he was senior vice president of Hodge Engineering Company in Knoxville and was responsible for business development efforts and planning services for a full-service engineering, architectural and planning firm. Specific duties included sales and marketing, site location analysis, property master planning, cost analysis, regulatory review, permitting and grant writing/compliance monitoring.

Berry also spent 11 years as president of the Loudon County (Tenn.) Industrial Committee of 100 where he coordinated economic and community development activities for the city of Loudon, Loudon County and Lenoir City.

“Doug’s true professional calling is economic development,” Gary Farlow, chamber president and CEO, said in making the announcement. “His service to local communities in an economic development role has directly resulted in the successful location of 44 new companies and more than 20 existing industry expansions, resulting in more than $500 million in new capital investment and creating more than 2,000 jobs.”

Berry also managed more than 7,000 acres of mixed-use property master planning on sites ranging from 50 to 3,500 acres with more than 4,000 acres either developed or under development.

            Farlow continued, “I have known Doug professionally for many years. His combined experiences in both the public and private sectors will make him an asset to our staff and our community, especially following our recruitment of Wacker Chemical Corporation. Doug will help us capitalize on the momentum of that announcement and the anticipated growth and development in Cleveland and Bradley County.”

In addition to his economic development responsibilities, Berry will supervise the Chamber’s workforce development and existing industry divisions, staff the Economic Development Council and work with Farlow on Bradley/Cleveland Industrial Development Board activities.

Berry is also eager to step into his new role.

“I don’t think it is possible for me to be more happy or optimistic about the opportunity I have been given to join the staff of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and become an active member of the  community,” Berry said. “Whether a resident or business representative, everyone I have come in contact with in the community has been friendly, helpful and excited about what the future holds for their hometown.”

Berry noted that the community has enjoy consistent success because of its good people, strong educational system, established manufacturing sector, stable community leadership, and a high level of cooperation among the local governments and utility providers that serve the county and its cities.

“When you take all these elements of a healthy community and factor in the commitment to success that is present within the Chamber, its board of directors, staff, volunteers and overall membership, it’s safe to say we are going to experience an exciting decade to come,” he said.

Berry holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and studied economic development planning at The University of Tennessee. His previous community involvement includes membership on the boards of Foothills Land Conservancy, East Sevier County Utility District and Sevier County Economic Development Agency.

Other professional affiliations include Knoxville and Knox County Joint Committee on Ridgetop and Steep Slope Development, Sevier County Hillsides and Ridges Study Group, East Tennessee Industrial Development Council, Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®, Loudon County Chamber of Commerce, National Parks and Conservation Association, Appalachian Trail Conference, Knox Heritage Inc., and Land Trust Alliance.

“I can’t wait to get to work,” Berry added. “Together, we will have unprecedented accomplishment that will benefit residents for many years to come.”

Berry is married to Patrice G. Cole, who holds a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from The University of Tennessee. She currently teaches Biology and Ecology at Carter High School in Knoxville through a Professionals in Education program. They have two sons, Joshua, 28, and Patrick, 25, who live in Pueblo, Colo.

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