Chamber of Commerce – Smith County, TN

Joint Economic and Community Development Board (JECDB)

Formation

The Smith County Joint Economic and Community Development Board (JECDB) was established through an interlocal agreement between Smith County and its municipalities in accordance with Tennessee growth planning requirements and state economic development programs.

The Board was formed to ensure ongoing coordination and communication among local governments and stakeholders, particularly in support of the State of Tennessee’s ThreeStar Program, which promotes strategic planning, community preparedness, and sustainable economic development.

The JECDB operates as both an Executive Board and a Full Board / Growth Planning Coordinating Committee, meeting on a regular (quarterly) basis at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

Purpose

The purpose of the JECDB is to serve as the central coordinating body for economic and community development efforts within Smith County, bringing together public officials, business leaders, and partner agencies to guide growth and planning initiatives.

Key objectives of the Board include:
  • Promoting cooperation and communication among Smith County and its municipalities
  • Supporting responsible economic growth and long-term community planning
  • Coordinating infrastructure, housing, and industrial development efforts
  • Providing oversight and participation in the ThreeStar Program and other state initiatives
  • Offering a structured forum for community reporting, collaboration, and transparency

A central function of the JECDB is the presentation of regular community reports, where representatives from local governments and partner organizations provide updates on:

  • Infrastructure and utility projects
  • Industrial and commercial development
  • Housing and land use
  • Tourism and community events
  • Workforce and educational initiatives

Through this coordinated approach, the Board ensures that all areas of Smith County remain aligned in planning for future growth and economic opportunity.

Board Structure and Operations

The JECDB operates with two primary components:

Executive Board

Responsible for leadership, conducting official business, and guiding discussions.

Full Board / Growth Planning Coordinating Committee

Provides broader representation and participation from municipalities, community leaders, and partner organizations.

Meeting Structure

Board meetings are conducted in a formal and consistent manner, typically including:

  • Call to Order
  • Prayer
  • Roll Call and Quorum Confirmation
  • Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
  • Old Business
  • New Business
  • Community Reports
  • Adjournment by Motion

This structure ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with state program requirements.

Current Membership (2026)

Executive Board

  • Jeff Mason, Chairman (Smith County Mayor)
  • John Potts, (Mayor, Town of Gordonsville)
  • Joey Nixon, (Mayor, Town of South Carthage)
  • Sam Gray, (Mayor, Town of Carthage)
  • Johnny Law, (President & CEO of Citizen’s Bank)

Full Board Members

  • Cordell Smith, Smith County Commissioner
  • Steven Lish, Smith County Commissioner & Lish Contracting
  • David West, Wilson Bank & Trust
  • Sonya Kemp,

Ex-Officio Members

  • Bill Woodard, Smith County Chamber of Commerce & Industrial Board
  • Pat Geho, Tennessee Small Business Development Center, Smith County Chamber of Commerce & Industrial Board
  • John Ash, Smith County Director of Schools
  • James Trainham, Eatherly Construction
  • Michele Farley, TN Central Economic Authority
  • Natalie Johnson, TN Central Economic Authority

Partner Agencies and Regular Participants

  • Shaun Scantland, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
  • Angela Regitko, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
  • Mallory Copeland, Labor & Workforce Development
  • Helene Cash, TN Central Economic Authority
  • Staci Bush, Executive Assistant, Smith County Mayor

Role in Smith County

Through its ongoing work, the JECDB plays a vital role in:

  • Maintaining regular communication between all local governments
  • Aligning efforts related to economic development, infrastructure, and public services
  • Supporting grant applications and eligibility for state programs
  • Providing oversight and direction for ThreeStar Program participation
  • Enhancing quality of life and long-term economic stability within Smith County

The Board serves as a key partnership forum, ensuring that Smith County and its municipalities work together to address challenges, seize opportunities, and plan effectively for future growth.

Public Engagement

The JECDB is committed to transparency and public awareness. Meetings are held regularly, and the Board encourages cooperation among all community stakeholders to promote economic and community development across Smith County.