Thrive Regional Partnership celebrates Emeritus Trustees

This year, Thrive Regional Partnership recognized six individuals who previously served on the Board of Trustees with distinction and excellence, in a new stature of “Emeritus Trustee.”

The inaugural Emeritus Trustees were honored at a reception on May 10 at Waterhouse Pavilion in downtown Chattanooga. The event was sponsored by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, and Jim Peterman, Director of Civic Engagement of The University of the South.

The Emeritus Trustees are:

› Bruz Clark of the Lyndhurst Foundation was honored for his distinct contributions of time, talent and treasure to the founding boards of Thrive 2055 and Thrive Regional Partnership, and for his legacy building contributions of time, talent and treasure to the Natural Treasures Initiative and Watershed Moment vision that led to the Cradle of Southern Appalachia Conservation Blueprint for the Thrive Region.

› Cheryl Millsaps of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized for her distinct contributions to the founding fiduciary stewardship of Thrive 2055, establishing the inaugural tri-state partners and catalytic funders, and serving on the founding board for Thrive Regional Partnership and its initial five-year fiduciary oversight.

› Dan Jacobson, retired vice-president of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and chairman of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, was honored for his distinct contributions of time, talent and treasure to the Thrive Region as Chairman of Thrive 2055, and his significant leadership steering the vision, founding, funding and governance structure of Thrive Regional Partnership, and later serving as its founding treasurer and chairmain of development.

› Daniel Carter of The University of the South and Carter Farm was honored for his contributions to the founding boards of Thrive 2055 and Thrive Regional Partnership, and for the significant establishment of the Natural Treasures Alliance as chairman of the Natural Treasures Initiative, and steering the establishment of the Cradle of Southern Appalachia Conservation Blueprint.

› Gary Farlow, retired president and CEO of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, was recognized for his involvement in the founding boards of Thrive 2055 and Thrive Regional Partnership, and for the significant establishment of the Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership as chairman of the inaugural Regional Economic Development Initiative Group.

› Rob Bradham, former president and CEO of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, was honored for his commitment to the founding collaboration efforts of Thrive 2055, participating in the establishment of the inaugural tri-state partners, serving on the founding board for Thrive Regional Partnership and contributing to the ongoing sustainability and funding of the work.