College Football Hall of Fame Head Coach to Address Commissioner’s Luncheon on Nov. 13, 2014

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today that Phillip Fulmer, former University of Tennessee football head coach, will be the keynote speaker at the Commissioner’s Luncheon Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 during the 61st Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development. The conference theme will focus on “The Tennessee Story” celebrating the state’s exceptional craftsmanship, dedicated workforce and the unmatched experience of living and working in Tennessee. Hundreds of state and local officials, business leaders and economic developers will convene at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel for the event held Nov. 13-14 in Nashville.

“We look forward to this year’s conference as we highlight ‘The Tennessee Story’ and the distinguishing elements that set our state apart from the rest,” TNECD Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “As a Tennessean, I know college football is a beloved tradition that runs deep throughout the South, and I couldn’t be more pleased to have Coach Fulmer join us as a keynote speaker. Coach Fulmer will offer a unique perspective to effective leadership and teambuilding skills from which all of our conference attendees will benefit, and I look forward to hearing more from him in November.”

One of the winningest coaches in SEC history, Fulmer ranks eighth all-time among SEC coaches with 152 wins and is tied for fifth all-time with 98 SEC regular season wins. His record at the University of Tennessee as head coach is second in school history behind the legendary General Robert Neyland.

During his time at the University of Tennessee, Fulmer earned a national championship, two conference titles and seven divisional crowns while winning more than three-quarters of his games.

“I’m honored to join Gov. Haslam and Commissioner Hagerty at this year’s Governor’s Conference,” Fulmer said. “I’ve learned many lessons throughout my career that extend beyond sports and into both the business world and everyday life that have helped me become a better leader. I treasure the time I spent at the University of Tennessee and look forward to sharing my experiences both on and off the field with state leaders and the people responsible for making Tennessee the business-friendly state it is known to be.”

Fulmer spent more than 30 years at his alma mater as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

Fulmer currently serves as a consultant and special assistant to Richard Sander, athletic director at East Tennessee State University. He is also a partner with BPV Capital Management in Knoxville, Tennessee.

For more information or to register for the 61st Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development, please visit http://www.govcon.tnecd.com/.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named “2013 State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

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