Outlook Williamson 2025

8:00AM Session I: How We Rank – Williamson County’s Strengths and Opportunities

Speaker: Erin Hafkenschiel, President, ThinkTennessee

Williamson County excels in many areas—but where do we truly lead, and where is there room for improvement? This session takes a data-driven look at how the county ranks across key categories, highlighting successes and opportunities for growth.

*Break*

9:00AM Session II: The Future of AI in the Workplace

Speaker: Dr. Jesse Spencer-Smith
Chief Data Scientist & Interim Director | Data Science Institute, Vanderbilt University

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. This session explores the evolving role of AI in the workplace, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges businesses must navigate in this rapidly changing landscape.
 

10:00AM Session III: On the Horizon – Updates on Key Local Developments

Speakers:
Craige Hoover and Brian Wright with Character Development
Trey Rochford, VP of Administration, The Rochford Companies 

What’s next for Williamson County’s development landscape? This session will provide updates from project leads on major local developments, including Armistead, an innovative 200-acre agri-hood in Franklin that blends sustainable agriculture with modern community living and the new Nolensville Town Square. Learn how these projects will shape the future of business, housing, and economic opportunities in the region.
 

Presenting Sponsor
Middle Tennessee Electric 

Table Sponsors
Ascension Saint Thomas
Chapter 2 Investments
FirstBank
Gray Line Tennessee
Gresham Smith
Lee Company
Ragan Smith Associates 
Regions Bank 
U.S. Bank Business Banking
Wilson Bank & Trust

Exhibit Booths
BrightStone, ECS Southeast, First National Bank of Middle Tennessee, Franklin Noon Rotary, Franklin Tomorrow, GraceWorks Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, LBMC, Livability, MCC Solutions, Medical House Calls, One Generation Away, Ryan Partners - Vistage, Studio Tenn Theater Company, UPS Cool Springs, Williamson County Schools, Quast Media, 1847Financial and more!