2025 State of Freight Forum

As freight volumes continue to rise across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, infrastructure solutions that once seemed optional are becoming urgent. This year, Thrive's State of Freight Forum will explore forward-thinking innovations that could reshape how freight moves through the tri-state region.

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From dedicated commercial vehicle lanes to privately funded expressways and public-private partnerships, states across the U.S. are testing strategies to enhance freight efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve safety. But what would it take to make these models work here? And are we ready?

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Thrive Regional Partnership’s sixth annual State of Freight forum will center forward-looking conversations on innovative solutions to tackle our region's most pressing freight challenges. Presented by Chattanooga Gas and supported by Cleveland State Community College, the event is scheduled for August 8, 2025 on the Cleveland State campus in Bradley County, Tennessee.

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In addition to the featured panel conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leadership at Cleveland State to learn more about the impact of the Thrive Regional Infrastructure Portal (TRIP) on student learning and how they are helping strengthen the regional workforce talent pipeline in various pathways including Logistics & Supply Chain Management.

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Agenda:

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Check-in & Networking

9:30am-10:00am

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Introduction

Debra Stone, McKee Foods

Chair, Freight Mobility Coalition

Trustee, Thrive Regional Partnership

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Welcome

Dr. Andrew White, President

Cleveland State Community College

Empowering Tomorrow's Logistics Leaders Today

Dr. John Squires, VP of Economic & Community Development

Sandra Godsey, Dean of Business & Healthcare

Cleveland State Community College

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Opening Panel Remarks

Rep. Dan Howell

Chair, Tennessee House Transportation Committee

Transformative Solutions for Regional Freight Mobility

Moderated by: Rep. Dan Howell

Dan Pallme, Assistant Chief of Freight and Logistics, TDOT

Ira Weiss, Chief Financial Officer, Tranco Logistics

Michael Sargent, Senior Advisor, Meridiam

Closing Remarks

Bridgett Massengill, President & CEO

Thrive Regional Partnership

Presented by:

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Supported by: