News – "Yes, And!" Recapping the 2025 Tri-State Summit

October 15, 2025

Presented by the Lyndhurst Foundation, the 2025 Tri-State Summit celebrated the power of “Yes, And” thinking, fostering a theme where competing priorities become shared possibilities, and regional progress happens with collaboration.

‍

Over the course of the two-day Summit in downtown Chattanooga, participants were inspired, challenged, and energized by the stories, ideas, and experiences they shared.

‍

"The Tri-State Summit brought together diverse voices—from industry leaders to grassroots activists—fostering meaningful discussions on a diverse range of topics all rooted in preserving tri-state communities. The sessions were engaging, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. Networking opportunities were valuable, enabling connections with professionals passionate about driving change."

— Lisa Nash, Qcells

‍

Watch the Summit Highlights:

‍

Session Recaps:

Attendees enjoyed several memorable, educational programs at the 2025 Tri-State Summit, including:

‍

Guided Hike with Lula Lake Land Trust

Summit attendees laced up their hiking boots for a guided hike with Lula Lake Land Trust to learn how long-distance trail systems can support both conservation and economic growth.
‍

Partner Paddle with the Tennessee RiverLine

Summit attendees grabbed a paddle and kayaked the Tennessee River to learn how a growing network of communities across the region connects to the 652-mile system to inspire recreation, conservation, and economic development through a shared river identity.
‍

Technology Tour with UTC’s Advanced Vehicle Test Facility

Summit attendees enjoyed an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of UTC’s Advanced Vehicle Test Facility to learn how student-driven projects and real-world testing are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future in transportation.
‍

From Median to Meadow with the Tennessee Interstate Conservancy

Attendees of this presentation heard big ideas about how native landscaping along interstates can transform underutilized right-of-way spaces into living infrastructure that strengthens environmental health and community beautification.

‍

Mobile Workshop in LaFayette, Georgia: A Blueprint for Downtown Revitalization

This unique mobile workshop highlighted Lafayette, Georgia’s downtown revival by sharing how local leaders aligned around a shared community vision, built public trust, and leveraged over $10.75M in strategic funding to deliver catalytic projects that are reinvigorating their community from the ground up.

Nature Remixed: Reimagining Biodiversity and Community

In a special edition of CIVIQ @ the Summit, Richard Roark of OLIN Studio explored how design and planning can transform “cast off” places into environments that are healthier and beautiful.
‍

The Road Ahead: Navigating Freight with Foresight

Addressing a growing economy, Chris Spear, President of the American Trucking Associations, discussed the circular issue of freight transportation, workforce development, and the role of the freight industry to improve efficiency and safety.

‍

“Yes, And” in Action: Improv for Conversation, Connection, and Collaboration

Summit attendees joined exercises led by Jason Parker of Improv Chattanooga that stretched comfort zones, built camaraderie, and sparked creativity.

‍

Art: A Tool for Community Change

Attendees discovered how artists can skillfully “set the table” for development practices that translate community values into visible, tangible change.

Featuring: James McKissic (ArtsBuild), Deedee Morrison (Sculpture Artist), Julie Carter (Bank of Lafayette and Lafayette Downtown Development Authority), and Teal Thibaud (Street Plans).

‍

Inspired Leaders Inspire Leaders: A Keynote Conversation with Senator Bob Corker

Attendees heard from former U.S. Senator Bob Corker about “planting a shade tree:” the power of legacy, built through bold leadership decisions, as well as a responsibility to take care of and celebrate the character of local communities.

‍

Listen in → “At Thrive’s Tri-State Summit, A Keynote Conversation With Bob Corker” on WUTC 88.1

Different by Design: Alternative Materials for Sustainable Communities

In this panel discussion, attendees learned how alternative materials impact what is possible in construction and infrastructure, offering communities more resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible options.

Featuring: Lewis Motion (WEAV3D), Trevor Wagoner (Astec Industries), Lisa Nash (Qcells), and Shannon Millsaps (Thrive Regional Partnership)

‍

From Seed to Scale: Funding Strategies that Grow Community Impact

Participants of this workshop learn best practices for aligning community projects with investor priorities, building cross-sector partnerships, and positioning initiatives for long-term momentum.

Featuring: Kathleen Nolte (The Lyndhurst Foundation), Lauren Brown (Athens Area Council for the Arts), and Elizabeth Wells (Thrive Regional Partnership)

‍

Roundtable Discussion: From Classroom to Career

This session brought together leaders from regional education institutions to explore education pathways for the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and entrepreneurs.

Featuring: Dr. John Fuchko (Dalton State College), Dr. John Squires (Cleveland State Community College), Kate Maine (Dalton State College), Jennifer McCurdy (Northeast Alabama Community College), April Crenshaw (Chattanooga State Community College), and Marissa Brower (Catoosa County College and Career Academy).

‍

Rethinking Infrastructure for a Resilient Future

Dr. Todd Bridges, Professor of Resilient and Sustainable Systems at the University of Georgia, encouraged thinking about how human decision-making can help nature support, not challenge, our communities.

‍

After the Storm: Lessons from Hurricane Helene

Voices from western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee shared lessons from Hurricane Helene, and how the disaster has reshaped how communites think about development, disaster response and conserving natural resources.

Featuring: Joel Houser (Open Space Institute), Kit Cramer (Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce), Jay Leutze (Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy), and Dr. Andrew Joyner (ETSU).

‍

More reading → “What can Hurricane Helene Teach Chattanooga About Flood Readiness?” Chattanooga Times Free Press, October 5, 2025

‍

“The Tri-State Summit exemplifies community work in action, bringing together the people, organizations and partners at one table to have conversations about crucial issues that affect all of us. Thrive creates a special sense of magic at this conference (and their other events!) as a convener. Don't miss the Tri-State Summit—it will open your eyes to new people, ideas and solutions in our region.”