Hamilton returns to region

Veteran economic development professional David Hamilton is returning to West Tennessee.
The Union City native has been working for the past 13 years as the president and CEO of the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce. He announced his resignation from that position earlier this week after being appointed as the new executive director of the Paris/Henry County Economic Development Corporation.
Hamilton served as the first president of the Obion County Industrial Development Corporation before he took over the chamber in Dickson County in June 2000. He was directly responsible for bringing Tyson Foods to Obion County. The project was considered the largest agri-business investment in the state’s history when it was announced in November 1994.
“I have enjoyed my time in Dickson County and working with the chamber staff and all the current and former members of the chamber’s board of directors,” Hamilton said in announcing his resignation.
Hamilton said his family has owned property near Paris at Kentucky for more than 50 years, beginning with his grandfather, Gus White. He said he bought a house on Kentucky Lake last year and is looking forward to the move to Henry County.
“I have been going to Kentucky Lake since I was 5 years old and it has always held a special place in my heart. My daughter’s wedding was held at our cabin on Kentucky Lake and we spent countless weekends there with my grandparents, parents and many other family and friends,” Hamilton said.
While leading the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton was directly involved in recruiting four new industries to the county’s industrial park — Bridgestone APM, Metrican Stamping, Bavarian Polymers and Stainless Steel Structures. Those four industries created hundreds of new jobs for Dickson County.
Hamilton was also dedicated to working with existing industries in Dickson County and helped five existing industries with their expansion plans — Nemak, Shiloh Industries, Metrican Stamping, TruForm Manufacturing and Tennessee Quality Foods. His work with those industries resulted in the creation of hundreds of jobs for the county.
He also worked as the lead negotiator in the successful recruitment of Project Falcon. The Fortune 500 company announced last month it had selected Dickson County as its preferred site and will be investing $165 million in the county and will create 300 new jobs there.
“This will be the largest private investment in Dickson County’s history,” Hamilton said
During his time in Obion County, Hamilton worked with officials at the former Superior Fireplace plant on their plant expansion and also worked on expansion projects for Kohler, Griffin Industries and the former Ag South (now Fab South). He was also actively involved in the community as a member of the Union City Rotary Club and he headed the annual Fall Fest BBQ Cook-off.
Hamilton began his career in economic development 29 years ago with the state Department of Economic and Community Development. During his career, he has also worked in economic development in Lincoln County as well as in Taylor County, Fla.
He will be taking over the Paris/Henry County Economic Development Corporation from outgoing executive director Larry Crawford.
“We are exceptionally fortunate to land someone with David’s experience and track record of accomplishment,” Crawford said. “The fact that he already has significant personal and professional ties to our community is a major plus.”
Hamilton will officially take over the corporation on July 1 and will also serve as the county’s director of economic development.
“David has the experience and understanding of how economic development, tourism and chamber activities interlock to effectively serve our community. We believe he will bring a new level of organization to our efforts,” Paris Mayor Sam Tharpe said. He also serves as the vice-chairman of the Paris/Henry County County Economic Development Corporation.

Published in The Messenger 5.24.13