Global Nashville with Karl Dean talks to Ralph Schulz, Chamber CEO | EP-43

In this episode Karl Dean, former Nashville Mayor, talks with Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Ralph Schulz about the business environment in Nashville during this time of pandemic. We invite you to listen to this Webinar and join us for future editions of "Global Nashville with Karl Dean" -- check TNWAC.org for Webinar schedules. April 14, 2020 Runtime: 31:58 00:01 Welcome / Introduction -- Invitation to friends in the business community to sponsor “Global Nashville with Karl Dean.” Contact [email protected] 02:30 Prior to pandemic how was business in Nashville? 03:36 How has the business community been affected by the pandemic? 05:35 What role has the Nashville Chamber had dealing with these circumstances? 07:04 Is hospitality the hardest hit sector in the pandemic? 08:10 Healthcare sector impact. 08:46 Tell us about business expansions and relocations. 09:18 Interest on the part of global tech in Nashville. 09:30 How is the Federal response, money flow from Washington? 09:59 PPP and other programs have been life preservers for some businesses. 10:33 What connections have you had with other chambers? Best practices? 11:02 Today’s chambers’ call – interesting range of cities, where they are in the pandemic. 11:55 People are working toward the ‘things’ that will help companies come back. 12:13 Businesses most interested in their plan going forward, adaptation to the current situation is done. How fast can we get back to being fully productive? 12:48 Hot topic is reopening, getting back to “normal.” How will that play out? 13:29 Some sort of “phasing” will be necessary to return to “normal.” 14:30 Education is a major focus of the Chamber; how do you see school situation? 16:09 Global economy and Nashville: what has the Chamber’s approach been? 18:15 How has the pandemic impacted the global economic sector? 18:42 Nashville’s “calling card” is how it responds to adversity. 19:18 Alliance Bernstein an example of business approach to Nashville culture. 19:48 Like coming out of the flood and recession Nashville will demonstrate how to bounce back. 20:15 Optimism makes Nashville a special place. 20:40 Is the pandemic the biggest challenge you’ve faced at the Chamber? 21:08 The recovery from the flood was “no small task” either. 21:50 Hopefully we can be helpful and supportive of businesses and the public sector. 22:20 More “unknowns” and “uncertainty” in the pandemic recovery – vast array of problems. 23:10 Unknowns are compounded by progression of the virus. Scary in some ways, energizing in some other ways. Confronting issue out of necessity. 23:59 Entrepreneurship. Nashville has benefited greatly. How do you keep that spirit of optimism in entrepreneurship going? 24:46 Entrepreneurs in Nashville are drawn to the next big challenge. 25:00 24% of economy in the region is driven by entrepreneurship. 25:33 Key for Nashville is to be a community to attract and retain creative people. 25:55 New enterprises will come out of the crisis because entrepreneurs are here. 26:20 Do you see a role for the Chamber in support to small businesses. 26:42 Small businesses are the largest and most fragile part of the economy under these circumstances. 27:22 Nashville has the ability to adapt, but small businesses have a tough outlook, but Nashville small business owners usually find a way when others don’t 27:49 What about Metro’s response? 28:53 City has a lot to proud of. 29:13 Proud of Chamber’s staff. Adjusting to new circumstances. Delivering value. 29:57 Last thoughts? Nashville is “well positioned to exceed expectations” coming out of this crisis. You, Mayor Dean, were personally a big part of establishing that personality for Nashville that has led to our momentum. A lot of faith in Nashville and its people. 30:50 Nashville’s best days are ahead. 31:07 Invitation to friends in the business community to sponsor “Global Nashville with Karl Dean.” Contact [email protected]