Sponsors(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) – The Tennessee Economic Development Council (TEDC) has recognized Charles T. Floyd, Vice President and manager for Domtar Paper Company's Kingsport Division, as the 2010 Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Floyd’s tireless leadership efforts in economic development were honored in his award selection for the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Mr. Floyd’s dedication to economic development is exemplified by his role in shepherding the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM). RCAM was conceived as an education and training center for highly technical manufacturing skills. Mr. Floyd ensured that the vision of RCAM became a reality, by initiating the acquisition and transfer of land (donated by Domtar) and overseeing facility construction. Under construction deadline and budget, RCAM opened its doors to more than 200 students in late fall 2009. Since 2004, Floyd has worked extensively with the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce in numerous capacities, including government relations chair, education and workforce development chair and currently as chair of the Chamber's Board of Directors. In all of his leadership positions, Mr. Floyd advocates strongly for creating a bridge between the business and education communities.
Mr. Floyd is also active in NETWORKS, a joint economic development partnership of Sullivan County, City of Kingsport, City of Bristol and Bluff City. As Vice Chair of NETWORKS, an active member of the Kingsport Economic Development Board and a participant in prospect recruitment team efforts, Floyd has been a part of recruiting 520 new jobs and an investment of $48.4 million in the community.
In addition to his volunteer work for RCAM, Mr. Floyd also offers his time and support to numerous community organizations, including: the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, the Tennessee Paper Council, Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital, Kingsport United Way, Northeast State Community College and the Kingsport Rotary Club.
TEDC President Paul Latture expressed his admiration for Mr. Floyd when he stated, “Charles Floyd is dedicated, passionate and tireless in his role as an economic development leader. He exemplifies what we look for in a Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year recipient.”
“An economically strong Kingsport benefits all of us. I look forward to continued service to my community,” stated Charles Floyd. “I am honored by this recognition from the Tennessee Economic Development Council.” TEDC is a statewide professional organization for people involved in economic development. The Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 1977. Recipients of the award must be nominated by TEDC members and selected by a committee of past presidents of TEDC from the field of nominees. Floyd’s accomplishments were recognized October 7, 2010 at the TEDC Annual Fall Conference, which was held in Clarksville, Tennessee.
