Meredith to seek re-election to Anderson County Commission

County Commissioner Rick Meredith has announced he is seeking re-election to the Anderson County Commission, representing District 2. District 2 includes the Clinton, South Clinton, and North Clinton precincts.

“It has truly been an honor to represent the residents of District 2 on County Commission,” Meredith said in a press release. “I take very seriously the trust that you have placed in me, and it is my hope that you will allow me to continue serving you and working with my fellow commissioners to move Anderson County forward.”

First elected in 2010, Meredith said he brings extensive experience in economic and community development to the Commission, as well as knowledge of both state and local planning and program management. He joined the Hollingsworth Companies in 2010 as senior vice president for community development.

He formerly served in Gov. Phil Bredesen’s administration as assistant commissioner of the Community Development Division of the Department of Economic and Community Development. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the Main Street and Three-Star programs, as well as programs pertaining to energy policy, local planning, and grants and loans. He also pioneered several state programs designed to assist business owners and to foster community development, the press release said.

Meredith cited three accomplishments that he said he was instrumental in bringing to reality during his tenure on County Commission. The first is an economic fund designated by County Commission to provide funding for infrastructure and training programs as incentives to recruit industry to the county. The second is the creation of a Retail Committee that is funded through a public-private partnership with an emphasis on recruiting retail to the county. Included in this initiative is a full-time employee at the Chamber of Commerce designated for retail recruitment. Finally, Meredith said, he played a key role in obtaining funding for the purchase of land for a new industrial park that is a key component in making Anderson County competitive in the recruitment of industry and job creation.

“By emphasizing the importance of both retail and industrial recruitment, Anderson County is on the cutting edge of economic development and becomes more attractive to businesses and industries looking to locate in East Tennessee,” Meredith said.

As county commissioner, Meredith serves as chairman of the Agriculture Committee and as a member of the Legislative Committee, Operations Committee, Redistricting Committee, and the Retail Advisory Committee. He previously served as president of the County Officials Association of Tennessee and is a recipient of the Robert E. Gonia Regional Leadership Award for community leadership. In addition, he has served on the board of directors of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Anderson County.

He attended the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service, and is a certified public administrator. A lifelong resident of Anderson County, Meredith resides in Clinton with his wife, Kim. They are the parents of three adult children and have three grandchildren.