Smart USA Co., the London-based retirement technology company, announced plans to locate its U.S. headquarters in Nashville in July 2021. Representatives from Smart worked with the Chamber’s economic development team, the TN Department of Economic and Community Development and the Tennessee Valley Authority throughout their site selection process. Upon market entry, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Jodan Ledford, attended a CEO dinner, became a Chamber member, Partnership investor, and an International Business Council Advisory Board Member. We look forward to helping Smart USA thrive in the Nashville region.
“Smart considered a number of cities and states when searching locations for our US Headquarters. Given we would be recruiting people from across the country, it was vital we select a city where we could draw people to work and live. Nashville’s central location, cost of living, vibrant community and depth of talent in technology and financial services led us to quickly move it to the top of our list. Our experience working with the economic development teams at the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, TVA, and the Chamber was beyond compare and sealed the deal on establishing Smart’s presence in Nashville. We truly felt valued and that we were building a partnership with the city and state.” Jodan Ledford, Smart USA’s Chief Executive Officer
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The Chamber, in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, the TN Department of Economic and Community Development and Baker Donelson, collaborated on a welcome reception for newly appointed Consul-General of Japan in Nashville, Mr. Yoichi Matsumoto. Matsumoto arrived in early January, replacing Kayoko Fukushima who was appointed Japan’s Ambassador to Barbados.
The Nashville Chamber’s International Business Council hosted a Business Roundtable featuring Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, Minister of State for Trade Policy of the United Kingdom. The Minister discussed U.S.-U.K business relations and impacts on the Nashville business community. Mordaunt went on to enter the race for UK Tory Leadership, coming in behind Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss who was named Prime Minister in September 2022.