This summer, we're bringing the "Yes, And..." Forum to South Pittsburg, Tennessee, a community that balances economic vitality with culture, character, and landscapes that make a place worth calling home.

Nestled in the rolling mountains of Marion County, and along the Tennessee River, South Pittsburg is home to several companies whose success depends on the kind of efficient, multi-modal infrastructure that connects communities to broader markets. At the same time, residents here have been active in resilience planning, creative placemaking, and building a recreation and tourism economy rooted in a deep sense of place.

 South Pittsburg puts "Yes, And..." in practice. And we're bringing the region there to see it firsthand.

Thrive's “Yes, And…” Forums convene people across the tri-state region to shape competing priorities into shared possibilities — because real progress doesn't choose sides, it connects them.

What to Expect

Attendees will have an exclusive opportunity to tour Lodge Cast Iron's foundry and Museum of Cast Iron, getting an up-close look at the intersection of industry, infrastructure, and community identity. Lunch will be provided at Lodge Cast Iron. A short five minute walk takes attendees to the historic Princess Theater for panel discussions.

Space Is Limited. Register Early.

Our Spring Forum sold out, and space for this summer gathering is even more limited. If you want to be in the room, don't wait. Register today to secure your spot.

Registration & Media Notice: Registration for this event is non-refundable. By registering, attendees consent to on-site photography and videography that may be used for promotional and educational purposes.

Agenda

Tour: Inside the Lodge Cast Iron Foundry

Get an inside look at one of the region's active manufacturing facilities. This guided foundry tour offers business and civic leaders a ground-level view of the processes and workforce driving industrial production in the tri-state, and a firsthand appreciation for the infrastructure that keeps our regional economy moving.

‍Tour: The Lodge Museum of Cast Iron

Step into the story of American cooking. Tour the Museum of Cast Iron, which traces the history of cast iron cookware: how it's made, what it means to food culture, and why it endures as a symbol of authentic cooking. With interactive opportunities throughout, this hands-on experience connects the legacy of regional manufacturing to the kitchens and communities it has shaped for generations.

[Panel Discussion] Moving Smart: Connecting Transportation Modes in the Tri-State

Freight is an essential part of daily life and the region's economy, and how it moves matters. Most freight in our region moves by truck, not because the alternatives don't exist, but because they've never been easy to access. The resulting congestion adds pressure to local roads, increases costs for area industries, and longer travel times for residents. 

Meanwhile, rail corridors, river barge routes, and air freight connections already run through the tri-state region, waiting to be put to better use. This panel brings together four operators who move real freight across those modes every day for an honest conversation about what it would actually take to shift the region's freight network toward smarter, more connected choices. It's a conversation about infrastructure, economics, and regional will, and why it matters to everyone in the room.

Featuring:

• Lance Joyner, Guntersville Marine
• David Anderson, Colonial Chemical
• Nick Barnett, Blue Ridge Logistics
• Moderated by Jake Battles, MaDex Associates

[Panel Discussion] Spotlight on South Pittsburg: Community, Place, and a Resilient Future

Built and natural community spaces are vital civic infrastructure that anchor neighborhoods and downtowns, attract investment, support public health, and define the character of the communities we call home.

This panel explores how leaders in the rural community of South Pittsburg, TN are transforming shared spaces into lasting community assets. Speakers will share practical approaches to outdoor infrastructure and community-centered development that local leaders across the tri-state can champion in their own communities.

Featuring: 

• Joel Houser, Open Space Institute
• Bridgett Massengill, Thrive Regional Partnership
• Lizzy Gardner, Tennessee RiverLine
• Kim Parks, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
• Moderated by: Walker Henley, South Pittsburg Area Revitalization Quest (SPARQ)

Sponsors

Trust for Civic Life
Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga Airport

Southeast Tennessee Development

Lodge Cast Iron

City of South Pittsburg

Thrive's events bring together the people that shape the future of the tri-state, greater Chattanooga region. Event sponsorships connect your brand to high-impact convenings throughout the year. Click here to learn more and sponsor this event.