The man who has led Bartlett's predominant business organization for many years plans to step down from the role early next year.
The Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce announced Oct. 20 longtime president John Threadgill will retire effective Jan. 31, 2027, according to a news release. Threadgill has presided over the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 20 years.
Threadgill’s pending retirement will conclude two decades of service to the chamber, Bartlett and the Greater Memphis community. During his tenure, Threadgill has been credited with recruiting dozens of new businesses and industries to Northeast Shelby County, bringing new jobs and fostering
economic growth and prosperity.
Chamber officials said Threadgill’s leadership helped strengthen relationships among local businesses, community leaders and organizations that created opportunities for businesses and the community to thrive.
“John has devoted 20 years to making Bartlett and the Greater Memphis community a better place to live, work, and do business,” Michael Patrick, chairman of the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors said in a news release. “The impact of his leadership extends far beyond the Chamber itself. John has been a tireless advocate for business, economic development and job creation, and we are extremely grateful for the commitment, energy, mentorship and leadership he has provided over the past two decades.”
Memorable contributions
According to a release, Threadgill has played a vital role in forming the Greater Memphis Medical Device Council, the formation of the Shelby County Chamber Alliance and worked closely with EDGE.
Before he joined the Bartlett Chamber, Threadgill spent 16 years as the chief administrative officer with the Memphis Regional Chamber (now Greater Memphis Chamber). Additionally, he was employed as an international specialist with the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development in the 1980s as well as was responsible for recruiting foreign investment from Asia and Canada.
“Serving the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 20 years has been an incredible honor," Threadgill said in a release. "I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many talented and dedicated people and to serve the businesses and individuals who make this community such a special place.
"I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to supporting the Chamber and its continued success during this transition.”
The Bartlett Chamber is touted as Northeast Shelby County’s largest business membership organization, which consists of more than 600 members from a diverse array of industries and professions within a market population of 250,000.
Will serve in advisory role
To help the transition, Threadgill has agreed to assist the board and the Chamber staff with the recruitment and onboarding of his successor and plans to remain available in an advisory capacity after his retirement.
The Bartlett Chamber is expected to provide additional information regarding the search for Threadgill’s replacement in the coming weeks.
“The Board is committed to finding the right person to lead the Chamber into its next chapter,” Patrick said in a release. “While we will certainly miss John’s day-to-day leadership, we are fortunate that he has offered to help guide the transition. This is a tremendous opportunity to build upon the strong foundation he has established over the last 20 years.”
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Bartlett chamber president Threadgill announces retirement
