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How will the tech industry drive Williamson County’s growth?

 

Innovation Park Building Photo (1280x1280)

The future home of Innovation Park and the site for “The Future of Tech in Williamson County” membership mixer, April 19 at 5 p.m. Photo submitted: Oak Point Real Estate

 

By Charlane Oliver

Hate it or love it, technology is advancing faster than we can keep up. New apps and software updates are popping up at every turn. Thumb scrolling can probably be considered the newest exercise, considering the amount of time we spend on our mobile devices. More and more, we’re subscribing to on-demand apps like Uber, Shipt, Doorstep Delivery and Cash for everyday conveniences that make life less stressful. And don’t expect this craze to slow down.

As the demand for faster, sleeker, smarter mobile and digital devices rise, so does the need for those who create them.  According to Williamson, Inc.’s website, some economists have made the case that information technology (IT) and the creation of intellectual property is the 21st century’s version of manufacturing. Whether that is the case or not, there is no doubt IT is playing a key role in the future of the U.S. economy.

So, what will the future of tech in Williamson County look like?

Find out at the Williamson Chamber’s membership mixer on Tuesday, April 19 where we’ll explore “The Future of Tech in Williamson County” with Oak Point Real Estate, the developers behind the forthcoming site of Innovation Park, a 10-acre, 64,682 square-foot hub for bioscience and biotechnology research where the mixer will be held.

Currently home of the Cool Springs Life Sciences Center, the Innovation Park development will open its doors exclusively to the business community for one night as a preview of what’s to come in the tech industry.

“Williamson County is poised to reap the benefits largely because of the concentration of existing high-tech companies in the Brentwood/Maryland Farms and Franklin/Cool Springs area and the education and skill level of the existing workforce,” said Williamson, Inc. Existing Business Manager Nick Biniker, who works directly with several area tech companies.

Over the next 10 years, Williamson County is expected to add 24.5 percent more tech jobs, according to EMSI economic projections. That’s a 22.2 percent increase by 2025, while the national average is growing tech jobs at 17 percent. The majority of these jobs, including information system managers, computer programmers, web developers and software developers, to name a few, require a bachelor’s degree for entry level employment.

“This highly talented labor pool makes Williamson County an ideal location for technology companies looking for innovation, high quality resources and creative people and spaces,” said Biniker.

In fact, the Nashville Technology Council’s 2014 and 2015 winners for Company of the Year–Rustici Software and Leankit, respectively–are located in Williamson County.

In addition to Leankit and Rustici Software, Innovation Park will join to the growing roster of companies and creative spaces currently here: Metacake, Digital Reasoning, Entrada, Metova, NextGxDx, Caddis Interactive, Pilgrim Consulting, Randa Solutions, WPC Healthcare, and Mmodal.

The membership mixer, presented by Vanderbilt Health, is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and located at 393 Nichol Mill Lane in Franklin. Guests can network over soft music while enjoying drinks by H Clark Distillery, Moon Wine & Spirits and Granite City Food & Brewery, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts by Nothing Bundt Cakes and Bradley’s Creamery. In addition to food tasting stations for mixer attendees to sample, technology companies, including RS TECH, Hobby Express and Sano will be on hand to showcase their products and services.

The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for guests. Register online before Friday, April 15 to receive a list of attendees prior to the event. Guests can also pay at the door. For questions, contact Verlinda Darden at verlinda@williamsonchamber.com.


This story first appeared in the April 2016 issue of The Point. Read the entire issue here