In the heart of Nashville's bustling city hall, members of the Industrial Development Board gathered to discuss the ongoing partnership with Phillips, a company that has woven itself into the fabric of the community since its arrival in 2017. The meeting highlighted the progress of Phillips' North American Center of Excellence, which focuses on healthcare technology and has become a beacon of innovation in the region.

Phillips was granted an economic incentive package back in 2017, promising to create 500 jobs over a seven-year period. As the sixth year of this agreement unfolds, the board reviewed the company’s performance and its commitment to local employment. Ashley Harbin, an attorney representing Phillips, shared the company’s journey and its significant contributions to Nashville.

Since establishing its center, Phillips has not only met but exceeded expectations, employing 782 individuals by the end of the previous year. Of those, 635 employees qualified for the incentive program, demonstrating the company’s dedication to hiring from the local talent pool. Harbin emphasized the diversity of the workforce, noting that 60% are women and 35% represent various ethnic backgrounds, with over half of the employees hailing from Davidson County.

Beyond job creation, Phillips has engaged deeply with the community, launching initiatives aimed at improving healthcare for mothers and developing resources for high-risk pregnancies. Their local engagement team has also mobilized employees to volunteer, contributing to organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank and the Nashville Rescue Mission.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed pride in Phillips' achievements and the positive impact the company has made in Nashville. With one more year left in the grant period, the anticipation builds for what the future holds for Phillips and its continued partnership with the city. The story of Phillips in Nashville stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between businesses and local governments, promising benefits that resonate throughout the community for years to come.