CBC staff updated the commission on the Music City Truck Climbers program, a cohort for diverse-owned small businesses launched in January that focuses on branding, marketing, PR, sales and social media.

Marie (CBC staff) told commissioners the cohort is more than halfway through the program and has received sessions on branding, marketing, PR, sales and social media, plus community and site visits such as a hospitality luncheon and a tour of the Music City Center. She thanked advisory participants and noted Deputy Mayor Sybil Brown’s support (Brown was out of town for this meeting).

Marie read excerpts from participant feedback included in the meeting packet. Warren of The Pepper Pot said, “I've learned how collaborative and welcoming Nashville's hospitality community is. The program has opened my eyes to new opportunities, from strategic partnerships, to innovative ways of engaging with our community, and celebrating cultural diversity through food.” Thomas Kelly of Creative Souls Printing said, “This program has also highlighted new opportunities for collaboration, whether through partnerships with event planners, boutique hotels, or entertainment venues.”

Staff said the inaugural cohort will finish in August and that feedback included requests for longer sessions. Commissioners welcomed the update and said they had met cohort members who reported strong engagement.