The news: The Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce is getting a new leader next year. President John Threadgill will retire effective Jan. 31, 2027, the chamber announced Oct. 20.

How long he’s been there: Threadgill joined the Bartlett chamber in 2005, so he’s led it for more than 20 years. Before that, he spent 16 years with the Greater Memphis Chamber, where he was chief administrative officer and led international economic development work. Earlier, he worked for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, helping bring foreign investment to the state.

What he focused on: Under Threadgill, the chamber leaned harder into economic development, meaning recruiting new companies, helping existing ones grow and building ties that bring jobs and investment to Bartlett. A few highlights from his tenure:

  • He helped form the Greater Memphis Medical Device Council and the Shelby County Chamber Alliance.
  • He built a close working relationship with EDGE, the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County.
  • He pointed to companies that have grown in Bartlett, including Memphis Record Pressing, Brimhall Foods, Lincotek, Olympus and Arch Medical.

Room to grow: Threadgill told The Daily Memphian that Bartlett now has more than 500 acres of developable industrial land, including in Bartlett Corporate Park and the planned Bartlett Innovation Park.

In his words: “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,” Threadgill said in the chamber’s announcement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to supporting the Chamber and its continued success during this transition.”

What’s next: The chamber is starting a search for its next president and hopes to have someone picked before Threadgill steps down. The new president is expected to start Feb. 1, 2027. Threadgill will help recruit and onboard his successor and stay on in an advisory role. He’s also hinted at a future economic development project, with details to come.

Sources: Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce retirement announcement, as published by Bartlett Growth and the Bartlett Chamber; The Daily Memphian, Oct. 21, 2026; The Commercial Appeal, Oct. 21, 2026; Memphis Business Journal, Oct. 20, 2026.

Photo: “Bartlett TN Welcome to Bartlett” by Thomas R. Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons