Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited Livingston last week, joining local officials, business leaders, and nonprofit organizations for lunch at 1806 BBQ before taking a walking tour of the historic downtown square to observe local businesses in operation and discuss strategic investments in the downtown area.

The tour highlighted key improvements made possible through the Courthouse Square Revitalization Act, including facade improvements, streetscape enhancements, and the development of Central Park. Since 2007, the tax rebate zone created under the Act has generated more than $4 million in downtown investment, demonstrating the program's significant impact on the community's economic development.

"Our downtown square is the heart of this community, and the investment that has taken place there over the past two decades is a direct result of a state program that works and local business owners who believed in Livingston," said Zach Stephens, President & CEO of the Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce. "We were honored to show the Governor what that partnership has produced and to talk about what comes next for our downtown."

The visit brought together representatives from the City of Livingston, Overton County, Main Street Livingston, the Chamber, and local nonprofits, and it offered an opportunity to discuss the tools and resources that continue to support small business growth and downtown revitalization in rural Tennessee communities.

The Chamber thanked Governor Lee for taking the time to visit Livingston and for his continued attention to the needs of rural communities across the state.

About the Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce The Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce serves as the lead organization for economic development, tourism, workforce development, small business support, and government advocacy in Overton County, Tennessee. For more information, visit LivingstonOvertonChamber.com.