- David Plazas is Director of Opinion and Engagement for USA TODAY Network Tennessee.
The midterm elections have intensified the nation’s rhetoric and political polarization, but in fact, the nation’s leaders have found common ground in many areas to address major issues.
Take the Obama-era 21st Century Cures Act, the Trump-era Music Modernization Act, and the current Biden White House’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Too often, however, leaders, especially those in the business world, are not as connected to federal issues or officials as they should be.
That’s why the Tennessee Business Forum launched in January to connect leaders with each other, focusing only on federal regulatory issues.
On this episode of the Tennessee Voices video podcast, Forum Executive Director Bess McWherter and Ingram Group Principal Brad Bishop, which works with the Forum, talk about their mission and work.
Both have extensive experience in federal decision-making, both in the executive and legislative branches. McWhorter advises Congressman Jim Cooper (D-Nashville) and is the granddaughter of the former governor. Ned McWherter, 1987-1995. Bishop works for U.S. Senators. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, has served in the White House and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Their goal is to help leaders better understand the situation so they can influence federal policy. An important topic for business leaders today is infrastructure, they say.
McWherter and Bishop said that while some news media shows may focus on the heated row in Washington, D.C., they often see staff struggling to find solutions to national problems.
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About the Tennessee Voice
The Tennessee Voice Videocast is a 20-minute program that began in March 2020, inviting leaders, thinkers, and innovators who write guest columns for USA TODAY Network’s Tennessee publication to share with me and our audience their insights and wisdom.
Please email me your thoughts for future guests at dplazas@tennessean.com. Thanks for watching.
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Watch past episodes: Voice of Tennessee Video Broadcasting
David Plazas is Director of Opinion and Engagement for USA TODAY Network Tennessee and a member of the Tennessee Editorial Board. Tweet him at @davidplazas.