Gov. Bill Lee gives closing address at BAM323 Conference
Lee shares experiences practicing business as mission in his roles of businessman and political leader.
Cate Zenzen |
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee gives remarks during the closing session of the first Business As Mission conference Sept. 17.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered the closing address at the BAM323 Conference hosted by the Center for Business as Mission in the College of Business at Lipscomb University, Tuesday Sept. 17.
The first BAM323 Conference was a full day of speakers, pitch opportunities and awards to honor, equip and inspire the community of Nashville and beyond. The event was designed specifically for business leaders, entrepreneurs, church leaders and impact investors. Attendees chose which track fit their role and spent the day learning skills from national and international speakers who have put business as mission into practice. More than 300 attended the conference.
“We have been working on this conference for a long time. Over a year ago we had a vision to begin something like this,” Rob Touchstone, director of the Center for Business as Mission, told the audience. “We are so grateful for our sponsors and for so many people who have supported us in many ways. We are also thankful for you our audience for being here today and supporting this program. It does mean the world to us.”
The final segment of the day, titled Bison BAM, was an opportunity for local and international social enterprises to pitch on behalf of their businesses. This allowed the audience to witness BAM in action and also exposed the companies to potential investors, employees and customers. Frank Harrison, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated, was also presented the BAM323 2019 Award on behalf of Lipscomb University for his influence in social impact.
In his closing remarks, Lee shared the ways in which he learned to incorporate business as mission in his time as president of Lee Company, his family’s comprehensive mechanical construction service company, and later as state governor. He utilized the convergence of faith and profession in passing legislation to start the Tennessee Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in early 2019, and saw it in action on a tour of faith-based nonprofits throughout the state.
“I have long believed that government is not the answer to the greatest challenges that we have, and a governor doesn’t change the state,” said Lee. “But the government has an opportunity to create an environment where we the people can impact our communities in the greatest of ways.”
Lee expressed his appreciation for the speakers, presenters and attendees of BAM323 and the work they do for the Kingdom.
“The people in this room know what is actually going to bring about real, powerful change because you’ve tapped into the real power that changes,” said Lee.
Want to know more about Lipscomb’s Center for Business As Mission?
— Photo by Kristi Jones