Harry Smith Calls for Unity At Collierville Chamber Luncheon

By Daisy Fontaine
– The Collierville Herald –

Harry Smith, president and CEO of Schilling Enterprises and Schilling Motors, told Collierville Chamber of Commerce members and their guests that Collierville residents should pull together.

He used the brouhaha over the location of the Town Hall construction as an example. "Collierville is a good town – bigger than a hospital, bigger than FedEx, bigger than Carrier. It’s going to grow or die. We must be positive, we must be ambassadors, like the ones in the Chamber… ‘By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked." said Smith, quoting Proverbs 11:11.

Once the site for the Town Hall has been settled he said residents, businesses and industries should trust the Collierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen. "We should give respect for authority."

Russell ‘Rusty’ Bloodworth, executive vice president of Boyle Investment Co., who is in charge of development of Schilling Farms, spoke briefly, saying: "Germantown took the negative approach to commercial business years ago. Since the 1800’s Collierville has been pro business." He said the town had always been careful of its selection of industries and commercial newcomers. "I think the town’s vision and mentality are right. I think Schilling Farms is at the right place at the right time," he said.

Ann Marie Matthews was honored as Collierville Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month at the Chamber luncheon.