Middle Tennessee State University and the City of Murfreesboro recently received a Local Government Award for economic development from the Greater Nashville Regional Council.

The council, made up of the 13 counties and 52 cities in the Nashville area, praised MTSU and the city for a century of partnership that has enhanced economic development locally and throughout the region.

Patti Miller, assistant vice president of MTSU Campus Planning, accepted the award at the council’s annual business meeting held Sept. 22 in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Patti Miller, left, assistant vice president of MTSU Campus Planning, accepted the Local Government Award on behalf of MTSU and the City of Murfreesboro at the Greater Nashville Regional Council’s annual business meeting held Sept. 22 in Clarksville, Tennessee. Presenting the award at right is Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan, president of the council. (Submitted photo)

In announcing the award, the council praised MTSU for providing a steady workforce, preparing future leaders and boosting the economy with more job opportunities as it has grown over the years.

The council commended the city for providing available and affordable housing, dependable parking and transportation infrastructure, landscaping and other such support on which the university depends.

In July, MTSU and city officials unveiled the Adams Indoor Tennis Complex, an eight-court facility that enhances the Blue Raider tennis program while also expanding playing and tournament opportunities for area residents.

The $5.8 million complex was a partnership between MTSU, Murfreesboro and the nonprofit Christy-Houston Foundation.

“Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee State University demonstrate an outstanding and lasting partnership between a city and a university in how to effectively coordinate and implement economic and infrastructure development initiatives as the area continues to grow, which serves as a great example to other communities in the Greater Nashville region,“ said Sam Edwards, executive director of the Greater Nashville Regional Council.

The GNRC (www.gnrc.org) provides planning and other assistance to member governments in economic development, transportation, solid waste, loans and grants for water and sewer systems, housing, small business loans, tourism promotion, air quality, and services for senior citizens.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)