Policy Priorities
History & Impact
Our Origin Story
In the early 1980s, Tennessee was changing. Its industries were evolving. Its workforce was growing. But one thing was missing: a unified voice for the business community.
Inside the State Capitol, the halls were crowded with lobbyists and advocates—each representing a narrow interest, each pushing for their piece of the pie. But no one was speaking for the big picture. No one was focused on what would make Tennessee a better place to do business, raise a family, or build a future.
That’s when Governor Lamar Alexander turned to a trusted leader: Bill Sansom, his former Finance Commissioner. The charge was clear—bring together respected business voices to form something lasting. Something that could stand above politics. Something that would shape—not chase—policy.
Bill Welch / The Tennessean
December 19, 1983: The Roundtable Is Born
At the Legislative Plaza in Nashville, surrounded by reporters and business leaders, Sansom announced the launch of the Tennessee Business Roundtable.
He was joined by a small group of founding members—executives from across Tennessee who shared a belief that the business community didn’t just need a seat at the table—it needed its own table.
They named Catherine Turner Petruccelli, a seasoned Capitol Hill advocate and former Assistant State Personnel Commissioner, as the Roundtable’s first Executive Director. Together, they would guide the organization into the next legislative session—and into history.
“We are seeking a network of business and professional persons from across Tennessee who are interested in those issues which affect their ability to manage and be productive in a free enterprise environment.”
— Bill Sansom, Founding Chair
Purpose With Clarity
From its earliest documents, the Roundtable’s mission was clear:
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Unite business leaders from every region of the state
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Inform the business community about the laws shaping the workplace
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Champion a public-sector environment built on merit and productivity
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Advocate for right-to-work principles
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Ensure that business was not just reacting to public policy—but helping shape it
Their first focus areas weren’t trendy—they were foundational:
Employer-employee relations. Workers' comp. Business tax reform. State bond ratings. Prevailing wage laws.
A Model That Lasts
What began as a handful of leaders stepping forward quickly became a movement—regional vice presidents, statewide events, bipartisan conversations, and policy wins that reshaped how Tennessee did business.
Over the next four decades, the Roundtable would:
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Serve as trusted counsel to governors and legislators
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Help launch initiatives to strengthen career-connected education
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Elevate child care as economic infrastructure
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Advocate for Medicaid expansion from a business lens
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Convene cross-sector coalitions that moved real legislation forward
"Not For Ourselves Alone, But For All Tennessee."
Still Leading
Today, the Roundtable remains guided by the same truth that launched it in 1983:
Our members come from every industry, every corner of the state—but they share a commitment to Thoughtful policy, Collaborative leadership, and Long-term prosperity.
We don’t show up for photo ops. We show up to do the work.
We don’t ask what’s good for one company. We ask what’s good for Tennessee.
We are—and have always been—the business leadership table for the public good.
When business leads with integrity and foresight, the entire state benefits.