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Economic agency holds December meeting

T-G STAFF REPORT
Posted 12/9/21

Shelbyville-Bedford Partnership held its annual meeting Monday night at the still under-construction Garland King Museum.  

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Economic agency holds December meeting

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The legacy of the late Garland King remains an integral part of local events. Shelbyville-Bedford Partnership, an economic development agency created by Bedford County Government and the City of Shelbyville, held its annual meeting Monday night at the still under-construction Garland King Museum.  

King’s collection of antique cars and other local memorabilia is now located in the former home of Shelbyville Central High School and Harris Middle School on Elm Street.  

Son Gary King and grandson Collin King are restoring the old school as a home for the late fire chief’s collection. It’s one that invited guests deemed “incredible.”  

In addition to being known as Shelbyville Fire Chief, King was known to many as a collector of all things related to Bedford County. 

His extensive collection includes things from his childhood. The extensive collection includes classic cars, metal toys, signs, photographs, receipts, pencils and hundreds of other items, making it perhaps the most complete collection of Bedford County history in existence.  

The Garland King Museum, now directed by his family, spans several lifetimes, compiling stories and memorabilia of people and businesses long since passed. No matter how common or unique, King always knew how each item had its part in Bedford County history.  

There was also, of course, business to be discussed in the midst of the social event.  

Shane Hooper, president and chief executive officer of the partnership, gave a report on local economic development initiatives, including not only industrial recruitment but retention and expansion of existing industries, retail development, and workforce development.  

Hooper recognized members of the partnership’s board and introduced board members of the newly-created Shelbyville-Bedford County Community Foundation. (T-G story forthcoming.)  

A variety of City and County officials attended the Christmas-themed party, along with representatives of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TDECD.)  

Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham and Shelbyville City Councilman Henry Feldhaus — both of whom serve on the partnership’s board of directors — made remarks as well.