Bob Cantler, president and CEO of the 黑料视频 Chamber of Commerce, believes collaboration is key when it comes to promoting economic growth in the region.
The 62-year-old East Tennessee State University marketing graduate has spent his career fostering business growth and supporting local communities.
Cantler, who manages the chamber鈥檚 daily operations, said his philosophy is to 鈥渃ontinually seek the barriers and challenges for our organization and community and develop strategic solutions.鈥
Among his notable achievements, Cantler led the creation of RegionAHEAD during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative, a collaborative effort with regional Chambers and Economic Development (ECD) organizations, initially provided business grants and was reactivated to support the community following flooding from Hurricane Helene.聽
Cantler credits his ten years working with Scott Niswonger as an invaluable mentorship experience, providing him with insights into complex regional opportunities. He also acknowledged the excellent counsel received from his counterparts, Miles Burdine of the Kingsport chamber and Beth Rhinehart of the Bristol chamber.
Cantler said he has 鈥渂een blessed to build on my experiences鈥 across the hospitality industry, consulting, and his current role in business community development.
Cantler has been married for 37 years to his wife, Dianna, whom he describes as an 鈥渋nvaluable partner and supporter.鈥 They have two adult children who are now starting their own families.
For aspiring management books, Cantler highly recommends Stephen Covey鈥檚 鈥淭he 7 Habits of Highly Effective People鈥 and Michael Gerber鈥檚 鈥淭he E-Myth Revisited鈥 as well as 鈥淵ou Might Be Right鈥 podcast featuring former Tennessee Governors Bill Haslam and Phil Bredesen.
His top piece of advice for up-and-coming managers: 鈥淪eek mentors and ask as many questions as appropriate.鈥
