Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster addressed community leaders and state officials at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Rural Development Feedback Forum in Cookeville, emphasizing the vital role of state partnerships in local progress.

Foster pointed to several key advancements achieved with TNECD’s support, including broadband expansion initiatives, industrial development, and essential infrastructure projects across Cumberland County. Rather than mastering every individual state program, Foster advised fellow local leaders to focus on building strong relationships with the state personnel who manage them, praising the local TNECD team for their assistance in securing funding and resolving challenges.

Adding a lighter note to the proceedings, Foster shared the secret behind his appearance at the podium: “If Brooxie asks you to do something, just say yes!”