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Economic Development Commission
The Cocke County Partnership Board met Thursday, and members were told the Chamber of Commerce has launched a Shop Local campaign. It will encourage local residents to spend their dollars locally over the upcoming holiday season. Partnership President Lucas Graham reported that Dana Wilds has resigned as his executive assistant and so the position will be advertised in the near future. In an economic development update, Graham reported that the exterior upgrades at the new Hatfield and McCoy Distillery will begin by November 1. He also reported there are on-going negotiations with three prospective industries for Cocke County, there is interest from numerous parties in the Spec building and the former NPI facility. There also is interest in the former ACE site on Industrial Road. Planning work is continuing with regard to a 700 acre site which is being considered for an industrial park. Grading proposals are being developed for a three tier site, with two proposals being developed for consideration."The geotechnical study has been completed and it looks promising," Graham said. And he told the board that construction of a needed rail spur, with negotiations involving Norfolk Southern, TDOT and the Partnership continuing. Four existing firms in Cocke County have submitted tax incentive applications to the Industrial Development Board, in connection with planned expansions in 2017. Tax incentives recently were approved by both the Newport City Council and the Cocke County Legislative Body. In an associated development, the Partnership has developed a plan for recruiting retail and commercial entities, through a recruitment firm. A proposed unified growth plan for Newport and Cocke County also has been submitted to the city and county governments for their review. Efforts also are continuing for the development of a Cosby Bike Trail,Hartford Mountain Bike/Hiking Trail with an expanded trail head parking lot and Highway 25E Greenway. Tourism Director Linda Lewanski has been meeting with interested individuals who are discussing a unified theme concept for the area.Areas of concern also will be addressed. Lewanski also will host 15 travel writers from around the country as part of a media tour.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
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