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Partnership meet
The Cocke County Partnership board meeting Thursday, was told several firms have the local community on their radar for expanded operations. Partnership President Lucas Graham said several firms are interested in buildings located in the industrial park. The spec building is under consideration by three firms, including one which is scheduled for a third visit later this month. That company plans a capital investment of $12 million and would create 75 jobs. Two firms are looking at the former ACE site on Industrial Road, and a major firm is looking seriously at the former NPI building. 12-"This is an international company, and they are planning their fourth visit next week.We have a competitive edge on pricing, but they are concerned about the front end costs, and we do not have the cash incentives, so we are looking at other options." Graham said the firm has a two-phase plan, and the second phase would mean high capitalization and a high job count and with wages ten percent higher than the going rate in Knoxville. Recently Graham called together all the stakeholders who are involved with the planned 700 acre industrial park. Discussions continue to be focused on a planned rail spur over Sinking Creek, and the high cost of such a project.He said the mega-site cost is higher than originally expected because of the rail spur and the grading that will be required. Drones are being used to conduct a detailed survey of the site. Graham said a final determination regarding the feasibility of the site is expected within two months. There is a possibility that TVA will contribute some funding because there are few mega-sites that are served by rail. Tourism Director Linda Lewanski reported the community recently received a number of positive news stories after hosting a group of tourism writers. One story went to 160 media outlets, and another promoted the community in a story entitled "10 reasons to visit East Tennessee right now." The Partnership recently received a $20,000 state grant which is being used to hire a consultant to look at all the assets of the community, and then develop new ways to promote it. Lewanski also is working with state and federal agencies to develop enhanced information regarding local natural resources. The information will be included on the new Tourism website. Lynn Ramsey of the Chamber of Commerce reported that a new map of the community is being developed and is expected to be available to the community by late April. The agency will host to major events on February 24. From 11:30 a.m. till 1 p.m., the chamber will facilitate the Second Annual Industry and School meeting at the Sagebrush restaurant. Also from 3 to 6 p.m., a TNReconnect open house is planned for the Newport Community Center. That program provides free technical education tuition to adults 25 or older, who have lived in Tennessee for at least a year.
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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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