|
|
Cocke County Partnership update The Cocke County Partnership Board met Thursday and was told by President Lucas Graham that a meeting is planned for next week with Austin Consulting. That firm is under contract through the state-funded Property Evaluation Program, and will evaluate the various industrial sites as well as other aspects of the Cocke County economic development plan. Graham said the evaluation of the five local sites is scheduled to begin in late November, including and after the evaluation is complete he wants a community meeting with the evaluators, local politicians and community leaders. "The question we get every year is why aren't we getting this and why aren't we getting that. Why don't we have a Volkswagen (plant)? This will provide community information to those who do not work in economic development on a daily basis, and will provide an opportunity for them to ask those questions." The study also will include a cost analysis of developing the various sites. Graham said there also will be a "mock industrial visit" which will provide feedback on the effectiveness of Graham in the recruitment process. "They will critique our presentations, the incentives we have to offer, how we are selling our workforce, our education and training programs. They will pinpoint any gaps, and help us to identify them so we can be stronger in our recruitment approach." Tourism Director Linda Lewanski reported that new Cocke County maps now have been placed at the Hartford Welcome Center for tourists entering the state. Several local moonshine distillers plan to be included in the new state-sponsored Moonshine Trail which stretches from Memphis to Newport. And Lewanski plans to revitalize the partnership with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with more future collaborative efforts. Chamber Executive Director Lynn Ramsey reported that several programs are gearing up for the holiday season aimed at encouraging local shopping. And the chamber will begin having a monthly breakfast, as well as "Lunch and Learn" sessions.
|
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
|
|
|