Friday, October 20, 2017

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.


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