| |
|
Partnership update
The Cocke County Partnership Board of Directors was told Thursday that Old Smoky Distillery has obtained the former NPI building off Cope Boulevard as a warehouse and distribution center, and the firm may further expand in the future. Partnership President Lucas Graham said the Eternal Beverage project which plans to locate in the new industrial park, is to receive a state grant which is contingent on the firm agreeing to a certain level of investment, number of jobs, etc. A retail development is planned for the community, and the developers are looking at possible sites for a cluster location involving three franchise owners. Several local expansion projects also are in the works. Several tourism projects also are being considered for the Hartford area. A metal fabrication operation, bringing 10 to 15 jobs, is currently looking at possible build sites. Graham reported that he has asked both the city and the county for increased funding in the new fiscal year. He said his agency really needs a project manager to handle some aspects of recruitment. "I would really like to see us make some adjustments so we can add a project manager. In that way we could split up economic development from tourism and retail development. We have two different types of projects and there isn't enough time(for one person)to do both of them effectively," explained Graham. Sales tax brings in lots of revenue and so having someone with expertise in the recruitment of retail development will be important. In the past, the local financial institutions, utilities and the hospital, made major contributions to the Partnership operation but that stream of revenue has been modified. Graham said there has been talk about a wheel tax and possibly increasing the hotel/motel tax to increase revenue. Lynn Ramsey of the Chamber of Commerce said efforts are continuing to increase chamber membership. She also reminded the attendees that Rhythm on the River concert series downtown will begin on June 13 at 7 pm with the Marshall Law Band. The Partnership and the City of Newport will host a concert every other Thursday night through July, on the downtown Riverwalk. Tourism Director Linda Lewanski issued a report saying she has reprinted the local tourism brochure, and it is being distributed. There also have been recent meetings with regional offices, regarding the promotion of local recreation opportunities.
|
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
|
|
|