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Cocke County Partnership meet
The Cocke County Partnership Board met Thursday and President Lucas Graham reported that the COVID 19 pandemic has slowed the advancement of some projects "It has had an impact on our ongoing projects. Two of the retailers involved in Project Showrest, have taken a substantial hit and so the developers are looking at other potential options." Graham said some of the manufacturing projects have been slowed, but two that had been postponed are again working with state economic development officials on applications. "I'm starting to see some momentum with people getting more optimistic about whats coming up." Graham said the former RGE plant in the industrial park is being sold to the Ole Smoky Distillery, and he expects the contract with Eternal Beverage will be signed this month. Dennis Gregg of Conagra and Truitt Ottinger of Tennessee State Bank were re-appointed to the Board. Although Conagra plans to close it's plant in January, Gregg said he expects to be in town until the firm's warehouse closes later in 2021. The Partnership expects to receive the same contributions from both Newport and Cocke County in the new budget year. There may be decreases in Chamber dues as a result of the current pandemic, in the new years. Graham said a number of small businesses have been impacted by COVID 19. The statewide Chamber organization will offer Etna medical coverage in an effort to reduce costs for members of the local chamber and their employees. The program will reduce costs for mom and pop businesses, and local insurance agencies who sell Etna, will handle the policy, and provide a group discount. The board agreed to join the program. Tourism Director Linda Lewanski said the state is developing a phased-in tourism marketing program. She and Newport Mayor Roland Dykes attended the re-opening of Clingmans Dome and heard keynote speaker Second Lady Karen Pence. Lynn Ramsey of the Chamber reported that the organization is continuing with it's networking program, by hosting virtual gatherings. The question of offering Riverwalk concerts and the Street Festival will be dependant on the state's timeline for re-opening activities. Applications will be made available for the activities and if they must be canceled fees will be refunded. "We are a small community but I think people have really tried their best to stand by the local businesses...I'm really happy about that."
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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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