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Keeping Our Ducks in a Row

Don’t be fooled by the quiet, lots of noise is being made just below the surface

Nearly three decades into this profession, I can’t count the analogies, metaphors, and parables I have used to discuss economic development as a whole or particular initiatives on which we and our partners have embarked. So, what’s one more?

In reviewing our activities over the past three months, there have not been many headline grabbing items. We closed the last quarter with the announcement of Vulcan Thermal, LLC locating in Phipps Bend Industrial Park, the property we proudly market for the Hawkins County Industrial Development Board. In the meantime, we have been as busy as ever, working on recruitment projects, marketing Aerospace Park with our partners at Tri-Cities Airport and Jones Lang & LaSalle, marketing collectively with “Team Tennessee” on TEP events, developing industrial sites, and executing grants in both site and workforce development.

What metaphor does that bring to mind? It is economic development as a duck. You know, as in the Olive Luck quote: “Act like a duck. Be calm on the surface, but paddle like hell underneath.” Believe me, our webbed feet could not be busier. We have been trying to bring a few recruitment and expansion projects across the finish line and those final negotiations are usually the trickiest. Beyond that, the success we’ve enjoyed in obtaining grants – for industrial site development, workforce initiatives, and web site creation – has moved well into the implementation phase, where the hard work really happens. Speaking of industrial site development, all our Sullivan County investors – Bluff City, Bristol, Kingsport, and the county – have agreed to purchasing some 35 acres that lies next to the LeClerc facility on Airport Parkway, currently owned by the Kingsport Economic Development Board, and to contract the engineering of a comprehensive site plan. This purchase will be unique as it is the first time we are making a purchase and working toward site development without going to the bond market to fund it, at least for Phase I which includes the purchase and creation and an engineered development plan.

In addition to the Kingsport property, we are working with the City of Bristol on moving forward with a $1 million TNECD Site Development Grant for two adjacent tracts in Partnership Park II, our industrial park off Weaver Pike. After implementing a previous $1 million grant in that park, we landed a Seaman Corporation project before the site work was completed. We are currently implementing a due diligence grant determining the feasibility of site preparedness for the 50-acre Bristol Business Park South on Highway 94, thanks to a $100,000 TNECD grant. NETWORKS is in a support role to BTES and the City of Bristol in executing a $2 million SDG to develop a 14-acre tract in Bristol Industrial Park.

We are also working in partnership with local school systems and BTES in expanding last year’s TVA Workforce Invest Grant that has been successful in Bristol City Schools into Sullivan County Schools. This program utilizes virtual reality technology to expand students’ awareness of and skillsets for various advanced manufacturing career pathways.

Led by NETWORKS Workforce and Special Projects Coordinator Abby Mease, we are coming down the stretch on our website makeover. This work is being supported by a Three-Star Grant of $50,000. We hope to unveil our new look – one that patterns itself after our workforce development site, netnconnects.com – during the upcoming third quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, we have had our first outing with David Lotterer, A JLL Vice President whose focus area is the aerospace sector. A little over a year ago, NETWORKS Director of Economic Development Michael Parker met David at the MRO Americas Show. Michael introduced him to me via Zoom and a couple of phone calls, then we introduced him to Tri-Cities Airport Executive Director Gene Cossey and Business Development Director Mark Canty. A few months later, we had agreed that TRI would contract with David and NETWORKS would share costs for his assistance and guidance in the marketing and development of Tri-Cities Aerospace Park. In April, we were back at MRO Americas in Chicago, with David spending some time at the TRI/NETWORKS booth and the bulk of it working the floor and in meetings, including one with me and TNECD Northeast Regional Director Lynn Tully with a state-generated prospect. Having David’s expertise there made a great difference to our effectiveness, and we have since been working on another promising lead for TRI.

While in the Windy City, we attended some meetings with and a reception for site location consultants as part of a Tennessee Economic Partnership (TEP) outbound event. I took that opportunity to engage with TEP leaders about rebooting a post-COVID version of our signature inbound marketing event, the Northeast Tennessee Red Carpet Tour. (Much more on this in the months to come.)

Oh yeah, and there were also those aforementioned recruitment opportunities we continued to work on with a very promising and large project coming down to the final decision and announcement (our fingers remain tightly crossed) as well as an expansion project with one of our most highly visible companies.

So, while to some we might appear to be just cruising right along from above the water’s surface, rest assured, beneath it we are paddling as hard as we can.

NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is moving forward with its funding plan to purchase and complete necessary engineering studies on some 40 acres on Airport Parkway currently owned by the KEDB. NETWORKS, with the assistance of a third-party consultant, has identified this property as having significant opportunity for industrial development as part of its land development initiative and has sought to acquire and improve this site to add to their portfolio of available industrial properties. NETWORKS has worked with its funding partners to secure the necessary funding to move forward with than land purchase and engineering reports. NETWORKS anticipates closing on the property in the next 45-60 days. Partners agreed to Phase I of the project without going to the bond market. Doing so will expedite bringing the property to a marketable position and make it eligible for site development grants.

This strategic move underscores NETWORKS' commitment to fostering growth opportunities and attracting new businesses to Sullivan County.

The newly acquired property, located in Kingsport, is poised to become a cornerstone of NETWORKS' economic development efforts, providing a prime location for future business expansions and community enhancement projects. This acquisition aligns with NETWORKS' long-term strategy to create a thriving business environment that supports job creation and economic prosperity.

"We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of this strategic property in Kingsport, " stated Clay Walker, CEO at NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership. "This investment not only expands our footprint but also reinforces our dedication to driving sustainable economic growth across Sullivan County."

The decision to purchase the land comes at a pivotal time as NETWORKS continues to build upon its successful track record of attracting businesses and investments to the region. This acquisition will enable NETWORKS to offer prospective businesses a range of development opportunities, further solidifying Sullivan County as a competitive destination for economic development.

According to recent reports from local news sources, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership's acquisition of the land underscores its proactive approach to economic development. The move has been met with enthusiasm from community leaders and stakeholders, who recognize the potential economic benefits that will result from this strategic investment.

As NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership moves forward with its plans for the property, stakeholders anticipate positive impacts on job creation, infrastructure development, and overall community vitality. The organization remains committed to leveraging this acquisition to attract new businesses, expand existing industries, and enhance the quality of life for residents throughout Sullivan County.

With this latest development, the Sullivan County Commission, Bristol City Council, Bluff City BMA, and Kingsport BMA reaffirms its role as proactive leaders in economic development, driving innovation and opportunity across Kingsport and beyond, Walker said. As plans for the property's development unfold, the community can expect continued collaboration and progress toward a prosperous future for Sullivan County.

Walker expressed thanks to the Sullivan County Commission, Bristol City Council, Bluff City BMA, and Kingsport BMA for their ongoing support of NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership and commitment to the growth of industry and prosperity of the citizens in Northeast Tennessee.

Herald Courier

WJHL

Congratulations to Steven on his appointment as the new Economic Development Director of Kingsport! This role is a testament to Steven's dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership in the field of economic development. We look forward to working with Steven as he brings new opportunities and growth to the Kingsport community.

Best wishes to Steven as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career!

Times News Story

NETWORKS proudly teamed up with TRI-Cities Airport at MRO Americas, accompanied by David Lotterer of JLL, to showcase the 160-acre shovel-ready site known as Aerospace Park. This partnership underscores NETWORKS' dedication to promoting strategic development opportunities within the aerospace industry. With David Lotterer's expertise from JLL, the collaboration aims to highlight the park's prime location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for aerospace companies seeking growth and expansion. Together, NETWORKS and TRI-Cities Airport are poised to attract investments, drive economic growth, and solidify Aerospace Park as a premier hub for innovation and business excellence in the aviation sector. This year's conference and tradeshow was held in Chicago.

NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, in collaboration with Sullivan County Schools and BTES, has submitted a proposal for the TVA Workforce Invest Grant, aiming to expand upon the successful implementation of career exploration programs. Building on the achievements seen in Bristol City Schools through the partnership with TransfrVR, this initiative seeks to utilize virtual reality technology to immerse students in various career pathways and equip them with essential skills.

The grant application represents a strategic effort to leverage innovative educational tools and partnerships to prepare Sullivan County students for future workforce opportunities. With the generous support of key partners including TVA, BTES, and the Sullivan County School District, this initiative aims to foster greater engagement and readiness among students by providing them with firsthand experiences in diverse career fields.

The proposed program intends to build upon the foundation set by the successful implementation of TransfrVR in Bristol City Schools, where students have had the opportunity to explore and interact with simulated workplace environments. This approach not only enhances career awareness but also empowers students to develop practical skills that are essential for their future careers.

Pending approval of the TVA Workforce Invest Grant, the partnership aims to implement the program across Sullivan County Schools, ensuring equitable access to transformative career exploration opportunities for all students. This initiative underscores the collective efforts of NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, Sullivan County Schools, BTES, and their partners to drive economic growth and prosperity through education and workforce development.

As the application process progresses, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership and its collaborators remain optimistic about the potential impact of this initiative in shaping the future workforce of Sullivan County and beyond.

New Design Funded by TN Three Star Grant

NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership has announced an exciting development in its ongoing efforts to boost regional economic development and workforce connectivity. Thanks to a TN Three Star Grant, NETWORKS has partnered with Golden Shovel Agency to undertake a significant update of its website, continuing the evolution of the workforce portal NETNConnects.com.

The collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency marks a strategic move towards enhancing the digital presence of NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, aiming to provide a more robust platform for businesses, job seekers, and community stakeholders alike. This initiative underscores NETWORKS' commitment to leveraging technology to foster economic growth and promote opportunities within the region.

NETNConnects.com serves as a vital hub for workforce development, facilitating connections between employers and potential employees across Sullivan County and the broader East Tennessee region. The upcoming updates are poised to enrich user experience, streamline access to resources, and showcase the region's economic strengths and opportunities effectively.

The website update project is expected to roll out by the end of the year, incorporating modern design elements, intuitive navigation, and updated content that reflects NETWORKS' initiatives and the economic vibrancy of Sullivan County.

As NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership continues to advance its mission of driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity, the forthcoming enhancements to NETWORKSTN.com promise to further elevate its role as a premier resource for workforce development and economic vitality in East Tennessee.

Country Thunder, a renowned music festival brand, held at the Bristol Motor Speedway, attracted country music enthusiasts from across the country for a weekend of live performances, vibrant atmosphere, and community celebration.

The festival featured an impressive lineup of country music stars, including Cody Johnson, Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, and Trace Adkins, among others.

The event brought together music lovers of all ages, creating a festive atmosphere filled with camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for country music.

Local businesses and vendors benefited from the influx of visitors, contributing to the economic boost for Bristol and the surrounding region. The festival's success underscored Bristol's growing reputation as a premier destination for live music events, further solidifying its position on the map of must-visit locations for country music fans.

Country Thunder Facebook

Country Thunder Wraps up

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