Counties chosen for industrial inventory assessment program

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today the counties chosen to participate in the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP) Spring Round. The counties selected are Fayette, Humphreys, Lawrence, Maury, Scott, Unicoi, Van Buren and White.

Launched in 2015, the purpose of PEP is to improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings in Tennessee by evaluating potential properties, advising counties on where investment may be most beneficial and what is needed to address issues.

“We are excited to announce the eight counties that have been selected to participate in the PEP Spring Round,” TNECD Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “By assisting counties across the state in evaluating and improving their sites, we can make sure these communities will be better equipped to attract potential new business and create future economic growth.”

Based on the principles of the department’s Select Tennessee Site Certification Program and with the assistance of the site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP will benefit counties by emphasizing the importance of and assisting with planning for future industrial development.

“This program will provide eight counties with the tools they need to make themselves more marketable to potential new business,” TNECD Site Development Director Leanne Cox said. “I look forward to working with all of the counties who have been selected to participate in the program, and I am excited to see them enhance our state’s efforts in recruiting and expanding businesses in Tennessee.”

“As Austin Consulting continues to assist in supporting TNECD with the Property Evaluation Program, our consulting group is impressed in the diversity of sites and communities located throughout the state,” Austin Consulting Managing Director Frank Spano said. “Austin continues to look forward to working with the state and each community to uncover the best potential properties to advance the program further for future industrial development projects.”

For counties selected to participate, the program includes an educational webinar on the site selection process, an on-site visit by Austin Consulting and a comprehensive assessment addressing each property’s strengths, weaknesses and recommended next steps to improve marketability.

Selection was based on demonstrated local need for industrial properties and also on the county’s ability to assemble viable properties with market potential.

The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent which is accepted at any time. Upon receipt of the letter, counties will be provided with the application.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @TNECD. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TNECD.

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