Marshall County One of Seven Selected for TN ECD Property Evaluation Program

Program to help communities identify industrial sites for economic development projects

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced today the counties chosen to participate in the latest round of the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP).

The counties selected in this round of PEP include Anderson, Benton, Cheatham, Hardin, Henry, Marshall and Washington.

Started in 2015, PEP is designed to improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings in Tennessee. The program evaluates potential properties, advising counties on where investment may be most beneficial and how sites can be improved to attract prospective companies.

“Having available, shovel-ready sites is essential for Tennessee counties to remain competitive for industrial recruitment. Through PEP, these seven counties are taking the steps needed to become more marketable,” Rolfe said. “I congratulate the counties chosen to participate in this program and look forward to seeing their future success through PEP.”

PEP originates from the department’s Select Tennessee Certified Site Program. With the assistance of site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP benefits participating counties by providing guidance on site planning for future industrial development projects.

“As part of PEP, when local leadership takes a critical look at their real estate assets, they almost always come to an agreement on which properties are most competitive,” Director of Austin Consulting Jonathon Gemmen said. “With everyone on the same page, the appropriate next steps can be taken to improve their strongest sites and buildings.”

For counties selected to participate, PEP includes an on-site visit by Austin Consulting and TNECD, an educational webinar on the site selection process and a comprehensive assessment addressing the strengths and needs of a community’s inventory of industrial sites. This assessment also offers recommendations for communities to improve marketability.

PEP selection was based on the demonstrated local need for industrial properties and 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, interested communities will be provided with the PEP application. A new round of communities will be accepted into the program in the fall of 2018. For more details on the PEP, click here.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that 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. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook:facebook.com/tnecd.

Columbia State Hosts April Information Sessions for Tennessee Reconnect

Columbia State Community College will host Tennessee Reconnect information sessions during the month of April.

Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for adults to attend a community college. The initiative is designed to help adults enter college to gain new skills, advance in the workplace and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential.

“We are excited about the wonderful opportunity Tennessee Reconnect provides for adults across the state and in the Columbia State service area,” said Joni Allison, Columbia State coordinator of Adult Student Services. “As a participating college, along with our partnering Reconnect communities, we are thrilled to help adult students fulfill their educational goals.”

To be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect, students must meet the following requirements:

• Haven’t earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.
• Complete the Free Application for Student Aid and be determined as an independent student.
• Be admitted to Columbia State and enroll in a degree or certificate program.
• Must attend at least part-time (6 credit hours).
• Participate in a college success program through a Reconnect Community.

Prospective students can attend one of the following information sessions to learn more:

Chapel Hill Community Center	April 16	6:30 p.m.	206 Depot Street, Chapel Hill
Columbia Campus	April 19	5:30 p.m.	1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia	Jones Student Center, Cafeteria
Chapel Hill Community Center	April 23	6:30 p.m.	206 Depot Street, Chapel Hill
LewisburgCampus	April 24	5:30 p.m.	980 South Ellington Pkwy, Lewisburg	Room 133
Lawrence Campus	April 26	5:30 p.m.	1620 Springer Rd, Lawrenceburg	Room 144

To to view the full list of steps to apply, or to sign up for an information session, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Reconnect.

For more information, contact Allison at 931.540.2655 or by email at jallison6@ColumbiaState.edu.