Forrest High School Students Tour Three Lewisburg Manufacturers

Forrest High School Students Tour Nichirin TN, Southern Carton and Berry Global in Lewisburg, TN to learn about the company, careers there and pathways to achieve those careers.

Westhills TV Begins "Marshall's Manufacturing Marvels - M3" Series at Marelli

@westhillstigers Tiger Talk begins its "Marshall's Manufacturing Marvels- M3" Series at Marelli where these young journalists explore what makes manufacturing in @marshallcotn Marvelous #lewisburgtn @MarshallCoSch #investinMC #teachingwork https://buff.ly/2Q9t23E via @YouTube - stay tuned to see where the explore next!

TN Driving Innovation Lab comes to Westhills Elementary in Lewisburg

The TN Driving Innovation Lab that brings STEM equipment and career information to students across the State of Tennessee made its stop in Lewisburg today at Westhills Elementary School (4th-6th Grades).
The lab featured Drones the students got to fly and see what the drones see through an iPad, as well as, ventured into the ocean through Virtual Reality (VR) equipment. They saw Robot arms, 3D printers and Laser equipment perform and learned all the things those and other STEM machines can do along with the types of careers that are needed to build, operate, program and repair those machines.
Lewisburg and Marshall County are heavy in Advanced Manufacturing with more than 45 manufacturers, large and small, putting "Mastered in Marshall County" on the global map. Because of this, it is vital that these companies maintain their technological edge meaning the workforce in Lewisburg and Marshall County must do the same.
The TN Driving Innovation Lab's visit to Westhills is just part of what Manufacturers and Marshall County are doing to insure our companies and their workforce, in the present and for the future, work together to stay ahead of the curve technology is throwing at every sector of every industry across the globe.
Other programs going on include weekly or monthly presentations to students in the schools starting with 3rd graders from 12-15 manufacturing companies, health care representatives and other career representatives from IT to Finance. This means the a child will hear each year presentations from 12-15 companies on what they do, careers available there and the educational and training pathways necessary to achieve those careers.
In middle school, local industries offer tours and career exploration opportunities; but every Freshmen in Marshall County will tour a manufacturing facility, every Sophomore will tour another and every Junior will tour yet another. So, not only will the students of Marshall County be exposed to careers from the 3rd grade up; they will also get inside no fewer than three high-tech manufacturing facilities before they reach their senior year.
Then, as a senior, they will be provided with a Job Fair near the end of the year so that any student needing a summer job, a part-time job while they attend a Tennessee College of Applied Technology or Community College or any student just wanting to go straight into the workforce will be given that opportunity before they even graduate.
These and other programs under development are what the Lewisburg Department of Economic Development, the Lewisburg Industrial Development Board, the Marshall County Joint Economic and Community Development Board and the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Lewisburg Manufacturers' Association, the Advanced Manufacturing Council, the Healthcare Council and the IT Council are working together on to support our companies, our workforce and the economic well-being of our communities.

Supervisor Skills 101 on August 30

For more information, Contact Danielle.Fowler@MTSU.edu or Michele.Simmons@ResourceMFG.com

CBC Group to Expand Operations in Lewisburg

GOVERNOR LEE, COMMISSIONER ROLFE ANNOUNCE CBC GROUP TO EXPAND

OPERATIONS IN LEWISBURG

•     CBC Group will invest $3 million to expand distribution operations in Tennessee

•     Expansion will result in 60 new jobs in Lewisburg

•     Company will build a 60,000-square-foot addition to its facility in Marshall County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development
Commissioner Bob Rolfe and CBC Group officials announced today that the company will invest $3
million to expand its operations in Lewisburg and create 60 jobs.

CBC Group, formerly Christian Brands, will build a 60,000-square-foot addition to its distribution
center at 1013 Veterans Drive in Lewisburg. Since 1948, the family-owned company has distributed
church supplies and inspirational products under an assortment of brand names. Its customer base
includes religious institutions, Christian retail stores as well as secular gift shops.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., CBC Group currently employs approximately 80 at its distribution
and manufacturing campus in Lewisburg. Once the expansion is completed, CBC Group’s Lewisburg
facility will span more than 200,000 square feet. The company anticipates starting construction in
July 2019 and expects to complete the expansion in January 2020.

Since 2015, TNECD has supported five economic development projects in Marshall County, totaling
more than $54 million of private capital investment and nearly 660 job commitments.

QUOTES

“Ensuring Tennesseans, especially those in rural areas, have access to quality job opportunities is
one of my main focuses. Tennessee is one of the best states to do business, and I’m committed to
keeping it that way. CBC Group’s expansion is an encouraging sign for Marshall County, and I look
forward to the many ways this investment will energize the local economy in Lewisburg.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“It’s always a terrific sign when existing businesses choose to expand in Tennessee, and I’d like
to thank CBC Group for its commitment to Lewisburg. This is a significant expansion, which will
nearly double CBC Group’s workforce in Marshall County. The creation of 60 new jobs will strengthen
the local economy and provide quality wages for families in Lewisburg.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

“We couldn’t be more excited to be expanding our operations in Lewisburg. It’s great to know the
State of Tennessee and the City of Lewisburg are committed to supporting businesses and assisting
with the resources necessary for us to confidently make such investments. A company like CBC Group is only as strong as the people that work with us. We are very proud of our associates who continue to work hard to make CBC Group a company they can be proud to work with.
This is their operation and we are committed to giving them the resources they need to be
successful." – CBC Group Vice President of Operations Monte Mertens

"We are very excited about the expansion taking place at CBC Group. For more than 10 years now,
they have been a great corporate citizen, having been one of the first companies to locate in the
I-65 Commerce Park, where we expect to see more expansions and new companies locating because of its excellent location just off Interstate 65." – Lewisburg Mayor Jim Bingham

“CBC Group’s expansion is good news for Marshall County. For this to be its fifth expansion since
coming here says a lot about the relationship that’s developed between the company, the City of
Lewisburg and Marshall County. We’re always going to work to recruit new industries to our county,
but we never need to lose sight of the fact that expansion of our current industries is a big deal
as well. This is an exciting day not only for CBC Group, but for Marshall County.” – Marshall County Mayor Mike Keny

“I am very pleased that these jobs are coming to Marshall County and Lewisburg. This is a sizable
investment. I congratulate CBC Group and all our state and local officials who helped secure these
jobs. We will continue to make job creation our top priority.” – Sen. Shane Reeves (R – Murfreesboro)

“This investment in Lewisburg and Marshall County by CBC Group is great news for our citizens. I
was proud to support the efforts of our local leaders in bringing these high quality jobs to our
community, and I appreciate Governor Lee, TNECD, and CBC Group for their commitment to District 92.” – Rep. Rick Tillis (R-Lewisburg)

TNECD Media Contact Scott Harrison, TNECD (615) 417-2076

Scott.Harrison@tn.gov

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 Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and
works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web:
tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on

Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

Talos Outreach Offers Funding to Ministries

Wayne Clemons and Marie Lalonde of Talos Engineered Products presents HOPETown Director Frank Sullivan with a donation check to benefit their good works in Lewisburg, TN

The sales department from Talos Engineered Products in Lewisburg, TN held a golf outing for its June outreach event that provided funding to two different ministries as it allowed vendors and customers the opportunity to partake in its purpose of showing how businesses can improve lives.  The outing was an overwhelming success with just over $7000 being raised in donations.

Hopetown Ministries - $5000 Donation – fully funding their kids summer programs

HOPEtown is a Christian non-profit organization devoted to ministering with those in need in Lewisburg, Tennessee and the surrounding area.  Through a variety of continuously expanding programs, they minister with those in need of food, clothing, hygiene items, rent & utility assistance, home maintenance & repair, counseling, worship, Bible teaching, spiritual mentoring, and assistance with homelessness. Additionally, they provide summer nutrition and enrichment for children, and they also are grateful to provide safe shelter and aid for domestic violence victims. Meeting unmet needs is always what they aim to do, and they pray that God will enable and equip them to add additional programs as the need demands.

Destination Golf Network (part of Intersection Ministries) - $2050 Donation

Destination Golf partners with churches across the US to invite 88 unchurched people to a paid in full golf tournament.  The purpose and mission of this event is to provide resources and opportunities that introduce people to Jesus Christ and inspire a personal relationship with Him.  Through the game of golf people are encouraged to build intentional relationships for the purpose of starting spiritual conversations that can lead to life change that will impact families, neighborhoods, cities and nations for generations to come.

Thank You, Marshall County - for Your Support of the Fort Campbell Soldiers and Familes

To the people, businesses, industries, veterans, elected officials and other community leaders and volunteers, thank you so much for the way you all came together to show your support and your hospitality to the soldiers and their families visiting from Fort Campbell last Thursday and Friday. You showed them just why Marshall County should and could be their next home.
Some people have asked why we invited soldiers and their families to come and visit us. With an unemployment rate of 2.7% and companies still trying to grow in Marshall County, the ability to find good workers has become very difficult for them. Businesses and industries in Marshall County need workers with technical skills, soft skills and a solid work ethic in order to continue to grow here. Who better to improve the workforce of Marshall County than the soldiers and their families about to transition out of the military at Fort Campbell and into civilian life. They have the skills, including soft skills, and they have the work ethic. And they know how to give service to their community, as well as their country. So, we are trying to create a pipeline between Fort Campbell and Marshall County for soldiers and their families to consider us for their next job and for their next home.
That is why we invited them for two days to see all the Marshall County has to offer - and boy, did you guys show them the best of Marshall  County. It would be best to name all the people and companies that contributed to the awesome two days of hospitality, but someone would surely get left out because there are too many who went above and beyond for our guests.
So, let's just say - THANK YOU - to all of Marshall County for rolling out the red carpet, opening your doors, holding out your hands and opening up your arms to make the Fort Campbell soldiers and their families feel welcomed and wanted. They, too, have expressed their gratitude and most have stated that they will return to Marshall County. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - MARSHALL COUNTY!!!

Local Employers Needed for Job Fair for Fort Campbell Soldiers in Lewisburg

We are needing more employers to come to our Job Fair for Fort Campbell Soldiers on June 13 - 2:30 p.m. at the Lewisburg Recreation Center. The Job Fair is part of an overall recruitment tour to bring soldiers leaving the military at Fort Campbell and their families here to Marshall County to Live, Work and Play!
The soldiers and their spouses looking for careers span from technical skills to customer service, tax preparation to sales. Even if you are not hiring today, consider setting up a table - free of charge - to show these soldiers and their families the career opportunities available to them in Marshall County.
To register, please use this link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FortCampbellJobFair

6th Graders Compete for "Jobs" in Interview and Resume` Contest

@westhillstigers 6th graders "hired" by Ace Casual Furniture's Traci Evans during Interview and Resume` contest - Braxton Hunter-Research & Development, Lillianna Maria Rose Marquez Stafford-Research & Development, Haydon Brandon-Research & Development #lewisburgtn @marshallcotn

@westhillstigers 6th graders "hired" by @calsonicjobs Emily Weaver and Jessica Latham during Interview and Resume` contest - Phoebe Stokes-HR Generalist, Alyssa Olive-Sales Manager, Araceli Maciel-Engineer, Laine Payne-Production Supervisor #lewisburgtn@marshallcotn

@westhillstigers 6th graders "hired" by @ComfortResearch Michelle Silverthorn during Interview and Resume` contest - Morgan Atwater-VP of Info Tech, Jamahl Gentry-Production Supervisor, Addison Thompson-Safety Manager #lewisburgtn @marshallcotn

• @westhillstigers 6th graders "hired" by Meiwa's Michelle Koy during Interview and Resume` contest - Karlie Lohr-Sales Manager, Isabelle Marsh-Production Engineer, John Gomez-Quality Manager #lewisburgtn @marshallcotn

20 MINUTES AGO

@westhillstigers 6th graders "hired" by Nichirin's Amanda Jones and Brenda Bowen during Interview and Resume` contest - Sidney Wright-Production Supervisor, Marcus O'Neal-Accounting Clerk, Chloe Gill-Robotics Engineer and Anna Kate Dickey-Industrial Engineer @marshallcotn

@westhillstigers 6th graders "hired" by Southern Carton's Danny Tate during Interview and Resume` contest - Reed Mitchell-Plant Manager, Isabella Rhodes-Customer Service, Conner Silverthorn-HR Manager #lewisburgtn @marshallcotn

Special Thanks to @sonicdrivein of Lewisburg, TN for providing free ice cream cones to our "new employees" above.

Lewisburg Economic Development Designated In TVA’s Rural Certified Communities Program

Lewisburg, TN – The City of Lewisburg Department of Economic Development recently achieved designation as a TVA Rural Certified Community. Rural Certified Communities launched in 2018 as a collaborative effort by TVA Economic Development, its Rural Cabinet partners and Strategic Development Group. Strategic Development Group administers the program, providing third party evaluation and feedback related to strategic planning efforts and operational effectiveness from the site selection perspective. Rural economic development organizations who complete this program are recognized as being prepared to compete for job creation and investment.

“Creativity and innovation are among our country’s greatest resources and companies are seeking locations that can provide access to those resources. The economic development landscape has drastically changed over the past 50 years. Rural communities must work smarter to define themselves in a unique way, develop robust and broadly defined economic development strategies, and market to a more targeted audience” said SDG Vice President Jeannette Goldsmith.

“TVA was created to help improve the quality of life in our region, particularly in rural areas and we are proud to further that mission by supporting the Rural Certified program,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “Communities who are able to differentiate themselves and understand their unique assets will be better prepared for economic success.”

Four local economic development organizations certified during the programs 2018 inaugural year. Based on the success of this program during its inaugural year, TVA Economic Development is continuing to offer this opportunity to rural communities across the Valley.  Economic development professionals located in the TVA region who represent a rural-designated community will receive an application if interested in applying for the program in the future.

“We were very excited to be one of the first economic development organizations to receive this certification,” said Lowe. “By earning and maintaining this certification, we are telling our existing stakeholders, and any potential new stakeholders, that the City of Lewisburg and Marshall County understand economic development and how to implement strategies of success for all. I encourage any EDO in the TVA Region to strongly consider entering this program to earn certification for their organizations.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) a corporation owned by the U.S. government provides electricity for business customers and distribution utilities that serve 9 million people in seven southeastern states.  Economic development is a major part of TVA’s core mission.  TVA’s Economic Development services are focused on attracting targeted new industries, retaining and growing existing businesses and partnering with communities to help foster economic growth.  More information is available at TVA.com.

           

The City of Lewisburg Department of Economic Development exists to assist local businesses and industries thrive while creating an environment for new businesses and industries to grow. The City of Lewisburg Department of Economic Development does this to give each and every person in Lewisburg and Marshall County the opportunity to create wealth while also giving leaders the opportunity to make Lewisburg and Marshall County a better place to live, learn, work and play. To find out more, log onto www.lewisburgtn.gov.

Lowe Recipient of Economic Development Award from TVA

Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA, John Bradley, presents Greg Lowe with the TVA 2019 Community Excellence Award at the 2019 TVA Economic Development Forum in Nashville April 11-12, 2019

Lewisburg, TN - Greg Lowe, Director of Economic Development for the City of Lewisburg, was recently presented with 2019 Community Excellence Award by TVA Economic Development. The award, presented at TVA Economic Developers’ Forum, is given to an economic development professional within TVA’s seven-state service territory who exhibits outstanding economic and community development efforts.

“Greg Lowe’s passion for and commitment to Lewisburg’s economic growth are invaluable to his community,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “TVA is proud to further its mission of service by partnering with Valley community leaders like Greg, to help foster economic growth.”

Lowe has participated in more than 20 community development trainings and initiatives since 2013, including the following TVA programs to advance community preparedness and growth:

·         Rural Leadership Institute

·         Valley Workforce Institute

·         Community Livability

·         Valley Sustainable Communities

·         TVA Economic Development Rural Cabinet

·         InvestPrep™

“I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition from an organization that has been so vital to my development professionally, as well as their incredible impact on my community and all those in the valley region,” said Lowe. “There is no greater partner to rural economic development than TVA and its Economic Development Division. I am indebted, as is the City of Lewisburg and Marshall County, for all they have done and continue to do to serve our region, our companies and our families.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) a corporation owned by the U.S. government provides electricity for business customers and distribution utilities that serve 9 million people in seven southeastern states.  Economic development is a major part of TVA’s core mission.  TVA’s Economic Development services are focused on attracting targeted new industries, retaining and growing existing businesses and partnering with communities to help foster economic growth.  More information is available at.

           

The City of Lewisburg Department of Economic Development exists to assist local businesses and industries thrive while creating an environment for new businesses and industries to grow. The City of Lewisburg Department of Economic Development does this to give each and every person in Lewisburg and Marshall County the opportunity to create wealth while also giving leaders the opportunity to make Lewisburg and Marshall County a better place to live, learn, work and play. To find out more, log onto www.lewisburgtn.gov.

Lewisburg Named Top 20 Dynamic Micropolitan

Lewisburg was recently named a Top 20 Most Dynamic Micropolitan in the U.S. According to a study by the Walton Family Foundation. Click Here to Read Entire Study Lewisburg ranked 14th in the Top 100 Micropolitans as the study stated: Lewisburg is one of the few micros in the top 20 not anchored by oil and natural gas production or natural amenity-centered tourism. Roughly halfway between the growing metros of Nashville, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama, the small town has itself become an enticing environment for companies looking to add manufacturing facilities. The local government’s economic development group has actively advertised the micro to manufacturers, with a webpage containing information on the explicit process to receive tax incentives, the area’s workforce characteristics, and the types of manufacturers the developers are most interested in. This self-branding seems to have been successful, with nine of the micro’s 11 largest employers either coming to the area or expanding existing operations from 2012 to 2016. Such growth has resulted in strong performances across multiple index components, with positive z-scores in all but the level of per-capita personal income and the second strongest 2013-2017 average annual pay growth of any micro. Lewisburg’s impressive rise does not look to be slowing. In mid-2017, Chinese company Minth Group, an automotive parts supplier, announced plans to invest over $13 million in a new manufacturing facility in Lewisburg; the new plant will create 200 jobs.

Lewisburg Receives $378,000 Grant for Industrial Site Development

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced today that 13 communities will receive more than $5 million in Site Development Grant funding.
The Site Development Grant program is part of the larger Rural Economic Opportunity Act supported by the Tennessee General Assembly for the last three years.
“I would like to congratulate the 13 communities receiving Site Development Grants,” Lee said.
“One of Tennessee’s major initiatives is helping rural communities, and with the assistance of these grants, these communities will be better positioned for economic success and investment. I look forward to seeing these communities continue to grow and excel.”
The grants are intended to help rural communities overcome barriers to achieve Select
Tennessee site certification and prepare them to receive economic development projects that will create jobs in their communities. The funds assist communities in completing infrastructure needs and making engineering improvements on project-ready sites.
“When a company is looking to expand or locate new operations in our state, one of the most important assets a community can have to land a project is a shovel-ready site,” Rolfe said. “I am proud of these 13 communities for taking the initiative to be better prepared for economic growth with the assistance of the Site Development Grants.”
“Through the Site Development Grants, we are partnering with these communities to help them remain competitive in the economic development game by creating project-ready sites,” said
Sammie Arnold, TNECD assistant commissioner of Community and Rural Development. “With this investment, we expect to see more job creation and anticipate future growth in these communities.”
The Site Development Grant program works in cooperation with the department’s Select Tennessee Site Certification program.
Applications were reviewed by an advisory committee made up of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Austin Consulting, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Department of
Transportation and USDA Rural Development.
The grants awarded include:
Lewisburg Industrial Development Board: 
I-65 Commerce Park, $378,000 – Purchase of 27 acres

Decatur County:
Decatur County Industrial Site, $95,000 – Conduct due diligence studies

Grundy County:
Pelham Industrial Park, $500,000 – Grading of nine acres and extension of access road, water line and sewer line

Lauderdale County: 
Viar Avenue/Ripley Power & Light Industrial Building, $496,871 – Building improvements including repair of the roof, replacement of restroom facilities and clearance of interior office space

City of Henderson:
Henderson Industrial Park, $448,200 – Clearing and grading of 15 acres of land

Hawkins County Industrial Development Board:
Phipps Bend Industrial Park Lots 11, 17 and 18, $99,288 – Conduct due diligence studies

Macon County:
Lafayette/Macon County Industrial Park Site, $27,000 – Development of a Master Plan

Obion County Joint Economic Development Council:
Titan Golf Course site, $90,000 – Conduct due diligence studies

Stewart County:
Stewart-Houston Industrial Park, $35,155 – Conduct archeological survey, prepare topography and grading plan, and perform rail feasibility study

City of Jackson:
Highway 223 East Site, $379,546 – Clearing of 16 acres and design of a new industrial access road

City of Morristown:
East Tennessee Progress Center, $1,000,000 – Grading to prepare 1 million square foot building site

City of Columbia Tennessee Industrial Development Board: 
Oakland Rail Site, $1,000,000 – Purchase 129 acres of land

Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board: 
Clarksville Montgomery County Corporate Business Park North, $500,000 – Grading of 42 acres

TNECD is currently accepting applications for the next round of Site Development Grants. All local governments interested in receiving Site Development Grants must submit a Letter of Intent by March 8, 2019 and a completed application by April 5, 2019. Additional information regarding the grants can be found here.
Each application was supported by the community’s senator and representatives in the Tennessee General Assembly.
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 Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth.
Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on
Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.