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.