Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nancy Barker (center) pictured with (left to right) Surgoinsville Mayor Johnny Greer, County Mayor Crockett Lee, Industrial Developer Lynn Lawson, Church Hill Mayor Dennis Deal, Bulls Gap Mayor Robin Horner, and Rogersville Mayor Jim Sells. Not pictured: Mount Carmel Mayor Gary Lawson.


Source: The Rogersville Review

By Bill Grubb

NASHVILLE — Hawkins County is prepared for future economic growth and development — and has the hardware to prove it.

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber recently announce the county has once again achieved certification under the state’s Three-Star program.

“The commitment of our Three-Star communities is helping Tennessee to grow and prosper,” Kisber said.

The Three-Star Program is designed to help communities take full advantage of economic development opportunities. Program goals include preserving existing employment, creating new employment opportunities, increasing Tennessee family income, improving quality of life and creating a strong leadership base, according to state officials.

There are currently 87 certified Three-Star communities in the state representing 329 Tennessee towns and cities.

“I am proud to congratulate Hawkins County on achieving Three-Star community status,” Kisber said. “Without strong community development, there can be no sustainable economic development. This community has responded well to the challenges presented by the Three-Star program. By participating in the program and addressing education, leadership, infrastructure and other economic concerns, the county is preparing for economic opportunities and success.”

The county and municipalities of Bulls Gap, Rogersville, Surgoinsville, Church Hill and Mount Carmel are now eligible to receive incentives at Level III under the program guidelines, including five bonus points on Community Development Block Grant applications, a reduction of five percent on local matching funds and credit on all FastTrack infrastructure and job training applications.

According to Nancy Barker, Executive Director of the Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, local governments have saved approximately $60,000 dollars in matching funds as a direct result of the county’s Level III status.

The Southern Growth Policies Board, a bipartisan public policy think tank devoted to strengthening the South's economy, has recognized Tennessee’s Three-Star program as a “best practices model” and Southern leader in community certification programs.

“The aim of being the best of the best positions this community and its leaders in the right direction,” said EDC Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith.

The Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce is responsible for coordinating the application process which includes seeking input from community leaders and developing a comprehensive five year economic development strategic plan.

For more information on Three-Star, visit us online at www.tnecd.gov