- Counties include Bedford, Greene, Hamilton and Hardin.
- PEP originates from TNECD’s Select Tennessee Certification Program.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced today the counties selected to participate in the latest round of the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program.
The counties include Bedford, Greene, Hamilton and Hardin.
This round brings the total number of counties that have participated in PEP to 60. Since its inception in 2015, PEP has helped improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings across the state. The program evaluates potential industrial properties, advising counties on industrial site improvements and where investments may be most beneficial.
PEP originated from TNECD’s Select Tennessee Certified Site Program. With assistance of site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP provides participating counties with guidance on site planning for future industrial development projects.
PEP includes an on-site visit by Austin Consulting and TNECD, an educational webinar on the site selection process and a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and needs of each community’s inventory of industrial sites. This assessment also offers recommendations to improve marketability.
The four counties were selected based on the demonstrated local need for industrial properties and the county’s ability to assemble properties with viable market potential. The application process begins with a submission of a letter of intent, which is accepted at any time. Upon receipt of the letter, interested communities will receive the PEP application. A new round of communities will be accepted into the program in the fall of 2021. Learn more about the program here.
QUOTES
“The availability of shovel-ready industrial sites is an enormous advantage and allows Tennessee communities to remain competitive when recruiting companies to the state. Through PEP, these four counties are increasing their marketability and likelihood of landing future projects. I congratulate Bedford, Greene, Hamilton and Hardin counties and look forward to seeing the improvements that will be made through the program.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“Speed to market has been a critical factor in site selection for decades. But with COVID-19, project timelines have only accelerated. One of the primary benefits of participating in the Property Evaluation Program is the identification and the eventual readying of industry property that can be delivered within these rapid timelines.” – Jonathan Gemmen, senior director of Austin Consulting
TNECD Media Contact
Molly Hair, Public Information Officer
(615) 878-0063
[email protected]
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.
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