- Counties include Fayette, Haywood and Unicoi
- 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 (PEP).
The counties include Fayette, Haywood and Unicoi.
PEP evaluates potential industrial properties, advising counties on industrial site improvements and where investments may be most beneficial. Since its inception in 2015, PEP has helped improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings across the state, with more than 380 sites being reviewed.
“Congratulations to Fayette, Haywood and Unicoi counties on being selected to participate in latest round of the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program,” TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said. “Helping our communities develop shovel-ready industrial sites gives Tennessee a leg up when recruiting new businesses to the state, and through PEP, our communities increase their marketability and likelihood of landing future economic development projects. We are proud that the latest round of PEP includes counties from two of our state’s grand divisions, ensuring success and prosperity in the Northeast and Southwest corners of Tennessee.
PEP originates from TNECD’s Select Tennessee Certified Site Program. With assistance from 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.
“Ford’s Blue Oval City is a once-in-a-generation announcement for West Tennessee, and the impact to both Haywood and Fayette counties will be significant,” said Jonathan Gemmen, senior director of Austin Consulting. “The upcoming Property Evaluation Program will provide opportunities for both counties to prepare for and realize the near, intermediate, and long-term benefits.”
Gemmen continues, “Likewise, with its substantial rail infrastructure, Unicoi County has some unique near-term opportunities in capitalize on today’s turbulent global marketplace.”
The three 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 2022. Learn more about the program 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 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, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
TNECD Media Contact
Lindsey Tipton
Public Information Officer
(615) 339-6608
[email protected]
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