- Counties include Benton, Gibson, McNairy, Pickett, Sullivan and Tipton
- 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 Benton, Gibson, McNairy, Pickett, Sullivan and Tipton.
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.
“Having an inventory of shovel-ready industrial sites is a crucial part in recruiting and successfully landing economic development projects,” TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said. “Through the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program, Tennessee communities can gain the competitive edge needed to attract new businesses to the state. We are proud to partner with Benton, Gibson, McNairy, Pickett, Sullivan and Tipton counties as they work to enhance their marketability and increase the likelihood of future economic opportunities.”
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.
“Tennessee has seen a flurry of industry announcements within the last year, many taking place on Select Tennessee Certified Sites,” said Jonathan Gemmen, senior director of Austin Consulting. “It’s encouraging to see such a strong interest in the Property Evaluation Program, as Tennessee needs to continue to fill the pipeline of sites that are ready for industrial investment.”
The six 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 spring of 2023. 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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