54 sites have now been certified through the program
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development today announced two new Select Tennessee Certified Sites.
Launched in 2012, the Select Tennessee program helps communities prepare industrial sites for private investment and job creation. The program sets rigorous standards to give companies detailed and reliable information during the site selection process.
Fifty-four sites across Tennessee have been certified. The newest certified sites and their local sponsoring agencies include:
- East Tennessee Progress Center – Lot 3 – Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce
- Washington County Industrial Park – Parcel 112.05 – Pad Ready Site – Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership
“Companies consider many factors when choosing to locate new operations or expand existing operations in Tennessee, and one of the main contributing factors to that final decision is whether a community has a shovel-ready project site,” TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said. “With the assistance of our Select Tennessee Certified Site program, communities across the state will have the opportunity for growth and I congratulate the two communities that have secured these certified site designations and look forward to seeing them succeed in the future.”
To date, 12 companies have invested more than $1.3 billion in capital investment to construct facilities on certified sites, accounting for nearly 5,600 job commitments.
The Select Tennessee certification process ensures that each certified site meets high quality standards. Qualifications for certification include having at least 20 acres of developable land for industrial operations, proper zoning to allow for ease of development, existing onsite utilities or a formal plan to extend utilities to the site, and truck-quality road access.
The Select Tennessee suite of programs ensures that Tennessee sites are primed for development, whether through marketing sites that are ready for prospective businesses or providing local communities guidance to achieve a higher level of preparedness.
TNECD has partnered with Austin Consulting to administer the certified sites program.
“To be successful in a fast-changing economy, industry must be able to bring new products to market quickly and efficiently,” Austin Consulting location consultant Charles Slife said. “Pre-screened, certified sites are locations where companies can invest and create jobs without encountering unexpected obstacles. These recently certified sites have a significant competitive advantage – graded pads in a region where topography and site preparation costs can be deterrents to industry. The Select Tennessee Certified Sites program, which has certified more than 50 sites across the state, strengthens business attraction and contributes to Tennessee being a top location for manufacturing investment.”
Communities interested in participating in the program must begin the formal application process by sending their letter of intent to [email protected]. More information about the program can be found at http://www.tnecd.com/sites/certified-sites/apply-now/.
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 Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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