Counties chosen for industrial inventory assessment program
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today the counties chosen to participate in the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP) Spring Round. The counties selected are Bledsoe, Chester, Dickson, Jackson, Lincoln, Monroe, Perry and Wayne.
Launched in 2015, the purpose of PEP is to improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings in Tennessee by evaluating potential properties, advising counties on where investment may be most beneficial and addressing needs to make sites viable for industrial prospects.
“I want to congratulate the eight communities for being chosen to participate in the spring round of PEP,” TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said. “This program is designed to help communities be better prepared to attract new and expanding businesses to Tennessee, and I look forward to seeing what these communities do with the information from this program and seeing their future success.”
Based on the principles of the department’s Select Tennessee Certified Site Program, and with the assistance of the site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP will benefit counties by emphasizing the importance of and assisting with planning for future industrial development.
“I am excited to see these eight communities grow and help us in the state’s initiative to create valuable sites in order to attract business investment and job creation in Tennessee,” TNECD Site Development Director Leanne Cox said.
“TNECD’s Property Evaluation Program is a tool that allows communities to build consensus around industrial properties that offer the most potential to attract investment and job growth, both in the near-term and over the next few decades,” Austin Consulting Director Jonathon Gemmen said.
For counties selected to participate, the program includes an educational webinar on the site selection process, an on-site visit by Austin Consulting and a comprehensive assessment addressing each property’s strengths, weaknesses and recommended next steps to improve marketability.
Selection was based on demonstrated local need for industrial properties and also on the county’s ability to assemble viable properties with market potential.
The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent, which is accepted at any time. Upon receipt of the letter, counties will be provided with the application.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which 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. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @TNECD. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TNECD.
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