The Tennessee Central Economic Authority, Smith County Mayors Office, and Chamber of Commerce accepted an award of distinction as a “Rural Certified Community.” Smith County continues to be one of a limited number of communities in the State of Tennessee to receive this designation. The award was presented at TVA’s 2022 Economic Development Forum in Nashville, TN.
The certification is the result of an extensive presentation process designed to prove that the community is ready for investment. It was spearheaded by site selection firm Strategic Development Group. TN Central’s project manager, Dan Tidcomb, led the certification effort through TVA’s economic development department. The cooperative efforts of all involved are designed to maximize Smith County’s marketability and attract advanced manufacturers to the community, .
Smith county is excited to attract new industry with an 119 acres, zoned industrial, under contract and development ready a for build-to-suit advanced manufacturing projects.
Rural Certified Communities launched in 2018 as a collaborative effort by TVAED, its Rural Cabinet partners and Strategic Development Group. SDG administers the program, providing third-party evaluation and feedback related to organizational strategic planning efforts and operational effectiveness from the site selection perspective. Rural economic development organizations who complete this program are recognized as being prepared to compete for job creation and investment.
The Tennessee Central Economic Authority serves five counties in Middle Tennessee; Macon, Smith, Trousdale, Sumner, and Wilson. As an Economic Development Office, it is their mission to bring new jobs and investment to these communities. They achieve this by helping local industry expansions, aiding workforce development, and increasing the overall marketability of communities. Check out the Tennessee Central Economic Authority website for more information.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) a corporation owned by the U.S. government provides electricity for business customers and distribution utilities that serve 9 million people in seven southeastern states. Economic development is a major part of TVA’s core mission. TVA’s Economic Development services are focused on attracting targeted new industries, retaining and growing existing businesses and partnering with communities to help foster economic growth. More information is available at TVA.com.
