New Thinking for Challenges of the

Future

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

Sullivan County Executive

Richard Venable

Objectives

Recognize and celebrate what has been accomplished since the 1999 Economic Summit

Identify gaps in current Economic Development Plan Provide an opportunity for citizen input Develop strategies that will make Kingsport a

“liveable” community Organize and communicate progress on each issue

From 1999 to

2003

Mayor Jeanette D. Blazier

Community Strengths

Outstanding natural beauty Legacy as a progressive, well-planned city Excellent public education system Safe place to live Rich cultural and historic heritage World class healthcare system Strong citizen involvement

Opportunities for Improvement

Slow growth Manufacturing-dependent economy Older population Well-educated professional

population Strong regional retail position likely

to erode Deficiency in middle income

housing stock Deficiency in lifestyle and quality of

life opportunities

    

State &Region

BusinessCommunity

LocalGovernment

     

Community &

Neighborhood

 

The

EconomicDevelopmentPartnership

Of Kingsport

Partnerships…the key to shared success

Goal: Diversification of Economic Base Strategies: Support/retain current businesses Workforce development and training Small business development

Focusing on high tech & high end retail Wideband connectivity and redundancy Redevelopment Sports tourism Spirit of entrepreneurship

Goal: Organizational Development Structure Funding

1999 Economic Summit Economic Development Action Plan

New Thinking for Challenges of the

Future

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

Federal Co-ChairAppalachian Regional

Commission

Anne B. Pope

Partners for Liveable Communities

Robert McNulty