Three-Star Program Helps Small Towns Shine
Published Apr 07, 2006
Three-Star Excellence in Community Development
Portland’s small-town charm and tasty reputation for homegrown strawberries might have been partially responsible for the impressive relocations headed its way. But Tennessee’s Three-Star certification certainly deserves a good share of the credit.
“When you’re a Three-Star city, you’re looked upon favorably,” says proud Portland Mayor Ken Wilber.
Portland is one of the shining examples of the state program, which is best described as a comprehensive grassroots drive that empowers communities to identify and maximize quality of life and build on economic development.
Incentives are enormous for qualifying cities. Three-Star communities reap a combination of rewards through matching government funds and grants, depending on the level of their certification.
Communities demonstrate their dedication by developing a five-year, asset-based strategic plan for economic development. Qualifying communities are certified on one of three levels.
“We have been certified as Level II. But we don’t want to stop there,” Wilber says. “We want to get to Level III. To do that we need more retail trade. We’re committed to improving in that area.”
Wilber says the benefits of Three-Star also go beyond the financial rewards.
“The main thing the Three-Star Program does is bring people in the community together, and it makes you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.”
And a community’s intensive self-analysis can lead to growth in surprising areas.
For example, commitment to industrial growth has postured Portland as a town on the move, which influences the town’s self-perception. Renewed self-esteem can work wonders.
“Along with growing retail trade, we want to get more grants for teachers,” Wilber says. “The Three-Star Program has helped boost our education community. People have given more money to education.”
Somehow, even those Portland strawberries are tasting sweeter these days.
Story by Tom Robinson
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