Counties Pool Assets to Lure Large Employers
Published Aug 26, 2008
Becky Ruppe, Morgan County executive, stands at Plateau Partnership Park, where 1,000 acres are ready for development.
When opportunity knocks and an automotive manufacturer or other large-scale industrial project needs the perfect location, Morgan, Cumberland and Roane counties will be ready.
The counties have joined forces to create Plateau Partnership Park, more than 1,000 acres of prime industrial land along Interstate 40 between Crossville and Harriman.
“Economic development is my passion. Plateau Partnership Park is my dream,” says Morgan County Executive Becky Ruppe.
“The fact that a number of counties have come together to support this park – it’s got a great location, it’s got access to a very solid workforce and it’s got regional public-sector support – makes it a very attractive place for companies to consider,” says Matt Kisber, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development commissioner.
Plateau Partnership Park is ready for immediate construction activity, which can save months of development time, says Ruppe. The park offers easy interstate and rail access, and the adjacent Rockwood Airport recently underwent a $2 million expansion. A trained workforce is also assured. Nearby educational institutions include Tennessee Technological University, the University of Tennessee and Roane State Community College.
Morgan, Cumberland and Roane counties hope their regional approach will attract a large manufacturer that will pay above-average wages and boost the region’s economy. But, she says, the partners are “going to be particular” about what company is allowed to locate in the park. “We’re wanting to make a difference for generations to come.”
The Tennessee Valley Authority is pursuing a similar strategy of preparedness through its Megasites program. To help communities be ready for potential automotive and large industrial growth, a TVA consultant developed a certification process for large industrial properties. (Tennessee has certified megasites in Clarksville, Haywood County, and Chattanooga, where Volkswagen will build an assembly plant.) Plateau Partnership Park is not a certified Megasite, but Ruppe says the idea behind it is the same.
Tennessee is well situated for attracting automotive manufacturers, says John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development.
“Tennessee’s central location, access to market for products, extensive transportation network and positive business climate are among the state’s attractive attributes,” he says.
Story by Bill Lewis
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