May 21, 2008

Homebuilder Relocates State HQ to Dresden

Officials from Champion Homes of Tennessee and local officials cut the ribbon on the new Dresden facility May 12.

Despite a fire that destroyed the company's operations in Henry, Tenn., Champion Homes has announced the company is staying in Tennessee. Company officials worked with ECD and local economic developers on a plan to re-open Champion's Tennessee state headquarters in Dresden, retaining a significant workforce for the northwestern part of the state.

"ECD is proud to support Champion as they rebuild their operations after misfortune earlier this year," ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber said. "We are grateful for their decision to remain in the state of Tennessee and for their confidence in the workforce of this community, and we look forward to seeing Champion emerge from this setback as a stronger competitor than ever before."

Shoals Plant To Bring 100 Jobs to Gallatin

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development joined the City of Gallatin and Shoals Technologies Group Tuesday to announce the company's decision to expand its operations and headquarters into Gallatin, Tenn. Shoals, makers of solar energy panel components, will employ nearly 100 people at its new plant, including corporate executives, once fully operational. A business plan provided by the company anticipates that total growing to more than 300 over the next three years.

"We've worked hard to create a business-friendly environment in our state, and I congratulate Shoals Technologies for its decision to locate in Gallatin," said Governor Phil Bredesen. "We are positioning Tennessee to be a leader in energy efficiency and conservation, including the development of clean-energy technology, and having companies like Shoals choose Tennessee helps us meet those goals."

Due to the rapid growth of the alternative energy market and Shoals' reputation for quality manufacturing, a new facility is needed, along with another employee pool, as the company anticipates continued rapid expansion. The company performed a building and site search over the past six months, focusing on middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky before choosing Gallatin, citing its reliable work force and business friendly attitude as major factors in the final decision.

Shoals will construct a 100,000 square foot manufacturing building on property in the Gallatin Industrial Center on Airport Road and expects its total capital investment to be around $10.5 million including machinery.  In addition to state tax credits and training assistance, the company will be the first to receive benefits from the City's recently adopted Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) program.  While officials say the total benefit to the company cannot be determined until the construction process is complete, the investment and job creation totals qualify Shoals for Level 2 benefits of the three possible levels for manufacturing projects.

Rhea County is the site of Scopes Trial Museum and Rhea County Courthouse. In addition to containing the courtroom where the infamous Scopes Trial took place, the courthouse has a Scopes Museum that includes exhibits related to the trial and local history. The courthouse is a National Historic Landmark. A dramatic reenactment based on transcripts of the trial is performed every year during the third week of July.

Source:
Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association

There are no public events scheduled.

To request ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber to speak or attend an event, please contact Jennifer Alward at (615) 2531852 or jennifer.alward@state.tn.us

We invite your thoughts on the ECD Hot Sheet. Please click here to contact ECD Communications with any questions, concerns or suggestions you may have.

Community Development

Grants and Loans

ARC Announces Grant Competition

The Appalachian Regional Commission, along with the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, has developed the "Gems of Appalachia" grant competition for gateway communities of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest.

Gateway communities, which are points of entry to these treasured regional landmarks, often struggle to balance the need for economic growth with the desire to protect their natural ecosystems, landscapes and culture.

Communities competing in Gems of Appalachia can request funding ($20,000 - $40,000 per grant) to implement a specific project or activity related to natural or cultural heritage tourism, community planning, asset building, recreational development or other activity that will enhance the area's unique gateway identity.

Non-profit organizations, local governments, public educational institutions, and local and regional development organizations located in a town or county adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Cherokee National Forest are eligible to apply for the grants.

Applications that involve partnerships of two or more jurisdictions and/or counties can request up to $75,000. Applicants will be required to provide 20 percent of the total cost, with either a cash or in-kind match.

An application form and other details about the competition are available at ARC's Web site: www.arc.gov. Applications are due on Friday, June 27, 2008. For additional information, contact Molly Theobald at 202-884-7767.

Local Planning

Calendar Update

New Local Planning events have been added to the ECD Calendar.

View the Calendar