News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County will once again participate in a state program that evaluates and locates potential industrial properties.
County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said he went through the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP) three years ago.
“It’s a good program and it gives us a heads up when we’re looking for properties,” Robinson said. “It lets us know what’s good and what’s bad and what works and doesn’t work. Plus, it gives us a little insight on where to look for property.”
White County’s previous PEP experience identified properties that ultimately brought Lanmills, Fitzgerald Enterprises, and Hormann to the county. Those three companies brought $70,000,000 in total industrial investments and 225 committed jobs.
With assistance of site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP provides participating counties with guidance on site planning for future industrial development projects.
“The Property Evaluation Program serves as a strategic planning session to assess a county’s inventory of industrial sites and buildings,” Austin Consulting Director Jonathan Gemmen said. “Counties who have participated in this program have a much more cohesive strategy for improving properties.”
White County and three other communities will participate in the latest round of the PEP. Robinson said the county will begin working with Austin Consulting and state officials in the coming weeks.
