Hotel A Target For Overton County Executive’s Development Efforts

Overton County Executive Steven Barlow taking on more of the county’s economic and industrial development efforts.

Barlow said this is something he requested passed on to him because he believed it needed a fresh start in the county, in addition to saving the county money. He said when you live in the county and see what it needs, the stakes are higher because you want to do everything you can to have it be successful.

“I know what our county has to offer, I know what it needs,” Barlow said. “So what better person to send out there with better information to try to recruit that, than somebody in this position.”

Barlow said right now he is working closely with the state department of economic development. He said potential development prospects will go through the state first when looking for places to expand to, so it helps him to strategize what industries will work best for the county.

When it comes to development opportunities in Overton County, Barlow said he believes the sky is the limit. He said the key will be to securing a solid, marketable piece of land.

“One thing that I’ve been trying to go after is getting a hotel in Overton County,” “We desperately need a hotel. With Standing Stone and all of their events, and Dale Hollow Leke, it surrounds our county on the northern end, and with all the people that’s moved in from out-of-state their families wanting to come and visit. We’re really needing a hotel, so that’s what I’m working at this very moment.”

Barlow said he has worked with Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton and Putnam Mayor Randy Porter in networking. He said that is one of the best parts of the area–working with other local leaders and celebrating each other’s successes and growth.

“It takes a major community, not just a community but the Upper Cumberland Region,” Barlow said. “We celebrate together, we grow together because it affects all of us. We’re going to be drawing employees from not just our county but surrounding counties as well, same as theirs. “