News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Tennessee Tech’s Center for Rural Innovation is partnering with Algood to enhance the city’s brand and tourism prospects.
Tech’s Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Michael Aikens said that the TCRI program employs Tennessee Tech students to bridge gaps between information, resources, and knowledge for businesses and municipalities.
“We’re able to fill those gaps and we literally have empirical evidence that shows that the technical assistance we provide helps our businesses in our Upper Cumberland region to reach their next business goal.”
Rural Outreach Coordinator Andrea Kruszka said that the students help with graphic design, logos, social media, and other media-based assistance.
Aikens said that the group has had several conversations with Algood City Manager Keith Morrison and will provide them with a branding package. He said that Morrison is currently assembling a team of 15 community members from Algood to help guide the TCRI team in their work.
“Obviously we have the knowledge and the resources to be able to build these brands like obviously with Algood, or Monterey not too long ago and Jackson county. but really one of the main guiding those we have is that we’re going into the community for the community to tell us what they want, and we’ll facilitate the process. So one of the most important parts of the process for us, with any community we work with, is to let them know that Tennessee Tech doesn’t have all the answers, but we’re going to work collaboratively with your community to help find those answers, and build it, and give the students the opportunity to be in the process.”
Aikens said that the program benefits both its client and its students. He said that the six-month course provides students with real-world experience they can back to their communities.
