News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Fentress County Industrial Board says it is in conversation with a prospective occupant for the old Fitzgerald building on Commerce Drive in Jamestown.
The building was previously occupied by Fitzgerald Glider Kits, who were forced to stop manufacturing after a ruling deemed the practice to have a negative environmental impact. Chamber of Commerce Director Jacob Rosenbaum said while he cannot disclose the industry at this time, they are moving through partnership negotiations.
“We have gotten to the point where the site we have to offer and the demographics and the workforce are suitable,” Rosenbaum said. “They’re very interested and we’re just trying to work out the finer things.”
Rosenbaum said the incoming industry would also have the option to expand their practices with the help of the county. He said bringing a large industry into the community will be a huge economic boost to Fentress County as a whole.
“It allows people to keep more of their money, they’re not spending as much of their money on gas traveling out of the county or even the region to work,” Rosenbaum said. “Because they’re not traveling on a daily basis, they’re shopping locally they’re spending more money here. It just puts more money into the local economy and better-paying jobs mean more commerce with locally owned businesses, locally owned shops, it increases your standard of living.”
Rosenbaum said they hope to finalize negotiations in the coming months.
