Tag Archives: Highlands Economic Partnership

The Upper Cumberland received encouraging updates during the state’s Economic Development Conference in Chattanooga last week. Highlands Economic Development Coordinator Matt Billings said the conference provided updates from state officials on where the economy stands. Billing said Putnam County and the region are in a good position. “The growth we’re kinda seeing kind of in the western and southern parts ... Read More »

Highlands Economic officials said they are optimistic about the region’s industrial prospects after a recent visit from state development officials. President and CEO Amy New said they try to bring in industrial partners and project managers annually to the area. The recent visit included representatives from the state department of Economic and Community Development and TVA. New said familiarity with ... Read More »

Leaders of the four-county Highlands Economic Partnership celebrated the opening of the Highlands Training Center Tuesday. The 5,500-square-foot building on Spring Street will be used for the Empower Upper Cumberland initiative. Director Megan Spurgeon said the center will train referrals to give them the core skills to transition into the workforce. “It is phenomenal,” Spurgeon said. “It’s been a long ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership hosting its first CareerFest Thursday, and it will include potential employees who live outside of the Upper Cumberland. Director of Investor and Community Relations Adam Poe said the workforce in the Upper Cumberland is the limiting factor in scaling the economy. Poe said that is why the partnership targeted 300 zip codes across the country that ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership initiative to connect young professionals kicks off Thursday. Investor Relations Director Adam Poe said the Highlands Young Professionals will facilitate networking opportunities for the four-county area of Putnam, White, Jackson and Overton Counties. “That’s the whole reason why the Highlands Economic Partnership exists is to promote regionalism,” Poe said. “The only way we grow is if ... Read More »

If you think you’re seeing a lot of help wanted signs, you are right. Highlands Economic Partnership reported up to 10,000 jobs currently in Jackson, Overton, Putnam and White Counties. Economic Development Director Rod Kirk said there are lots of opportunity for industries to expand in the counties, but companies cannot fill the positions. “It even goes out to the ... Read More »

Highlands Economic Partnership aims to create the next generation of leaders through a program rolling out this August. Director of Investor and Community Relations Adam Poe said the one-year initiative will teach new or middle manager positions how to lead a business. “It’s to give confidence to those who are about to take the next step of leadership within their ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership restructuring its target for investors to include more private donors. CEO and President Amy New said historically, the partnership has focused on industries or companies. Moving forward, New said private investors will also be a focus. “We’re really going to also look for individual investors who are interested in really just making their community a better ... Read More »

A new leadership team set to take the Highlands Economic Partnership forward. CEO and President Amy New said three new faces join the group: Economic Development Director Rod Kirk, Investor and Community Relations Director Adam Poe and Existing Industry and Workforce Development Director Ryan Barnhart. “This is obviously a big change in leadership, but I feel like with change comes ... Read More »

Medical supplies, food and beverage, and electric vehicles are among the industries that could see growth in the Upper Cumberland. That according to Stephen Crook, the Vice President of Economic Development at Highlands Economic Partnership. Crook said that those industries align with the workforce located in the Upper Cumberland. “There are some other sectors experiencing growth that are a little ... Read More »