Tag Archives: Highlands Economic Partnership

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 »

Highlands Economic Partnership is recruiting employers to join its Highlands Paid Internship Program. Workforce Development and Education Director Kaitlin Salyer said participants get the opportunity to interview local high school students and possibly find full-time workers for the future. “They might not be looking to go to college after school, but we want to make sure they are set up ... Read More »

Responses to the every two-year survey of Putnam County industries have been slow in 2021. Only three of 71 industries participating in the wage and benefits survey have completed it. Stephen Crook is Vice President of Economic Development for The Highlands Economic Partnership. Crook said industries giving their answers might help them answer their own questions. “It gives them the ... Read More »

Highlands Economic Partnership and Tennessee Tech have launched a student program to retain future graduates to the region. The Young Professional Highlands Student Organization offers networking opportunities, community outreach and professional development. Workforce and Education Director Kaitlin Sayler said the first meeting will be held Thursday. “We’re really going to brainstorm what does this look like for the students at ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership is looking for nominations for its 2021 Highlands Leaders Program. The series of seminars is designed to develop current and future leaders to promote economic development in the region. Workforce Development And Education Director Kaitlin Sayler said nominations from Jackson, Overton, Putnam and White Counties are being accepted first. “We will send out the link for ... Read More »

The Highlands Economic Partnership is looking to connect with minority owned businesses in the area to improve representation both internally and in the community. Communications Director Allison Boshears said representing minority groups is something they want to improve at. While also reassessing the way Putnam county is marketed. Boshears said the goal is creating an Inclusion Council and getting them ... Read More »

The Highlands Initiative is working to get businesses and unemployed workers connected to put their skills to use. Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Communications Director Allison Boshears said publicizing the jobs available is key to getting them filled. The steps being taken to connect the employees and employers include a job portal on the Highlands and Chamber website and social ... Read More »

150 of the 224 acres at the Highlands Business Park remain available for development. The park located along Cookeville’s I-40 opened four years ago. Highlands Economic Partnership Vice President Stephen Crook said despite COVID-19 slowing business, outside and local employers are highly interested in the park’s potential. “We do feel that from new project leads as well as from the ... Read More »

The annual Highlands Skills Assessment will go out this week to select school districts. The Highlands Economic Partnership assessment gauges student enrollment numbers and success rates for programs in Putnam, Overton, Jackson and White Counties. Workforce and Education Director Kaitlin Sayler said the data focuses on programs related to high demand jobs . “Basically, what are those high demand jobs ... Read More »