Tag Archives: Upper Cumberland Development District

A new daycare facility called Crossroads Academy set to open this July to combat the lack of daycare options for Crossville’s school-aged children. Co-Owner Laura Brock is a retired teacher. She said she has seen parents struggle for years to care for their children in the hours immediately after school. Brock said the facility will be available for children from ... Read More »

Discussions by the Van Buren County School Board about renovating a masonic lodge for use as a daycare, tabled indefinitely Wednesday night. Director of Schools Jared Copeland said the county received a grant from the Upper Cumberland Development District some three years ago to renovate the building. He said he believes that the money remaining from the grant would cover ... Read More »

The Cookeville Planning Commission will consider next month amending the zoning code to allow methadone clinics to operate in Medical Services zoning districts. Community Development Director Jon Ward said methadone clinics can be built in Medical Services districts in ‘use upon appeal’ exemptions. Methadone is an FDA-approved medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder and also used for pain management. ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Development District has promoted Rosa Smith to Assistant Director of Economic Development. Smith originally joined the UCDD as an Economic Development Planner focused on addressing the Upper Cumberland’s childcare shortage. She has focused on spreading awareness about childcare challenges in the region. Smith has also sought to find ways to make childcare more accessible and affordable. “The ... Read More »

Cookeville’s Community Development Department has a new Economic Development and Grants Coordinator in Matt Billings. Community Development Director Jon Ward said Billings takes over an expanded position following the retirement of Melinda Keifer in 2022. Ward said Keifer has been retained as a part-time consultant to help smooth the transition, but Billings is getting up to speed in his new ... Read More »

Overton County will take the next step in economic development through a new Property Evaluation Grant from the state. Only three counties received the grant. Overton County Executive Steven Barlow said the county plans to use the grant for the development of a new industrial park. Barlow said the state will send experts to help identify and inspect potential properties. ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Development District has received a $260,000 planning grant to strengthen a multi-state recovery-to-work effort. UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said that the planning grant is one the first of several steps. He said that this planning grant will hopefully be what leads to a large funding opportunity later down the line. “We’ll be spearheading the project, we’re ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Development District received a $40,000 state grant Tuesday to help with preservation efforts. It is one of 37 grants awarded by the Tennessee Historical Commission. The grants go to non-profits, municipalities, universities, and civic organizations across the state to support the preservation of historic and archaeological resources. UCDD’s grant will go to pay a preservation specialist on ... Read More »

Damon “Dee” Prince has been named the new HR/Benefits Manager for the Upper Cumberland Development District and the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency. Prince has more than 15 years of experience in human resources including roles as director, manager, senior generalist, payroll coordinator and benefits administrator. Executive Director Mark Farley said both organizations are eager about the promotion. “Dee brings ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Development District has COVID money available for businesses to bolster their websites for free. Small Business Development Center Director Tyler Asher said the organization has enough funds to help any business in the Upper Cumberland. “The business owners that have already taken advantage are extremely excited,” Asher said. “It has helped them save thousands of dollars, because ... Read More »