Highlands ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
JONATHAN WEST , STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
The Highlands Economic Partnership ( HEP ), launched in 2006 , by the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce , is a collaborative , public / private sector program designed to boost economic and community development in Jackson , Overton , Putnam and White counties . Supported by over 85 investor companies and government organizations , the HEP is dedicated to the long-term vision of regional economic prosperity .
Now in THE LAST YEAR OF Phase III ( 2014-2017 ), the Chamber continues to be an economic development catalyst through the following strategies and programs :
Strategy I – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Objective : Be a catalyst in the creation and retention of 1,500 21st century primary jobs through effective
cooperation among Highlands ’ partners ( 2014-2017 ).
Strategy II – workforce Development & education
Objective : Provide the Highlands region with a 21st century workforce by improving education attainment and job
readiness of our current and future workforce through enhanced training , education , skill development , and work
based learning opportunities to match the needs of targeted and existing industries . Strategies and tactics align with the Governor ’ s Drive to 55 and TN Promise initiatives .
Strategy III – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ADVOCACY
Objective : Recognizing that community development precedes economic development , the Highlands will focus on health , wellness
and advocacy for communities through programs like the Highlands Fitness Challenge and planning long-range feasibility studies for regional infrastructures .
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