FROM THE CHAIRMAN
In 2016 , we witnessed the continued fruition of a shared vision , teamwork , and perseverance for a stronger healthier region . We didn ’ t do it alone . We stood on the shoulders of those who came before us and partnered with so many across the region to achieve our goals . As you will see in this report , I believe 2016 will long be remembered as a year that we both achieved great things and planted the seeds for our future successes .
Your Chamber is in the “ development ” business - whether it be economic , workforce , community , visitors or our members , we are committed to creating opportunities , raising incomes and improving the standard of living for our region . By this growth , we strengthen our local businesses and grow our tax base to improve roads , build schools and enhance public services .
This year we celebrated over 1,000 new jobs , the opening of our first tenant in the Highlands Industrial Park and the start of construction on our longawaited 5th interchange . ATC Automation ’ s $ 10.4 million expansion added 110 high-skilled , high-paying jobs in the advanced manufacturing cluster . In October , we welcomed the global leadership team from FICOSA and Panasonic Automotive for the opening of their new , state-of - the-art $ 50 million facility employing more than 900 of our neighbors .
Behind the scenes , our economic development team worked to cultivate the opportunities of the future by responding to dozens of requests for information , deepening our relationships with site selectors , and participating in the state ’ s Property Evaluation Program to identify our best future industrial sites . We also began the planning for the next phase of the Highlands Economic Partnership .
Our economic growth simply would not be possible without our worldclass workforce development initiative . In 2016 , we expanded our efforts to launch one of the first Tennessee Reconnect Communities by helping 673 adults re-engage with their postsecondary education or certification . Our Advanced Manufacturing Pathway grew 124 % to 251 students and we started a new pathway for Information Technology . We also began a teacher externship program to give teachers “ real world ” experience to take back to their classroom and we hosted our largest ever 8th Grade career fair for 1,695 students .
They say that tourism is one of the purest forms of economic development . Thanks to our past efforts , Harley-Davidson asked us to host the first ever Southern Backroads H . O . G . Rally , which is expected to bring 5,000 visitors to town this July . We also hosted our 8th TSSAA BlueCross Bowl in partnership with Tennessee Tech , the county , and City of Cookeville and secured the rights to remain Tennessee ’ s high school football capital through at least 2020 .
As I mentioned earlier , we didn ’ t achieve these successes alone . We are grateful for the spirit of partnership and teamwork that exists in this community . This annual report will highlight these relationships , our team , and many of our other great accomplishments this year . I am proud of our Chamber and have been honored to be associated with the many people , both staff and volunteers , who share a passion for our community .
Don Viar
Epic Technologies
2016 Chairman of the Board
Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
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