Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber 2017 Chamber Annual Report | Page 17

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. 2017 marked THE LAST YEAR OF Phase III (2014-2017). the Chamber continues to be an economic development partner in the region through participating in 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.