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.