New Thinking for Challenges of the Future ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP New Thinking for Challenges of the Future Through the efforts of many, many people, a LOT has been happening. Some of it has been apparent, and some not so apparent. I’m happy to provide the following updates on behalf of the Mayor’s Stewards.

Sullivan County Executive Richard Venable Sullivan County Executive Through the efforts of many, many people, a LOT has been happening. Some of it has been apparent, and some not so apparent. I’m happy to provide the following updates on behalf of the Mayor’s Stewards.

Objectives Recognize and celebrate what has been accomplished since the 1999 Economic Summit Identify gaps in current Economic Development Plan Provide an opportunity for citizen input Develop strategies that will make Kingsport a “liveable” community Organize and communicate progress on each issue

Mayor Jeanette D. Blazier From 1999 to Through the efforts of many, many people, a LOT has been happening. Some of it has been apparent, and some not so apparent. I’m happy to provide the following updates on behalf of the Mayor’s Stewards. 2003

Community Strengths Outstanding natural beauty Legacy as a progressive, well-planned city Excellent public education system Safe place to live Rich cultural and historic heritage World class healthcare system Strong citizen involvement

Opportunities for Improvement Slow growth Manufacturing-dependent economy Older population Well-educated professional population Strong regional retail position likely to erode Deficiency in middle income housing stock Deficiency in lifestyle and quality of life opportunities

Partnerships…the key to shared success   State & Region Business Community Local Government Community & Neighborhood CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITY OF KINGSPORT KINGSPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD Board of Mayor and Aldermen Boards of Education City Boards and Commissions TN Economic/Community Development Phipps Bend Joint Venture Sullivan County Airport NE TN Valley RIDA Kingsport Tomorrow KHRA DKA KRIDS Model City Coalition Neighborhood Council Small Business Council Kingsport Convention & Visitors Bureau Economic Development Council The Economic Development Partnership Of Kingsport In the spirit of Mayor Hudnut’s advice, we formed the Kingsport Economic Development Partnership. The core “triad” partners, as we have called them in the past, are the City, the Chamber and the Economic Development Board. But there are other important relationships that ultimately effect economic development in a profound way. They are illustrated by interlocking circles because we depend on one another to build a balanced, diversified economy. They include … Board of Education County Commissions Planning Commission and other City Boards and Commissions Kingsport Tomorrow Kingsport Housing & Redevelopment Authority Downtown Kingsport Association KRIDS or Kingsport’s Resource for Innovation, Design & Sustainability Model City Coalition Neighborhood Council Phipps Bend Joint Venture Sullivan County Economic Development Board Airport Commission Northeast Tennessee Valley Regional Industrial Development Association Tennessee Dept of Economic and Community Development Chamber Economic Development Council Small Business Council And the Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau Literally hundreds of people working for the economic benefit of Kingsport.

1999 Economic Summit Economic Development Action Plan Goal: Diversification of Economic Base Strategies: Support/retain current businesses Workforce development and training Small business development Focusing on high tech & high end retail Wideband connectivity and redundancy Redevelopment Sports tourism Spirit of entrepreneurship Goal: Organizational Development Structure Funding

New Thinking for Challenges of the Future ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP New Thinking for Challenges of the Future Through the efforts of many, many people, a LOT has been happening. Some of it has been apparent, and some not so apparent. I’m happy to provide the following updates on behalf of the Mayor’s Stewards.

Appalachian Regional Commission Anne B. Pope Federal Co-Chair Appalachian Regional Commission Through the efforts of many, many people, a LOT has been happening. Some of it has been apparent, and some not so apparent. I’m happy to provide the following updates on behalf of the Mayor’s Stewards.

Partners for Liveable Communities Robert McNulty Partners for Liveable Communities Through the efforts of many, many people, a LOT has been happening. Some of it has been apparent, and some not so apparent. I’m happy to provide the following updates on behalf of the Mayor’s Stewards.