1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.