Haywood County Earns Three-Star Certification

Haywood County's Three-Star Award was presented during the Governor's ECD Conference held September 22-23, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. On hand to accept the award from Governor Bill Haslam are (from left) ECD Southwest Regional Director Cary Vaughn, Brownsville Alderman John Simmons, Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne, Commissioner Hagerty, Governor Haslam, Brownsville Vice-Mayor Carolyn Flagg, WT Delta Heritage Center Director Sonia Outlaw-Clark and Brownsville Alderman Leon King.

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty recently announced that Haywood County has achieved certification under the state’s Three-Star program for excellence in economic development.

 “Our goal is to create a business friendly climate that gives companies the confidence to invest and expand in Tennessee,” Hagerty said.  “Solid community development is a crucial aspect in this process by providing the foundation needed for successful economic development.” Haywood County is now eligible to receive additional incentives under the guidelines of the Tennessee Three-Star program.

In order to receive the certification, communities are required to meet criteria in planning, leadership, community, business and education and work force development categories. Incentives for receiving the certification include identification on all FastTrack infrastructure and job training applications; eligibility for matching grants, if criteria set by ECD are met; earning points in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; assistance from ECD’s regional field staff and the sharing of “best practices” in community development; and the establishment of a strategic plan that is updated annually with measurable goals, specific actions, responsible parties and a timeline.