The Partnership coordinated Governor Bill Haslam's and U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander's visit to Greeneville last Tuesday to tour the US Nitrogen construction site off Pottertown Road.  Both the governor and senator were pleased with the progress they saw at the new 490-acre site and praised US Nitrogen for the technology it is putting into place, as well as the $220 million capital investment and high-paying jobs it will bring to Greene County.  To read the entire article, visit GreenevilleSun.com.

The Education & Workforce Development Department

LPL Financial Services signs Master Partnership with Greeneville High School. Click on the photo to see more.

hosted four Master Partnership Signings between October 22 and October 26.  Tusculum View Elementary School signed a partnership with Donna Fillers, dba CENTURY 21 Legacy, and also with LPL Financial Services (Rhonda and Blaine Ratliff) on October 22.  LPL Financial Services also signed a Master Partnership with Greeneville High School immediately following the signing at Tusculum View.  On October 26, Greeneville Dental Associates (Drs. Amy Armstrong & Amy Armbrister) signed an agreement with EastView Elementary School.  The partnerships will continue through the end of the school year and will be reviewed at the beginning of the next school year.  Congratulations to these schools and businesses!

The Workforce Education (WE) Committee will be meeting with local manufacturers in December to gauge their feedback regarding two new workplace readiness assessment tools the committee is considering as part of the new "Pathways" Initiative.  The committee is comprised of individuals from the Greene County and Greeneville City school systems, Walters State Community College, and the Partnership.  The goal is to transform local education into a series of pathways to prepare students for local skilled jobs.  For more information on this initiative, read the entire article at GreenevilleSun.com.

The Tourism Department's Eighth Annual Antique Appraisal Fair & Show will be held Saturday, February 16, 2013, at Greeneville High School.  New to the annual event will be the preview party on Friday, February 15, 2013, from 7 to 9 p.m., which will include live music, light hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction.  Admission to the preview party will be $10 and will give those attending an opportunity to purchase great treasures before they are offered to the general public.  If your company is interested in sponsoring this event, contact Tammy Kinser at tkinser@greenecop.com.

According to the U.S. Travel Association's newly released 2011 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee, Greene County showed an increase of 10.53 percent in travel-related expenditures between 2010 and 2011.  Those expenditures contributed $2.06 million in local tax receipts and bumped Greene County up in the statewide rankings.  In 2010, Greene County ranked #21 out of 95 counties, and in 2011 was ranked #20. 

Local manufacturer LMR Plastics was awarded the "Top Performing Strategic Supplier" recognition by the Donaldson Company for the fifth year in a row on October 4.  Donaldson evaluates its suppliers through its Donaldson Buys Value (DBV) Program, which rates suppliers' performance based on quality, service, continuous improvement and cost support.  LMR received the award because it exceeded performance criteria and has a high unit volume, high dollar volume, and/or provided a critical part, material, or service to Donaldson.  To read the entire article, visit GreenevilleSun.com.

Dr. Vicki Kirk and the Greene County School Board generated a list of system-wide goals at their annual retreat on October 19 and are seeking feedback from the community.  The goals are available for viewing on the Greene County Schools website,  www2.greenek12.org/DirectorSchoolBoard/SchoolBoard, and comments can be submitted there as well.