TNECD Announces Four New Select Tennessee Certified Sites

Monday, April 10, 2017 | 09:30am

48 sites have now been certified through the program 

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development today announced four new Select Tennessee Certified Sites.

The Select Tennessee program was launched in 2012 to help Tennessee communities prepare available industrial sites for investment and expansion. The program sets rigorous standards to give companies reliable information during the site selection process. To date, 48 sites have been certified. The four newest sites and their local sponsoring agencies include:

“Congratulations to these communities for investing in their local assets and securing these newest certified site designations,” TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said. “The Select Tennessee Certified Sites program gives communities an advantage by having a tangible product to put before companies that are looking to expand or locate. Certifying these sites lets businesses know that their projects can proceed quickly with less risk.”

The Select Tennessee program has certified 48 sites. These sites have landed 10 projects, which accounts for over 3,900 committed new jobs and over $1 billion of capital investment.

Companies seeking to expand or relocate their operations often eliminate less-prepared sites; this is why the Select Tennessee certification process ensures that certified sites meet high-quality standards. Qualifications for certification include at least 20 acres of developable land for industrial sites, proper zoning to allow for ease of development, existing utilities onsite or a formal plan to extend to the site, and truck-quality road access.

The Select Tennessee program ensures that Tennessee sites are primed for development, whether through marketing those ready for a prospect or providing guidance for uncertified sites to achieve a higher level of preparedness.

“The Select Tennessee Certified Sites program gives our communities, especially ones in rural Tennessee, an advantage when competing with other states for economic development projects,” TNECD Assistant Commissioner of Rural Development Amy New said. “The communities with certified sites have invested in themselves and will be ahead of the game in recruiting new businesses and jobs.” 

“This certification program is the cornerstone of the Select Tennessee suite of programs that includes the Property Evaluation Program and the Site Development Grants,” TNECD Site Development Director Leanne Cox said. “It is a thorough process to get a site certified. Companies looking to relocate and expand can feel confident that these sites have been thoroughly vetted by economic development professionals and have the support of local community partners.”

TNECD has partnered with Austin Consulting to administer the program.  

“The number of companies that have given serious consideration to the Select Tennessee’s certified sites is a benchmark of the program’s success,” said Jonathan Gemmen, director of Austin Consulting. “In its fifth year, the program continues to showcase the strengths of a diverse state and all it has to offer to companies considering a new location.”

Communities interested in participating in the program must begin the formal application process by sending their letter of intent to Select.Tennessee@tn.gov. More information about the program can be found at http://www.tnecd.com/sites/certified-sites/apply-now/.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: TNECD.com. Follow us on Twitter: @TNECD. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TNECD.

 

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