Two Three-Star Communities Receive TNCPE 2010 Commitment Award
Cumberland and Wayne Counties Honored for Strategic Planning Efforts
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty applauded Cumberland and Wayne counties on their 2010 Commitment Awards presented on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011 by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE). The two Three-Star communities have completed a rigorous evaluation and feedback process based on criteria from the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program.
“Recognition by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence represents dedication and hard work on the part of these communities,” said Commissioner Hagerty. “The initiative that Cumberland and Wayne counties have shown to strengthen their strategic plans is to be commended. ECD is proud to partner with TNCPE in this one-of-a-kind program that helps communities across the state ready themselves for future economic development successes.”
TNCPE uses the Criteria for Performance Excellence based on the Baldrige National Quality Program to assess Three-Star communities’ strategic plans. TNCPE then provides coaching and feedback to help communities implement and improve their plans. The goal is to create more effective communities that are more attractive to new business with more diverse economies and greater job opportunities.
“While receiving this award is truly significant, the efforts behind it are even more exciting," said TNCPE President Katie Rawls. "The TNCPE assessment process helps Three-Star communities identify where to focus improvement efforts. This results in stronger communities that better serve the people of our state. Together, we're making Tennessee a better place to live and work.”
The award-winning Three-Star communities were carefully evaluated by TNCPE’s Board of Examiners, a highly trained volunteer corps composed of professional leaders from across the state. The process provided valuable insight that the communities will use to improve the quality of life for their citizens.
Last year the ECD’s Three-Star Program and TNCPE were honored with a 2010 Innovator Award from the Southern Growth Policies Board for their unique partnership to assist Tennessee communities. The award honors communities and organizations that work creatively to improve economic opportunity and quality of life on a regional basis.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd or www.investtennessee.org.
About the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence
The non-profit Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE) is an economic development program that uses the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence to improve systems and processes among businesses and organizations throughout Tennessee. For more information about TNCPE, please visit www.tncpe.org.
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Contact: Shannon Sumrall, ECD
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: shannon.sumrall@tn.gov