Tupelo Scores Again

In today's Richmond Times Dispatch, it was reported that Tupelo, Mississippi will be the home of it's newest U.S. manufacturing plant which will be dedicated to the manufacture of the Highlander SUV.

The $1.3 million facility (similar in capital outlay as the Dominion Power plant project being planned for Virginia City) will be constructed on a 1,700 acre site.

Both Tennessee and Arkansas were in contention and further down the list was Virginia (somewhere within the Roanoke Valley).

I'm anxious to talk to Vaughn Grisham to understand the dynamics of Toyota's decision and how Tupelo rose to the challenge.

Community Development in Gwinnett Co, Georgia

Attached is a recent article featuring bold economic development activities in Gwinnette County, Georgia. The article describes how Gwinnett plans to launch a five-year economic and community development plan to create over 65,400 new jobs the Gwinnett Chamber plans to implement. Partnership Gwinnett plans to create more than 65,400 new jobs and $5.8 billion in net new wealth over next five years.

This is certainly a much larger initiative that The Gap Partnership, but I think it describes what is possible with vision, a "do-able" strategy and resources to support the initiative.

Wellness Center Letters of Support

We need letters of support for a VTSF grant to do a feasibility study for our Community Wellness Center. If you or your agency/company would be willing to do one, please send me an email at nbailey@frontierhealth.org. I'll send the information about who to write and what needs to be included in the letter. Thanks in advance.
Nancy

Blog Training

We were able to get some "blog training" in today, in spite of the weather. We were small in numbers, but Barbara Polly, Tony Palubicki and Ray Moore were attentive students. Thanks guys for your interest in this important communications tool!

Performing Arts

We are in the process of meeting with Thompson & Litton to review designs for the new Performing Arts Center. When we are notified by T-L, we will schedule a meeting for the committee to review.

BSG Movie

John Peace and I had a phone conversation today with Adri and her producer and I am pleased to report that we had a very productive discussion and things continue to move forward in a positive way to bring the movie to Big Stone Gap!

Restaurant Committee Update

I recently met with a potential restaurant developer and reviewed the Stringer's building property. He is very interested and we will be pursueing this opportunity in the upcoming weeks. We are also looking into other avenues to continue to develop new restaurants in the Gap.

Geneva