2013 Annual Report
Change is inevitable, we make it work...
The Chattanooga Area Regional Council of Governments, doing business as the Southeast Tennessee Development District, is a special purpose unit of government created by Executive Order. It is owned and governed by local county and municipal governments throughout southeast Tennessee and the Chattanooga MSA. The “District” was established to cost effectively provide professional staffing resources to local governments and to regionally deliver programs and services. This forges a very unique partnership with local governments throughout the region which allows us to work together toward creating a climate of success for individuals, families and businesses. This work is accomplished by utilizing local, state, federal and private funds to deliver programs and services through our core business functions: Community and Economic Development; Planning & Local Government Assistance; Career & Workforce Development and Aging and Disability Programs. It is through these strong SETDD Financial Overview collaborative partnerships that the region can adjust to inevitable change FY 2012 Operating Budget $ 8,834,305 and challenging times to continually Pass Through Budget $ 29,145,695 improve and enhance the quality of life! Total Assets & Liabilities $ 11,723,380 Full – time Staff
96 Cover Photo Courtesy of rapgenious.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the Chairman and Board of Directors……………………………………………..…….4-5 Area Agency on Aging and Disability…………………………………………………………….…..…...6-10 Community and Economic Development………………………………………….……………...….11-20 Workforce Development………………………………………………………………………………….…..21-23 Regional Focus…………………………………………………………………………………………….……….24-25 SETDD Partnerships……………………………………………………………………………………………..26-27
www.sedev.org
Letter from the Chairman Life is a constant waive of change and this year in particular at the Southeast Tennessee Development District, we have weathered significant reductions in funding of workforce development and aging and disability programs, but have managed to forge strong partnerships which have allowed us to deliver vital services to people throughout the region! “Change is inevitable, but we have made it work!” Change requires us to re-examine the way in which things have traditionally been done; and as a board, we
D. Gary Davis, Bradley County Mayor
want to applaud our staff for finding creative solutions, forging partnerships with churches and community organizations to stock the pantries of our elderly and disabled and to deliver senior snack packs to transition meals through the weekends. By identifying and pursuing new initiatives such as Care Transitions, Health Promotions, 502 U. S. Rural Development Mortgage Loans, Pad-Ready Site Development, Entrepreneur Resource Rallies and Job Fairs, SETDD staff continues to help local governments enhance the quality of life for all the citizens of our region. On behalf of the elected officials and councils of governments, I am pleased to present you with the 2013 annual report which provides you with a snapshot of the work accomplished throughout the past year. This work could not have been accomplished without strong partners to whom we are truly grateful.
SERVICES AT A GLANCE Area Agency on Aging & Disability ● Business Loan Development ● Community & Economic Development ● Grant Writing & Project Administration ● Housing Development ● Local Planning Assistance ● Natural Resource Planning ● Project Development ● Ryan White Program ● Transportation Planning ● Tourism & Historic Preservation ● Workforce Development
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2012-13 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bledsoe County
Marion County Continued
Bobby Collier; County Mayor Philip Cagle; Mayor, City of Pikeville
D. Gary Davis; County Mayor Walter Goode; Mayor, City of Charleston Tom Rowland; Mayor, City of Cleveland
David Jackson; Mayor, Town of Kimball Marilyn Nixon; Mayor, Town of Monteagle Mark Myers; Mayor, City of New Hope David Grant; Mayor, Town of Orme Ralph Chapin; Mayor, Town of Powell’s Crossroads Jane Dawkins; Mayor, South Pittsburg Cindy Easterly; Mayor, City of Whitwell
Dade County
McMinn County
Ted Rumley; County Executive
John Gentry; County Mayor Hal Buttram; Mayor, City of Athens John Walker; Mayor, Town of Calhoun Tony Hawn; Mayor, Town of Englewood Jimmy Bull; Mayor, City of Etowah Lois Preece; Mayor, City of Niota
Bradley County
Grundy County Lonnie Cleek; County Mayor Jimmy Walker; Mayor, Town of Altamont Donald Boyd; Chairman, Town of Beersheba Springs Aron May; Mayor, City of Coalmont Linda Slatton-Broom; Mayor, City of Gruetli-Laager Marilyn Nixon; Mayor, Town of Monteagle Daniel Crabtree; Mayor, Town of Palmer Larry Phipps; Mayor, Town of Tracy City Hamilton County Jim Coppinger; County Mayor Andy Berke; Mayor, Chattanooga John C. Turner; Mayor, City of Collegedale Brent Lambert; Mayor, City of East Ridge Ken Wilkerson; Mayor, City of Lakesite Carol Mutter; Mayor, Town of Lookout Mountain John Roberts; Mayor, City of Red Bank Candice Poole; Mayor, City of Ridgeside Bill Lusk; Mayor, Town of Signal Mtn. Janice Cagle; Mayor, City of Soddy-Daisy David Epperson; Mayor, Town of Walden Marion County John Graham; County Mayor Paul Evans; Mayor, Town of Jasper
Meigs County Garland Lankford; County Mayor Bill James; Mayor, Town of Decatur Polk County Hoyt Firestone; County Executive Jerry Stephens; Mayor, Town of Benton Eric Watters; Mayor, City of Copperhill James Talley; Mayor, City of Ducktown Rhea County George Thacker; County Executive Gary Louallen; Mayor, City of Dayton Ted Doss; Mayor, Town of Graysville Billy Ray Patton; Mayor, Town of Spring City Sequatchie County Keith Cartwright; County Executive Dwain Land; Mayor, City of Dunlap Walker County Bebe Heiskell; County Commissioner July 1,2012-June 30,2013 www.sedev.org
AREA AGENCY ON AGING AND DISABILITY The Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAAD) across the state serve as the Single Point of Entry into Tennessee’s Long Term Care System. We are your one source for help and information. During FY 13, the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, serving the 10 counties of the region (SETAAAD), handled a total of 10,174 information and referral inquires. Services provided through the Single Point of Entry include:
Outreach and education about all AAAD services with the goal of enhancing quality of life and helping seniors and younger disabled adults remain independent as long as possible;
Information and referral to community resources.
Telephone Screening for home and community based services offered through the AAAD.
HOME & COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES Information and Referral Home Delivered Meals Homemaker Services Options for Community Living CHOICES
National Family Caregiver Support Program Relative Caregiver Program Help with Medicare Questions Senior Centers
Many, many thanks for your kind assistance….your thorough help was so beneficial.” –I&R Caller
Service Coordination Service Coordinators provide an in-home assessment to determine eligibility for Home Delivered Meals and Title III Homemaker Services. Case management was provided for 952 individuals receiving Title IIIB services during the program year.
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Nutrition Program - Home Delivered & Congregate Meals The Nutrition Program is one of the foundational services under the Older Americans Act. Services are offered through a network of eleven providers across the region. Over 1,275 individuals received congregate meals and approximately 735 received home delivered meals. With decreases in funding creative actions are needed to face the changing , challenging times ahead. Although weekend meals had to be suspended for home delivered meal clients, the need for food remains. Through a variety of partnerships with churches and other community organizations, clients have received deliveries of food items to stock their pantries as well as senior snack packs. With the help of volunteers and contributions we hope to continue and expand our efforts throughout the region. “I am just crazy about those Meals on Wheels! The people are wonderful!” -Home Delivered Meal Client
Title III Homemaker Program This program makes it possible for frail seniors to remain in their homes by providing regular routine light housekeeping. A homemaker may also go to the grocery store or pharmacy when the client has no other way to shop. There were 183 persons who received homemaker services this year.
Options for Community Living Program Options is a totally state funded program that makes it possible for senior and younger disabled adults (19 years old and up) who need minimal services to remain at home. Over 208 individuals received services such as Case
“Thanks so much for the help I get. I can’t stand after 3 back surgeries… I am so happy to stay in my apartment. All service is greatly appreciated…” OPTIONS client
Management, Homemaker and Personal Care.
Public Guardian for the Elderly Program The Public Guardian for the Elderly Program served 83 individuals through court appointment. All financial, medical and personal care decisions are made by the Public Guardian. The program is currently managing assets of $671,696 and each year an accounting is audited by the courts for each client.
www.sedev.org
National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) The NFCSP provides respite services to make it possible for caregivers to have a break from, or assistance with, caregiving responsibilities. Assistance and support may be offered to caregivers of persons 60 years old or older as well as caregivers of persons of any age who have Alzheimer’s disease. Almost 125 individuals received NFCSP services. The program also offers caregiver training, support groups, and serves grandparents and other relatives raising children. The NFCSP, in partnership with Health Care Center of Standifer Place, launched a “I have been to other support groups and I thought I knew everything I
caregiver support group in 2012 which continues to meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month. The support group equips caregivers with practical information on resources and services that are
needed to know
available to assist them, as well as provides the opportunity to
because I am a
interact with other caregivers who are in similar situations. One of
nurse, but this group the unique differences of this support group is that focus is on the was a blessing.” -
caregiver and not the disease or condition of their loved one.
NFCSP Support
Caregivers seldom take the time or have the place to talk about their
Group Participant
own difficulties and needs.
Relative Caregiver Program (RCP) This is a Department of Children’s Services program, serving grandparents and other relatives raising children. The program provides numerous services to support family stabilization and to avoid placement of children in state custody. There were 252 adults and 357 children who received RCP services this year.
“Your program gives support not only financial but mentally to
RCP partnered with the organization Coat of Many Colors
struggling single grandparents
to assist families in obtaining school clothes for their
and parents in need. Thank God
children. This resource has provided many RCP children
for your continual support. Keep
with needed clothing and lessened the burden of back to
up the excellent work.” -
school costs for caregivers. RCP looks for available
Tennessee Relative Caregiver
community resources to assist Relative Caregiver families with a variety of challenges that they face while raising children who are under the age of eighteen years old.
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State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free and objective counseling and assistance to persons with questions or concerns regarding Medicare and other related health insurances. There were 2,431 calls and one-on-one appointments from July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013.
CHOICES The CHOICES Program provides in-home services for seniors 65 years of age and older as well as younger adults with disabilities, age 21 and older, who qualify for nursing home care through Medicaid but can still live safely at home. CHOICES provides a large array of services for those enrolled. Staff members provide in-home assessments to enroll persons in this program. Approximately 1,814 persons received CHOICES Single Point of Entry services.
Senior Centers Senior Centers are focal points in each of our counties. They offer numerous programs including Education/Training, Health Education, Physical Fitness and Recreation. Various centers also provide many additional services. The AAAD staff provides quarterly training for Senior Center Directors. Over 4,744 seniors participated in activities at senior centers. Throughout Tennessee, center participants are preparing for the Senior Brain Games. The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability in cooperation with the Center of Quality Aging at Vanderbilt created this initiative to highlight the Tennesseans that we serve along with a specific focus on the need for continued social interaction and mental stimulation that are important for a healthier aging population. It is the first of its kind to bring Senior Centers together from across the state for this type of competition. www.sedev.org
Care Transitions In January 2013, after an extensive, national application/selection process, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) informed the SETAAAD that we were selected to receive funding to participate in the CMS sponsored Community-Based Care Transitions Program. The “Chattanooga Regional Medicare Community-based Care Transitions Program” was the only selectee in Tennessee. SETAAAD now partners with Erlanger Health System, Memorial Healthcare System and Parkridge Health System to achieve a goal of reducing overall 30 day hospital readmission rates of Medicare fee-for-service patients by 20%. Health Coaches employed by SETAAAD interface with these patients to provide Care Transition Interventions from the hospital setting to their homes or to post-acute care settings such as rehab hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. Currently SETAAAD has four health coaches seeing patients in the ten county region of the SETAAAD, as well as Dade, Catoosa and Walker counties in Georgia. Since the program became fully operational in April 2013, the health coaches have provided or are providing Care Transitions Interventions to over 250 patients.
“This program has given me encouragement and peace of mind knowing that someone cares about us.” –wife of Care Transitions Client
Heath Promotions Health Promotion classes are offered annually throughout the region. Most of the evidence-based workshops are offered at area Senior Centers considered to be focal points where persons 60+ participate in a wide array of activities. There have been seventeen EvidenceBased Wellness Programs offered in the region this fiscal year. The workshops provide participants structured activities that include group discussions, problem-solving, skill building, assertiveness training, videos, sharing practical solutions and exercise training.
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RYAN WHITE PROGRAM The Southeast Tennessee Development District serves as the Ryan White Lead Agency for the Southeast Tennessee Region and continues to oversee the work of the Southeast Tennessee Council for HIV/AIDS Care and Prevention (CHACP). Each year, SEDEV and CHACP host five special community awareness events, facilitate a needs assessment process, and administrate two allocations processes. Various meetings, trainings, and ongoing development and skills building opportunities are provided for the approximately fifty community stakeholders and volunteers involved with CHACP. The lead agency continues to fulfill its duty to ensure that HIV prevention, education, and testing services are provided to prioritized and at-risk populations, in accordance with the guidelines and core elements set forth by the TN Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During 2012, prevention program services directly served 28,572 individuals in the Southeast Tennessee region. Program staff members also ensure that case management, dental services, and assistance with transportation, food, and emergency financial needs are available to qualifying residents, who are living with HIV/AIDS. These services are part of the continuum of care that is critical for the success of people living with HIV/AIDS to engage care, achieve and sustain medication adherence, and stay connected to care. Ryan White staff members continually work hand in hand with subcontractors and clients to actively evaluate the availability, delivery, and quality of program services, as well as to make any changes necessary to create improvement. In 2012, the Ryan White Care Program provided direct services to 665 Southeast Tennessee residents living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to managing the regional Ryan White Program, SETDD also manages the Statewide Ryan White Technical Assistance and Training Program. This program is charged with assuring that various trainings, meetings, retreats, and special events meet the educational, financial, logistical, gastronomical, and unique accommodation needs of the State of TN Ryan White Program. This is achieved via continual communicating, negotiating, sourcing, contracting, monitoring, managing, and followup with various people and venues, as well as onsite technical assistance and attention to all the details. In 2012, the program directly served 1,567 people.
www.sedev.org
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic development is vitally important to local governments throughout the region as they endeavor to develop climates where business and industry can grow and prosper creating new jobs and capital investment. Key to successful economic development is community development which includes quality growth planning, developing critical infrastructure, and creating places where talent will want to live, work and play. At SETDD, economic and community development staff work hand-in-hand to assist local communities.
Community Grants and Planning Assistance In consultation with local officials and community leaders, staff prepared 15 CDBG grant applications at the end of February to leverage funds to assist with projects identified as priorities. CDBG projects included I&I sewer improvements, water line extensions, water tanks and community livability projects, including a fire hall and an emergency facility. Local governments requested $9,786,470 in grant funds to benefit 34,279 low to moderate income individuals in the region. The staff administered over $114,138,791 in current grant funds on behalf of local governments to ensure compliance with state and federal rules and regulations.
For future planning of industrial sites within the SETDD region, SEIDA contracted with the Atlantic Group to obtain data through Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology that would allow the creation of 2-foot contour maps. Copies of these maps were provided to all participating communities and the original data files are housed at the SETDD GIS offices. 12
Housing SETDD Housing Programs include HOME grants, CDBG grants, and the Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly (ERP). For ERP jobs, a 1/3 match must be identified to assist with repair work (i.e. volunteer labor, donated materials, insurance payments, weatherization services, or other home repair programs). At times, additional funds such as HPG (Housing Preservation Grant) and ERP funds may be leveraged to complete HOME & CDBG projects. This year 52 homes have been rehabbed or reconstructed using these grants. GRANT TYPE
TOTAL # COMPLETED
HOME
TOTAL GRANT AMOUNT $2, 500,000
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
16 homes completed
9 Rehabs 7 Reconstructions
CDBG + HPG
$551,000 + $50,000
12 homes completed
9 Rehabs 3 Reconstructions
ERP
$222,000
24 homes completed (all Rehabs)
ERP Match Received $167,305.85
ERP Funds Spent $222,000.00
Neighborhood Stabilization Project (NSP) Homes Purchased to date…………………..24 Homes Sold to date…………………………….23 Before
Homes Currently for Sale……………………..1 Homes Under Contract……..………………….1
502 Packaging
After
The 502 Mortgage Program is a Rural Development Housing program that provides mortgages to low and very-low income households. SETDD has partnered with Rural Development along with Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises (FAHE) to package 502 Mortgage loans. SETDD staff will package 502 Mortgage loans, submit them to FAHE, FAHE will submit to Rural Development and Rural Development will underwrite and provide the funding when approved. SETDD will receive $1,200 per loan package approved by Rural Development. Currently, staff has packaged and closed one 502 loan.
www.sedev.org
Industrial Recruitment and Existing Industry Expansions SETDD provides staff to the Southeast Industrial Development Association (SEIDA). SEIDA is funded by the TVA power distributors throughout the tri-state region of southeast TN; north Georgia and southwest North Carolina. In conjunction with economic development partners, SEIDA staff worked on numerous existing industry expansions which included: Phillips Brothers Machine Company, which expanded into the former Blue Bird facility located in LaFayette, Georgia and Syntec Industries also located in LaFayette. Phillips Brothers Machine is expected to employ nearly 100 people while Syntec will add 60 new jobs. Other existing industry announcements included $1 billion investment and 130 jobs over the next four years from DENSO in Athens/McMinn County, Tennessee; an additional 25 jobs from Lodge Manufacturing Company in South Pittsburg/Marion County, Tennessee; 2.3 million Photo by Times Free Press
investment, 36 new jobs and 110 jobs retained from Tennessee Galvanizing in Jasper, Tennessee;
and $17.5 million investment with the creation of 168 jobs over the next five years from Renfro in Cleveland/Bradley County, Tennessee. Other companies with expansion plans are Hollywog, LLC and SupplyHog.
Photo by Times Free Press
Industrial Recruitment and Expansions New Locations Capital Investment
4 $461,275,000
Jobs Created/Retained 14
Existing Industry Expansions/Retention
5,436 24
The Southeast Industrial Development Association in partnership with Athens Utilities Board, the City of Athens, McMinn County Economic Development Authority, McMinn County Government, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and TVA worked to successfully locate HP Pelzer to the Mt. Verd Interchange Industrial Park in Athens, Tennessee. HP Pelzer made their announcement to locate in McMcinn County in April 2013. HP Pelzer Automotive Systems, Inc., a German-based automotive parts manufacturer, was founded over 40 years ago in Witten, Germany by Helmut Pelzer. The HP Pelzer Group has grown to locations in Europe, Asia, and North and South America and is a world class manufacturer of automotive NVH and soft trim components. This new manufacturing facility in Athens will allow the company better access to its current customers as well as the opportunity to expand its customer base. HP Pelzer will be the Industrial Park’s anchor tenant providing the opportunity for 200 jobs to the SETDD region.
Pictured L to R: Steve Paladino, HP Pelzer COO NAFTA; Kathy Johnson, SEIDA Program Director; Eric Newberry, Athens Utilities Board General Manager; John Pendleton, HP Pelzer Global COO & President NAFTA;
www.seida.info
Mitch Moore, City of Athens Manager; Jack Hammontree, Former Executive Director McMinn County EDA; Kathy Knight, McMinn County EDA Executive Director
www.sedev.org
Business & Industry Grants and Administration ED staff packaged and is administering the following industrial projects:
City of Chattanooga Amazon EDA
Wacker State Endowment Grant
Whirlpool Endowment Grant
Regional Airport and Jetport SETDD and SEIDA wrote letters in support of the City of LaFayette’s application to request grant funds that would assist in the expansion of its regional airport. The City of LaFayette received grant funds to build a new terminal at its LaFayette Barwick Airport. A groundbreaking ceremony took place in August 2012. On March 4, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty held a regional stakeholders meeting in Southeast Tennessee at the new Cleveland Regional Jetport. The official opening/dedication of the Jetport was held on March 8th.
Meigs County Prepares for Future Industrial Development SETDD helped to coordinate funding sources for the development of the Meigs County Industrial Park. Community leaders held a ground-breaking ceremony in June to showcase the site readiness and availability of industrial sites in the Meigs County Industrial Park. There are 72 acres and 4 pad-ready sites for buildings ranging from 54,000 square feet up to 120,000 square feet.
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Entrepreneur Development With the award of USDA RBEG funds, the Southeast Tennessee Development District (SETDD) in conjunction with the Southeast Industrial Development Association (SEIDA) continues to host Entrepreneurial Resource Rallies throughout the SETDD & SEIDA region. The 2nd Annual Business and Innovation Resource Rally was held on August 17, 2012 in North Carolina. The event drew resources and participation from more than 19 resource organizations and over 75 individuals. Participants heard from a panelist of successful small business owners, including keynote speaker Shane Cooper of DeFeet. In addition, an Entrepreneur Resource Rally event was held in northwest Georgia on October 26, 2012 at Dalton State College Center for Economic Research and Entrepreneurship. There were nearly 80 participants from Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield Counties, including 12 resources. There were extensive networking opportunities by not only the audience members but also the resources.
Regional Conferences and Sponsorships SETDD Staff participated in the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Small Business Expo to market the Economic Development Administration & US Rural Development revolving loan funds to small businesses throughout the region. Both loan funds are administrated by SETDD.
Pictured L to R: Audra Kelly, SETDD Loan Officer, and Alisa Farmer, USDA Area Specialist
SEIDA staff sponsored and attended regional conferences and meetings such as the Tennessee Economic Development Council Conference, TVA’s Economic Development Forum, and a Manufacturing Trends 2013 session in Dalton, Georgia. www.sedev.org
SETDD RD/IRP Loan Funds Assist Small Business in the Region Located in Trenton GA in Dade County, D & B Custom Powder Coating, LLC (D&B) was established by Brenda and Dewayne Gass in 2006. Powder coating is a method of applying decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are used by both industries and consumers. Upon opening in 2006, SETDD loaned EDA/RLF funds for the purchase of their original equipment. The
Current SETDD Loan Portfolio Total Loans
29
Jobs Created
268
Jobs Retained
156
current building from 5,000 sq/ft to 10,000 sq/ft
Total Jobs
424
providing additional space for new equipment and
SETDD Funds
$3,421,234
sandblasting capability.
Other Funds Total Project
$6,086,205 $9,507,439
business repaid the loan before its term end. It wasn’t long until additional loan funds were requested to allow D&B to double the size of their
SETDD and Rural Development assisted the company
with the expansion by utilizing a second loan from the RD Intermediary Revolving Loan Funds (IRP) allowing D&B to purchase equipment to provide hydrographic printing service for two local companies and establishing two new customers: an overseas client and a Tier 1 parts supplier to Volkswagen in Chattanooga. D&B has built their current customer base by providing powder coating services for several local and regional industries and individual customers and will develop other potential industrial, automotive, and individual market opportunities in the Southeast. This expansion will add 5 to 8 new jobs over the next three years. Staff continues to work with local communities, banks and other funding institutions to produce life-long relationships like D&B.
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Tourism SETTA Rack Card and Mobile App The Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association (SETTA) is excited to announce the new release of the Cultural Heritage Driving Trails rack card. It offers a comprehensive listing of all of its themebased driving trail brochures and offers easy accessibility to its website via a QR code.
In May, SETTA launched a mobile application with a listing of all of its driving trails. The first two trails that are available for smart phone users are the Civil War and Native American. The app includes a comprehensive site listing with photographs and a description. The mobile app is available in both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores and is free to purchase!
Arts Build Community (ABC) Grant Announcement The FY ‘13-’14 Arts Build Community Grants were made available in May with an application deadline submission of July 1st. Staff members hosted a workshop in June to assess the application process. A panel review is scheduled for July 29th at SETDD.
www.sedev.org
Historic Preservation Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway The Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway, Tennessee State Route 28, is in the process of being nominated as a national scenic byway because it presents scenic vistas with many natural, cultural, historical, and recreational assets. The byway is roughly bounded by U.S. Interstate 40 at Crossville, TN in Cumberland County as its north terminus and U.S. Interstate 24 in Jasper, TN in Marion County as its south terminus. Along the approximately 70 mile stretch of TN 28 Hwy running down the center of the valley’s floor are views of Walden’s Ridge to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west. In December 2012, the completed CMP was submitted to TDOT for review. Once approved, the Scenic Valley Byway will receive state scenic byway designation in 2013 with national scenic byway designation to follow. Efforts are currently being made to implement the goals and objectives outlined in the Sequatchie Valley Byway Corridor Management Plan. Hiwassee River Blueway SETTA along with other partners held a National Trails Day Event on June 1, 2013 at the Reliance public access in Polk County. The event began with a brief program about local efforts being made to nationally designate the Hiwassee River as an official blueway. Two organized 5 mile paddles followed the program. The next step for the Hiwassee River Blueway in 2013-2014 is to apply for technical assistance from the NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation assistance program so the committee can receive guidance and expertise in the designation process.
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CAREER AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Southeast Tennessee Development District is the Administrative Entity and Sub-Grant Recipient of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). To deliver workforce services across a widespread geographical area, the District, along with a business-led Workforce Investment Board, operates full-service Tennessee Career Centers in Chattanooga and Athens and staffs Affiliate Career Centers in Cleveland, Dayton, and Kimball. These Centers, which are a part of the nationwide American Job Center network, provide convenient, accessible workforce services to job seekers and to business and industry. A skilled and trainable workforce is the foundation of the region’s economic viability and the Southeast Tennessee Career Center system supports this effort by providing job placement and training opportunities in demand occupations. Staff enrolled almost 1,700 regional Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth participants into training programs as shown below: Category
WIA Funded 446 211 161 818
WIA Served 788 518 375 1,681
The Tennessee Career Centers also assist some customers in improving their skills to Adults Served make them more employable. Most Dislocated Served programs have eligibility requirements designed to ensure successful outcomes; Youth Served however, basic computer skills instruction TOTAL SERVED classes are offered in-house at no cost to customers. This includes classes in Microsoft Office Suite software such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Over 400 customers benefited from the in-house classes during the year.
Job Fairs Career Center staff partnered with local chambers of commerce, educational providers, the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, and other organizations to provide a number of job fairs throughout the year. Approximately 2,300 job seekers had the opportunity to connect with almost 140 employers, resulting in a number of immediate hires or expected employment for many. The local job fairs are considered premier opportunities by employers, educational providers, and job seekers to connect with each other. Participating employers represent numerous employment sectors including advanced manufacturing, finance, call centers, and transportation. Location
Date
Job Seekers
Employers
Athens
July 17, 2012
300
30
Cleveland
October 18, 2012
500
48
Chattanooga
May 9, 2013
1,500
60
2,300
138
Total
www.sedev.org
PROGRAM YEAR HIGHLIGHTS Services to Job Seekers and Employers Supporting the region’s employers as they seek to hire and train qualified employees is key to the success of both job seekers and employers. The region’s comprehensive and affiliate career centers provided almost 80,000 units of service including job screenings and referrals, skills assessments, workshops, training opportunities, and supportive services to job seekers throughout the year. Staff administered On-the-Job Training (OJT) contracts totaling $353,000 with nine regional manufacturers. This funding allowed 178 new hires to receive training while learning their jobs and assisted the employers by underwriting a portion of their expense as the employees reached full capacity. Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) grants totaling almost $100,000 provided funding to six employers as they upgraded the skills of 170 employees. IWT grants allow employers to compete more effectively in the global economy and in some cases assist with layoff aversion. The IWT grants leveraged matching funds totaling $55,290 from the grant recipients. The state Workforce Development Board named Master Machine, Inc. as the 2012 Jim Alford Incumbent Worker Training Company of the Year at their December board meeting in Nashville. Master Machine is a Chattanooga-based machine shop started in 1993 by Mickey and Londie Wallin. The award is given by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development in memory of Jim Alford for his outstanding service to the State of Tennessee and goes to the company who has successfully completed the most outstanding IWT program during the year. Master Machine used the funds to assist in training their employees on new computerized equipment needed to provide precision parts and repairs to a select group of manufactures. Without the IWT funding, the company would not have been able to bring the specialized trainer to their site for three days of highly technical training. 22
Youth Services Providing personal and career development opportunities to the region’s at-risk youth remains the focus of SETDD’s youth program. During the program year almost 400 youth were served through a variety of activities. Staff enrolled 101 youth throughout the region into the summer work experience program allowing them to earn up to $2,000 during the six-week program. In addition, the youth were tested using the online KeyTrain system to assess their job readiness skills in the areas of math, reading for information, and locating information. Remedial opportunities were provided for those who needed assistance to increase their skills, and some went on to obtain the National Career Readiness Certificate which demonstrates their skill levels in those three areas to potential employers. A career fair and awards ceremony capped the summer work experience program and nationally known MTV MADE Teen Life Coach, Jeff Yalden, delivered a powerful and motivational keynote address. Youth enrolled in the Youth Empowered to Succeed (YES) program were provided numerous opportunities to participate in leadership development activities and workshops, as well as attend college and career tours. Among others, they visited TVA, the Business Development Center, Blood Assurance, 911 Communications Center, and BMW of Chattanooga, gaining exposure to industries that are in demand for our region such as Health Care, Automotive Technology, and Technology Support. College tours included UTC and UTK, Chattanooga State, Cleveland State, Tennessee Wesleyan, MTSU, Lee University, and Tennessee Technological University.
www.sedev.org
REGIONAL FOCUS Choose Chattanooga • Choose the Region In July 2012, Choose Chattanooga joined the Southeast Tennessee Development District. Our work intersects with tourism, economic and community development and adds a new dimension of economic benefit to the region by focusing on the attraction of talented people to relocate here. Choose Chattanooga’s collaboration with the Retire Tennessee initiative proved positive for the region and the State as a whole, as Bankrate.com cited Tennessee as the best state for retirement. Choose Chattanooga’s and Retire Tennessee’s combined advertising dollars generated approximately 4,200 leads. Our website receives an average of 5,800 unique visitors and 75,000 views per month allowing us to grow and maintain our pipeline of prospects through social media and ecommunication. Choose Chattanooga serves as a One-Stop Resource for relocation prospects including staff and employees of new business and industry looking to locate within the region. We promote regional tourism events and distribute Cultural Heritage Trails materials to Choose Chattanooga partners and prospects. Choose Chattanooga works to promote healthy living and its joint application with the City of Chattanooga was selected by the EPA for a “Planning for Healthy Neighborhoods (Aging)” tools workshop. This past year we worked with two Tennessee Downtown applicants, Tracy City and the City of Etowah, to develop their visitor readiness programs.
Economic Impact of Ideal Living Shows Investment for Southeast Tennessee $1,845,708* 126 jobs ** *Based on UNC 2010 Economic Impact Formula: $24,942 per household ** 1.7 jobs per retiree household relocation
Choose Chattanooga Mission-Promotion of Chattanooga and the surrounding region as a preferable area to relocate, thereby promoting economic development. 24
Greater Chattanooga Regional Growth Initiative—Thrive 2055 SETDD continues to partner with local governments, businesses and citizens in THRIVE 2055, the regional initiative whose mission is to proactively engage the people of our region in creating an action plan to make the most of our economic opportunities while preserving what we love most about our home communities. In year one of this 3 year process, we have traveled over 3,500 miles across 16 Counties to directly reach approximately 2700 individuals, through speaking engagements, input incubators, and meetings in a box to ensure this effort is a citizen led process with broad public engagement. Many of our local elected officials and regional business and civic leaders are also participating in the organized committee efforts. Paths, Places, People and Prosperity working groups, made up of volunteers from around the region, have fanned out to consult stakeholders as part of a regional self assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the current status of our region with regard to topics such as population growth trends, economic development, education and workforce, access to healthcare, transportation, developed land and natural resources. As we enter our second year, we will focus our efforts on visioning and creating possibilities around local values and key issues that will help guide our region into the next 40 years. We recognize that developing partnerships and collaborating across County and State lines will help create a competitive region where all citizens have the opportunity to THRIVE.
www.sedev.org
SETDD FLAME AWARD The Southeast Tennessee Development District introduced the annual Flame Award for the past fiscal year. The Flame Award is a custom hand-blown piece of glass reflecting the colors of fire. The shape of the flame stands as a symbol for passion and initiative that can start with a small
SETDD Flame Award: Paula Lovett, Tennessee Economic & Community Development Grants Department
thought and ignite gaining energy that results in a powerful action. The SETDD Flame award is intended to bestow recognition on those individuals who devote their time and careers and have assisted the Southeast Tennessee Development District by providing a wide variety of services and programs that are beneficial to residents throughout the region. The Award both acknowledges the past contributions of the individual and reminds others who share their commitment of the work yet to be done. Aging & Disability Award: Erlanger Health System
Community Development Award: Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway (Bledsoe, Marion, Sequatchie Counties)
26 Economic Development Award: City of Dunlap
Career & Workforce Development Award: Athens City Council & Tennessee Technology Center at Athens
SETDD Partnerships SETDD is honored to list our funding partners; however, our partnerships extend far beyond those entities that provide direct funding to our agency. Truly, our agency depends on cooperative partnerships with local, state and federal elected officials, volunteers, educational training providers, banks, foundations, chambers, community organizations, power distributors, hospitals and many others too numerous to list in order to more effectively leverage our resources and deliver a wide variety of programs and services. Like minded organizations forge strong partnerships during difficult and challenging times in order to better meet the needs of our citizens. We are very appreciative of our many partners and the relationships we have established with them in order to serve our region!
TN Representative Richard Floyd and TN Senator Ken Yeager were recognized as the 2013 Outstanding Legislators for Southeast TN. Pictured with Rep. Floyd is Aging & Disability Director Tommy Preston and Hamilton County Development Director Dan Saieed.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FUNDING PARTNERS FEDERAL US Department of Labor—Employment and Training Administration (TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development and Hamilton County), US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Appalachian Regional Commission, US Department of Health and Human Services (TN Commission on Aging and Disability and TN Department of Human Services, UCDD, TN Department of Health, Department of Interior (TN Historical Commission) STATE TN Arts Commission, TN Department of Treasury , TN Commission on Aging & Disability, Bureau of TennCare, TN Department of Children’s Services, TN Department of Economic and Community Development, TN Housing Development Agency, TN Department of Environment and Conservation, TN Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, TN Department of Tourist Development, TN Department of Transportation, TN Department of Children’s Services LOCAL & REGIONAL All Local City and County Governments served by the Southeast Tennessee Development District, Southeast Industrial Development Association www.sedev.org
SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Chattanooga Area Regional Council of Governments
To obtain additional copies of this report, please contact: Southeast Tennessee Development District 1000 Riverfront Parkway Post Office Box 4757 Chattanooga, TN 37405-0757 423.266.5781 • www.sedev.org