On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, the Board of Directors of the First Tennessee Development District hosted the 57th Annual Meeting in Johnson City.
During the meeting, the board received program updates from executive director, Mike Harrison. These updates include economic development efforts such as 25 new ECD grants totaling over $16 million dollars, several ongoing EDA grant projects to expand industrial capacity, totaling $10.7 million dollars, and safe, affordable, and energy efficient housing for families in the region through the HOME Consortium, and the use of THDA funds.
This is in addition to the District's work in workforce development, which has seen the onboarding of Northeast State Community College as the region's career service provider, through the eight American Job Centers. Workforce efforts also include the growing Caring Workplaces initiative which has been funded through 2026 as well as the innovative and immersive CareerQuest Tennessee events, which have grown to include Hospitality Works and the Culinary Challenge. The District's Aging Programs also provided over 60, 000 congregate meals through area senior centers, and 265,000 home-delivered meals directly to seniors, through Meals on Wheels and a network of volunteers. This is in addition to multiple programs designed to keep seniors safely in their homes longer.
The Board also elected a new slate of officers for the coming year. Outgoing Board Chair, Mayor Patty Woodby of Carter County introduced a motion to approve the recommendation of the Nomination Committee of Mayor Pat Shull as Chair, Mayor Mark DeWitte as Vice-Chair, and Mayor Cal Doty as Treasurer. The motion was met with unanimous approval. "This has been one of the greatest honors of my life," shared Woodby, "since day I came into office, I was determined to be a mayor that does something, and the District makes that job much, much easier." Incoming chair, Mayor Shull of Kingsport echoed Mayor Woodby's sentiment, stating that "I am honored to serve this outstanding organization, as chair for the coming year."
During the Banquet, the District honored Dr. Angela Hagaman with the Susan F. Reid Valued Partner Award. Created to recognize Susan Reid's commitment and dedication to building regional partnerships, the Award is presented to someone who has championed a project or program that has transformed their community or the region. Dr. Hagaman was selected for her leadership in the region's response to substance misuse and efforts to combat the effects, including her expertise and guidance in growing Caring Workplaces into a network of over 70 employers. As the co-director of the ETSU Addiction Science Center, Hagaman plays a leading role in the region's response to the opioid epidemic.
For more details on the District's work in 2022-2023, be sure to check out the latest Annual Report, which outlines all the programs provided by the First Tennessee Development District.
For questions related to the FTDD Annual Meeting, please contact Mark Stevans, mstevans@ftdd.org.
Comments