What needs to happen for Roane County to be successful in the 21st Century economy? A majority of community and business leaders who participated in a several-month-long process of developing an economic development strategy agreed that the following must happen:
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Improve public education;
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ensure cities and county work together;
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focus on retail/restaurant development;
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clean up the ash spill and counteract the negative perception.
These suggestions are included in a detailed consultant’s report – released this week — that takes an in-depth look at Roane County’s strengths and weaknesses as part of the development of a long-term economic development plan. Produced by a nationally-known economic development consultant, Boyette Strategies, the report is the culmination of a lengthy research process, that included individual interviews, community surveys, extensive web research, and hours and hours of workshops with Roane Alliance Staff and top leaders from across the county.
“This report brings together the thoughts and feelings of our County into one document,” Roane County Commission Chair Troy Beets said. “We can take this and use it as a tool to help take Roane County into the future.”
The purpose of the study — which was funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority through its Targeted and Prepared Communities Program — was to lay out a blueprint and give specific recommendations for how to improve the county’s economic development efforts going forward – specifically, to identify industrial sectors to target based on Roane County’s unique assets.
The targeted sectors recommended for Roane County in the report are: Alternative energy – solar support manufacturing; Alternative Energy – bioenergy; Automotive suppliers; Distribution/Logistics.
“What sets this report apart from others is that it provides targeted industries for the county to work with as we continue our very active industrial recruitment process,” said County Executive Mike Farmer.
In addition to the target sectors, the consultant also went on to make ten specific recommendations on how Roane County could be more successful in economic development over the next three years, including:
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Continue to participate and promote involvement in regional partnerships;
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Consider consolidation of schools and public services;
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Increase funding for economic development – especially for marketing;
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Brand the county as a progressive, high-tech area, emphasizing that Roane County is the home of the Oak Ridge National Lab and become a sustainable green community;
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Launch a county-wide Community Pride Campaign to encourage all residents to work together, while beautifying, improving and learning to “sell” their county;
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Monitor future manufacturing opportunities in the carbon fiber and nuclear energy fields in connection with research activities now on-going in Oak Ridge;
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Consider beefing up The Roane Alliance’s recruiting staff – specifically for retail and the recommended industry targets — by hiring an additional staff person, a project manager to “lead the charge;”
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Conduct a tourism feasibility study to find the best way to develop Roane County’s tourism market;
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Explore the development of a recreation or wellness center that could eventually grow to include a conference space for up to 500 people.
The Boyette study was prepared for Roane County through The Roane Alliance, which is the county’s economic development organization, and consists of both public and private organizations — the Roane County Chamber of Commerce; the Roane County Industrial Development Board and the Roane County Visitors Bureau.
To view a summary of the full report:
Roane County ED Strategy Executive Summary 12-2-09
