The Newport Plain Talk

NEWPORT-"Positive" is the word used by Cocke County Partnership Acting Director Sherry Butler in describing a recent visit to Cocke County by an unidentified industrial prospect.

"They looked at the ACE building," said Butler at Monday's meeting of the Cocke County Partnership Executive Board, "and liked what they saw."

Butler also told board members that several local industries have looked at the county's spec building and one has returned for a second visit.

"Any time you have someone come back for a second visit," said Butler, "that is good."

She also announced a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at the Newport/Cocke County Community Center concerning the county's efforts concerning Tennessee's 3-Star program.

"We have already identified 14 possible goals for our community," Butler explained, "and at this meeting hope to select 5 of these as action items."

The meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m., is open to the public, Butler said.

Cocke County will receive an award from East Tennessee Development District on June 5 at a gathering at the Museum of Appalachia, Butler said. The award stems from the county's completion of a waterline to Hartford and Grassy Fork, a project which began in 1998, according to Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr.

Butler introduced Katie Proffitt, a newly-hired part-time employee of the EDC office.

She also asked for board approval for funds for the group's yearly audit. On a motion by Lonnie Butler, seconded by Annette Mason, the board approved Butler's request.

Mason told the board that several business leaders have expressed an interest in reactivating a local industrial organization.

Kandee Veridal, Newport/Cocke County Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations, told board members that five new members have joined the chamber: Plain Tech Talk, Covington Credit, Diversified Drywall, Modern Woodmen, and Buddy's Bar-B-Q.

East Tennessee Coffee Company will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 20 at 11:30 a.m., Veridal announced.

Veridal's other announcements included the upcoming VIP picnic in June when local volunteers will be honored for their service to the community.

"We have also started keeping a visitors book in the chamber office," said Veridal, "so that we will have a record of the number of people we serve."

Cocke County Tourism Director Linda Lewanski told board members that the county will be participating in National Tourism Week with several activities planned.

"On Saturday, May 17, we will celebrate 'Cosby in the Park,'" she added, "when local resident Grady Webb will be honored for his long-time service to the National Park Service."

"Cosby in the Park will be held in the Cosby Campground picnic area. Several speakers, musicians, and craftsmen will be there all day providing a wonderful experience for those attending," she continued.

Lewanski also announced an upcoming Scenic Byways community meeting planned for Monday, May 19, from 1-3 p.m. at the Newport/Cocke County Community Center.

"John Whiteman will be here from Colorado to update us on the developments of the two by-ways projects, 321 and 25E," Lewanski said.

Lewanski also urged board members to support the opening of the Tanner Tailgate Farmers Market on Saturday, May 17.

"The market will be open on Saturdays from 9-12 until November," Lewanski explained.

Representatives from various groups under the Partnership umbrella presented reports.

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