SETDD Annual Report 2014

Providing services today‌

fulfilling needs of tomorrow 2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Southeast Tennessee Development District Chattanooga Area Regional Council of Governments

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 & Economic Development; Planning & Local Government Assistance; Career & Workforce Development and Aging and Disability Programs. It is through these strong collaborative partnerships that the region can adjust to inevitable change and challenging times to continually improve and enhance the quality of life!

SETDD Financial Overview FY 2014 Operating Budget

$ 8,834,305

Pass Through Budget

$ 29,145,695

Total Assets & Liabilities

$ 11,723,380

Full – time Staff 2

96

CONTENTS 4-5 Letter from the Chairman and Board of Directors 6-10 Area Agency on Aging and Disability 11-20 Community and Economic Development 21-23 Workforce Development 24-25 Regional Focus 26-27 SETDD Partnerships

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY â—? www.sedev.org

Message from the Chairman As Chairman of the Chattanooga Area Regional Council of Governments/Southeast Tennessee Development District Board, I am pleased to provide you with a snapshot of the work and accomplishments of our staff for 2014. As a board of local elected officials, we are continually amazed by the collective work of our staff to deliver and provide services today that will assist our local governments in meeting the needs of tomorrow.

Please take the time to review the information contained herein and delight in the success stories and achievements which are too many to enumerate. The overall success of this agency and board are based on collaborative partnerships working together to change peoples’ lives, build better places and create economic prosperity.

D. Gary Davis, Bradley County Mayor

During the past year, our Area Agency on Aging & Disability staff handled over 8,000 inquiries for information referral and continued to grow new initiatives such as the CARE Transitions Program. Community and Economic Development staff provided technical assistance to local governments throughout the region in a variety of ways including grant writing and administration which generated more than $10 million to our communities to assist with the development of critical infrastructure and project implementation. Staff worked with partners to assist with 26 company locations and/or expansions resulting in $1.3 billion of new capital and 5,423 jobs created and/or retained. Career & Workforce Development staff assisted more than 49,000 customers at our career centers and enrolled over 500 individuals for training assistance and support services which will ultimately result in employment in high demand occupations.

The 2014 Annual Report, “Providing services today . . . . . . fulfilling needs of tomorrow”, speaks for itself. Although the numbers are impressive, the stories about how we have worked together to impact peoples’ lives throughout the region are priceless. As a board of elected officials, we appreciate the opportunity to serve the people we represent through the work of CARCOG/SETDD. Thank you!

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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2013-14 Board of Directors Bledsoe County

Hamilton County Continued

Polk County

Bobby Collier; County Mayor Philip Cagle; Mayor, City of Pikeville

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

Hoyt Firestone; County Executive Jerry Stephens; Mayor, Town of Benton Eric Waters; Mayor, City of Copperhill James Talley; Mayor, City of Ducktown

Bradley County D. Gary Davis; County Mayor Walter Goode; Mayor, City of Charleston Tom Rowland; Mayor, City of Cleveland Dade County Ted Rumley; County Executive 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

Rhea County Marion County John Graham; County Mayor Paul Evans; Mayor, Town of Jasper David Jackson; Mayor, Town of Kimball Marilyn Nixon; Mayor, Town of Monteagle Mark Myers; Mayor, City of New Hope Jerry Godsby; Mayor, Town of Orme Ralph Chapin; Mayor, Town of Powell’s Crossroads Jane Dawkins; Mayor, South Pittsburg Cindy Easterly; Mayor, City of Whitwell McMinn County 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

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 Raymond Crowder; City of Chickamauga Alexander Gothard; City of Lookout Mtn.

Meigs County Garland Lankford; County Mayor Bill James; Mayor, Town of Decatur

July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014 YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY ● www.sedev.org

AREA AGENCY ON AGING & 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. They are your one source for help and information.

Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability (SETAAAD) provides a number of programs and services to meet the needs of disabled adults, seniors and their families living in Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie counties. During FY 14, the SETAAAD handled a total of 8,720 information and referral inquires.

Services provided through the Single Point of Entry (SPOE) 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.  Providing information and referral to community resources.  Telephone Screening for home and community based services offered through the AAAD. HOME & COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES

“Your patience and assistance was greatly appreciated.

You made an overwhelming process less confusing.”

-I&R Caller 6

    

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

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 792 individuals receiving Title IIIB services.

Senior Centers Senior Centers are focal points in each of our counties, offering numerous programs including Education/ Training, Health Education, Physical Fitness and Recreation. Over 3,650 seniors participated in activities at senior centers. The AAAD staff provided quarterly training for Senior Center Directors.

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 1,060 individuals received congregate meals and approximately 640 received home delivered meals.

“...thank you all for bringing me a food bag yesterday.

I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much.” -Home Delivered Meal Client

Challenging times called for new and innovative measures this year. We continued to partner with churches, businesses and other community organizations to provide for our meal clients. Throughout the year, clients have received senior snack packs, mobile pantry deliveries and even Girl Scout Cookies. It is with the help of volunteers and contributions that we have been able to continue and expand our efforts throughout the region.

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 264 individuals received services such as Case Management, Homemaker and Personal Care.

Prior to enrolling in the OPTIONS program, a 79 year old female client had a history of falling and spent the

SUCCESS STORY greater part of five months rotating between the hospital and a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation.

The client has been on the OPTIONS program for approximately 7 months and receives homemaker, personal care, and home delivered meals. These in-home services have allowed her to remain in her own home with no additional falls requiring hospitalization or rehabilitation stays.

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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 205 adults and 276 children who received RCP services.

The Relative Caregiver Program has assisted a 78 year old great-grandmother for several years. She has raised 3 of her great-grandchildren since they were very young. This family was living in the housing projects and was able to move into a rental home with the help of RCP. Over the years, the program has provided the caregiver with encouragement, referrals to community resources and financial assistance. Her great-granddaughter graduated from high school several years ago and is now working. Her oldest great-grandson went away to college on a full scholarship last year, and he is doing very well. Her youngest great-grandson just graduated high school and plans to attend community college next year. The caregiver expressed her deep gratitude for the assistance RCP has provided over the years, and stated that she could not have done it without the support of the program.

SUCCESS STORY

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 100 individuals received NFCSP services. The program also offers Caregiver Training, Support Groups, and serves grandparents and other relatives raising children.

“Thank you for leading us through the ups and downs of our lives. You are a blessing.”

-NFCSP Support Group Participant 8

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 4,563 calls and one-on-one appointments from July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014.

Care Transitions The Chattanooga Regional Community-base Care Transitions Program works with Medical Fee for Service patients to assist them in taking more control over the management of their chronic conditions and therefore reducing the number of readmissions to the hospitals within 30 days after their discharge. The program began FY 2014 with three Care Transitions Health Coaches following patients from three different acute-care hospitals to their homes who had one of four diagnoses. Referrals for the program continued to grow which necessitated expansion of the program as the year progressed. As FY 2014 came to a close, the program had six Health coaches, following patients in three acute-care hospitals, two acute rehab hospitals and several Skilled Nursing Facilities in our thirteen county coverage area. During the past year, our Health Coaches enrolled and provided assistance and encouragement to 1,165 patients across our region.

SUCCESS STORY

In September 2013, an individual presented a diagnosis of diabetes upon his admittance into the hospital. A Care Transitions coach was notified by hospital staff that the patient had been readmitted 4 times in the last year due to diabetes and heart problems. Upon completing a home visit with the patient, it was discovered that he was legally blind and could not read the diabetes meter nor recognize his necessary medicines, causing hospital readmits. The patient was encouraged to contact his PCP to obtain a prescription for a talking meter; and the patient and coach created a color - coded / block letter chart to help him recognize his medicines. To date, the patient has not been readmitted to the hospital and reports continued use of the color—coded / block chart system.

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 173 persons who received homemaker services this year.

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY â—? www.sedev.org

Health Promotions Health Promotion classes are offered annually throughout the Southeast Tennessee Region. Most of the evidence-based workshops are offered at area Senior Centers which are considered to be focal points where persons 60+ participate in a wide array of activities. There have been 25 Evidence-Based Wellness Programs offered in the Southeast 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.

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. Our staff members provide in-home assessments to enroll persons in this program.

Approximately 1,717 persons received CHOICES Single Point of Entry services.

In November 2013, a 90 year old client applied for the CHOICES Program. The client had Dementia and was often disoriented to person and place. She also had some difficulty with communication and needed assistance with mobility. Staff at the Assisted Living Facility managed and administered all medications to her daily. With limited financial resources, she faced difficulty in continuing to pay for assisted living services. In January 2014, she was enrolled in Group 2 of the CHOICES Program and was able to remain at the Assisted Living Facility.

SUCCESS STORY

Public Guardian for the Elderly Program The Public Guardian for the Elderly Program served 72 individuals through court appointment. All financial, medical and personal care decisions are made by the Public Guardian. The program is currently managing assets of $450,000. An annual accounting is audited by the courts.

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Ryan White Program

SERVICE

NUMBER SERVED

FUNDING UTILIZED

The Southeast Tennessee Development District serves as the Dental 172 $172,500 Ryan White Lead Agency for the Southeast Tennessee Region Case Management 526 $ 84,860 and continues to oversee the work of the Southeast Tennessee Emergency Financial Asst.

51 $ 5,979 Council for HIV/AIDS Care and Prevention (CHACP). Each year Food Asst.

62 $ 3,290 SEDEV and CHACP reach thousands of people by hosting Medical Transportation Asst.

116 $ 4,175 several community awareness events. 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 2013, prevention program services directly served 16,532 individuals in the Southeast Tennessee region.

From June 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 the Ryan White Statewide Technical Assistance and Training Program, in consultation and partnership with experts in the field of HIV/AIDS, has provided services to approximately 1,489 individuals. These services included the coordination of workshops, statewide meetings, health fairs and National HIV/AIDS Awareness events. To provide these services effectively, we partnered with various agencies across the state. These organizations have programs in place and individuals on staff with the expertise to deliver trainings, implement care, treatment, HIV testing, outreach services, and high-impact prevention methods to increase the knowledge of provider agencies and improve the health outcomes of Tennesseans living with HIV/AIDS. 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 monitor subcontracts, invoice reimbursements, and ensure that Ryan White is the payor of last resort. They also 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. During this past year, the Ryan White Care Program provided direct services to 698 Southeast Tennessee residents living with HIV/AIDS. YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY � www.sedev.org

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Community and Economic development (CED) is vitally important to local governments throughout the region as they endeavor to develop climates where businesses and industry can grow and prosper creating new jobs and capital investment for their citizens.

Positive community development, which includes quality growth planning and developing critical infrastructure, leads to successful economic development that creates places where talent will want to live, work and play .

SETDD community and economic development staff provide communities training opportunities, planning and technical assistance, and resources for community preparedness and future development.

CED staff provided two planning commissioner training sessions to comply with Public Chapter 862. A total of 81 planning commissioners from the region participated in the training on storm water management, private properties rights, sustainable development and the development of the TDOT long-range transportation plan.

After flooding in South Pittsburg July 2013, SETDD provided planning assistance and damage assessment review. Over 91 businesses and homes were assessed for damage and staff coordinated the assistance for several state and federal agencies in the relief effort.

The city received a $300,000 housing assistance grant from the THDA and a $300,000 imminent threat grant from the TNECD. The staff of CED, in partnership with the TNECD, provided technical assistance to the local governments in the region regarding compliance with the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP). This included a training session for floodplain managers in the region, the passage of compliant floodplain ordinances in several communities and application to the NFIP for four communities.

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Grant Writing and Administration Seven local governments were awarded Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) in November 2013 for projects ranging from a new water tank to the expansion of a wastewater treatment plant. The total amount of the grant funding for the region was $3,050,000 with the total number of beneficiaries being 25,869 people in our region.

In January 2014, staff developed and submitted 16 CDBG applications on behalf of local governments totaling $8,092,316 in project costs and $6,178,040 in grant requests. These projects included fire halls; water and sewer system improvements; water line extensions and a multi-hazard shelter.

Staff submitted six TDEC Recycling Grants totaling $113,309 and five TDOT Transportation Alternatives Grants totaling $1,359,532.

Three local governments were invited to submit full applications to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Clean Tennessee Energy Grant Program. East Ridge, Pikeville and Red Bank requested $336,462 in grant funds to complete energy conservation activities at various government facilities.

Business & Industry Grants and Administration  City of Chattanooga Amazon EDA  Wacker State Endowment Grant  Prologue Fast Track Grant  Shaw Industries Fast Track Grant  Jasper Materials Fast Track Grant On October 23, 2013, officials gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Marion County Regional Institute for Higher Education in Kimball, TN.

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY ● www.sedev.org

Entrepreneur and Small Business Development Entrepreneurs and small business owners from across Northwest Georgia were invited to an Entrepreneur Resource Rally event co-sponsored by the Center for Economic Research and Entrepreneurship of Dalton State College’s School of Business and the Southeast Industrial Development Association held at Dalton State College on Friday, September 27, 2013.

The workshop included an interactive discussion with a panel of experienced entrepreneurs from agribusiness, manufacturing and the service industry. Information about financing opportunities from non-traditional lenders and other local, state and regional resources were presented, as well as opportunities for networking.

On Friday, March 28, 2014, an Entrepreneur Resource Rally event co-sponsored by the Andrews, Cherokee, and Clay County Chambers, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Job Link Career Center, Tri-County Community College and the Southeast Industrial Development Association was held at Tri-County Community College .

Broadband Initiative

Current SETDD Loan Portfolio Total Loans

30

Jobs Created

220

Jobs Retained

153

Total Jobs

373

SETDD Funds

$3,301,249.00

Other Funds

$6,216,200.00

Total Project $9,517,449.00 On March 7, SETDD coordinated with Volunteer Energy Cooperative and the Office of Senator Bob Corker to host an area-wide Broadband Summit. There were over 80 people in attendance to discuss high-speed internet accessibility to all residents in Southeast Tennessee. Local citizens and business owners shared their concerns with representatives from AT&T, Comcast, Charter, ViaSat, Wisper, EPB, ConnectedTN, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, ARC, USDA Rural Development, the Federal Communications Commission and multiple elected officials.

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Industrial Recruitment and Existing Industry Expansions SEIDA staff planned a 3.3.1 (3 Days, 3 States, 1 Region) Regional FAM Tour on June 11-13, 2014. The tour provided participants the opportunity to meet face to face with local economic developers and to visit/tour available industrial sites and buildings within SEIDA’s 22-county, three state region.

Industrial Recruitment & Expansions FY13

Existing Industry Expansion: On July 8, 2013, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Benton Steel with officials pictured above at the company’s new location in Dunlap, TN.

New Locations/Expansions

26

Potential Capital Investment

$1,396,250,000

Potential Job Creation/Retention

5423

Existing Industry Visits

115

Prospect Site Visits

11

RFIs/RFPs

48

New Company Location: On August 26, 2013 a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Prologue with officials pictured below at the company’s new location in Whitwell, TN.

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY ● www.sedev.org

Housing The SETDD staff completed and submitted HOME applications on behalf of the cities of Cleveland, Gruetli-Laager, Coalmont as well as Bradley, Grundy and Marion Counties. A Community Development Block Grant was submitted for the City of Coalmont. These housing applications totaled $2 million in grant funding.

The housing program had two major funding announcements. The Emergency Repair Program (ERP) will again be funded beginning July 1, 2014 with funds totaling $444,444.00. SETDD also received news from THDA that the following communities were awarded HOME Grants: Grundy County—$350,000.00, Coalmont—$200,000.00, and Gruetli Laager—$200,000.00. The grants have allowed for major rehabilitation of housing for low income residents in these communities.

July – December 2013: 34 homes rehabbed or reconstructed using the following grants funds (see chart below).

GRANT TYPE

TOTAL GRANT

HOMES COMPLETED

HOME

$2,500,000

22

DETAILS

AMOUNT SPENT

9 Rehabs

271,100.61

13 Recons

648,990.32

CDBG + HPG

$216,000 + $50,000

1

1 Rehab

$14,074.61

ERP

$222,000

11

11 Rehabs

$83,024.87 (includes match)

ERP Match Secured

ERP Grant Funds Spent

$54,190.30

$28,834.57

SETDD was recently awarded a Rebuild & Recover Disaster Grant to aid South Pittsburg homeowners with needed home repairs resulting from the July 2013 floods.

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Neighborhood Stabilization Project (NSP) Homes Purchased to date…………………. 24 Homes Sold to date…………………………… 24 Homes Currently for Sale……………………..0 Homes Under Contract……..………………….2

Historic Preservation and Tourism

preserve_seTN

preserve_seTN

Historic Preservation On June 17, the City of Ducktown was one of six communities selected for The TN Downtowns Program. Also, the Cultural Heritage Mining Trail was funded through the Historic Preservation Grant Fund. SETDD staff submitted a written nomination for the State Office Building and was chosen for the National Trust of Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered List— Press event June 24th.

Tourism

Staff received recognition in an The Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association’s (SETTA) “newly launched,” article on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation redesigned travel app, Travel Southeast TN, has been made available for iPhone Blog featuring the Moore and King and Android users and is being marketed throughout the region.

Pharmacy in Chattanooga.

SETTA administered seven “Arts Build Communities” Grants awarded by the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) to communities within our region. SETTA was recognized as the designed agency for the TAC’s Arts Build Communities Grants for Southeast TN (excluding Hamilton County). The 2014-2015 application period was open until July 1, 2014 and a panel review followed.

SUCCESS STORY

Officials Gather to Create Action Plan for Pikeville Farmers Market– Plan Gets High Marks

On March 21, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture met with community leaders in Bledsoe County to create plans for a farmers market in historic downtown Pikeville, TN. The two-day workshop was funded by a Sustainable Communities in Appalachia Technical Assistance Grant through the EPA, ARC and USDA. Officials from Washington D.C., Nashville, Southeast Tennessee and Bledsoe County gathered to discuss ways to strengthen and expand access to local food within Bledsoe County and the region.

In June, the effort to build a permanent farmers market and community kitchen in Pikeville, TN got high marks from a leading official with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Local officials & leaders gathered to watch a live streamed White House Rural Council press conference where ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl discussed the progress made in Pikeville.

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY ● www.sedev.org

CAREER & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Job Fairs Around the Region 

Tennessee State Representative JoAnne Favors hosted a Job Fair on September 24, 2013 at the Olivet Baptist Church and Kingdom Center in Chattanooga. Approximately 400 job seekers connected with 19 employers at the event.



The Rally Point Veterans Event was held on October 8, 2013 at the First Tennessee Pavilion in Chattanooga. The combination Job Fair/Resource Fair was sponsored by U.S. Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, along with Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.



The “Paychecks for Patriots” Job Fair was held at Chattanooga State Community College on October 17, 2013. This was one of 13 similar events held simultaneously across the state.



The Cleveland Job Fair, co-sponsored by the Cleveland-Bradley Chamber of Commerce, the Cleveland Family YMCA, and the Tennessee Career Centers, was held at the Cleveland Family YMCA on October 29, 2013. Over 370 job seekers connected with 55 employers including Life Care Centers, T-Mobile, and Mars Chocolate, etc.



The Brainerd Crossroads Job Fair was held on May 8, 2014; Tennessee Career Center staff partnered with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and the Chattanooga Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Managers. Almost 1,300 job seekers connected with 74 regional employers representing various sectors such as advanced manufacturing, finance, call centers, and transportation. Preliminary employer survey results indicated receipt of more than 2,500 applications or resumes; 319 individuals were hired immediately; and almost 500 additional hires are expected to occur in the next six months as a result of the Job Fair.

Industry Work Experience Pilot Project During the Commissioner’s 2013 Listening Tours, State staff learned of the importance to educate youth on soft skills and specific occupational skills to meet expectations of employers. In March 2014, the Commissioner offered each Local Workforce Investment Area the opportunity to apply for special grant funding to place youth in Advanced Manufacturing Work Experience opportunties. Eight youth have been placed in pilot programs at Mann + Hummel in Dunlap and Gestamp in Chattanooga, gaining valuable work experience and receiving additional supportive services.

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2014 Summer Work Experience Snapshot Approximately 115 youth spent the summer earning money and improving their soft skills while learning valuable work skills in the 2014 Summer Work Experience Program. During the past several months, staff identified eligible youth and appropriate work sites across our ninecounty region. Participating Youth attended a six-hour orientation on May 29 or May 30. The topics included attendance, safety, attitude, punctuality, accountability, thoroughness, efficiency, effort, appearance and other valuable soft skills. The youth also attended the certificatebased CPR training and took the KeyTrain assessment in preparation for possible WorkKeys certification.

County

Participants

Bledsoe

10

Worksites

During the sixweek Summer Work Experience Bradley 8 3 Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland (3) period, YMCA/ Hamilton 22 1 American Academy of Health Careers; YMCA; City of East Ridge; Chattanooga YES staff 1 Housing Authority (3); Chamber of Commerce; Humane Educational Society; Inner City Ministry; Department of Labor; New City East Lake Church conducted two Marion 19 6 Brakebill Community Center; South Pittsburg Waterworks & Sewer; Richard Hardy “Lunch and Memorial High School; City of Whitwell; Valley View of Whitwell; Orena Humphreys Learn” Library workshops at McMinn 14 6 McMinn County; Senior Citizens Center; City of Etowah(3); CASA; City of Englewood each worksite to Meigs 12 2 Meigs County Library; Meigs County Schools address other Polk 6 3 City of Copperhill; City of Ducktown; Polk County High School valuable work Rhea 17 6 YMCA; Rhea County High School; Rhea County Middle School; Goodwill Industries; Chattanooga State; Dayton Food Pantry and life skills lessons. Youth reported to their worksites on June 2nd and completed the Work Sequatchie 7 4 City of Dunlap; Sequatchie County Government; Sequatchie County Library; Sequatchie County Schools Experience portion of the program on Friday, July TOTAL 115 11th. The Summer Work Experience Program provided each youth the opportunity to work 30 hours per week for six weeks and earn up to $1,800. A celebratory banquet and awards ceremony Work Experience Completion Event was held on July 18th at Brainerd Crossroads in Chattanooga.

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Bledsoe Telephone Co-op; Bledsoe County High School; Bledsoe County Middle School; Bledsoe County Courthouse

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY ● www.sedev.org

SUCCESS STORY—Megan Morris Megan was diagnosed at age 13 with a life changing illness that limited her ability to

walk and eventually required use of a wheelchair. She is shy and introverted by nature, and her illness made her even more socially uncomfortable. She enrolled in the WIA Youth Program at age 17 and was placed in the Bledsoe County Mayor’s office through the Summer Work Experience Program. Megan now says, “Working in the Courthouse gave me the ability to be more social with others.”

She was supported with leadership development opportunities and other supportive services through WIA. Last year she was placed in an additional Work Experience opportunity at the Bledsoe County Telephone Cooperative where she was subsequently hired as a part–time employee. She is currently enrolled in the Office Management Program at Chattanooga State and has a 4.0 GPA. Megan credits the assistance she received from WIA as the vehicle which provided her the opportunity to overcome her social issues. In her senior year at Bledsoe County High School, she was named both Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen. She has been featured on a billboard as one of the success stories for Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital.

“The WIA program has created countless opportunities for me to succeed in life and help me build the confidence to prosper. Thank you, WIA, from the bottom on my heart,” Megan said.

Employer Roundtable Meeting Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips hosted an Employer Roundtable meeting at the Tennessee Career Center in Chattanooga on May 13, 2014. Thirty regional employers were briefed on improved services within the Department and expressed their ideas of how the current and emerging workforce could better meet their hiring needs.

A highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a pilot competitive grant opportunity, the Asset Building Grant, not to exceed $25,000 and requiring a dollar-todollar employer match. Grant funds can be used in new and innovative ways for employers to improve their labor force. On behalf of five employers, applications from LWIA-5 were submitted to the state for consideration: Airxcel/Suburban, Gestamp, Gold Bond, Master Machine, and PlayCore.

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Career Center and Workforce Development Office Activity: FY 2014 Chattanooga

Athens

Dayton

Cleveland

Kimball

Dunlap

TOTAL

Career Center Visits

29,065

12,867

2,768

4,121

209

201

49,231

Resource Room Visits

15,907

4,608

1,369

2,934

-

-

24,818

Orientations

633

317

202

111

40

21

1,324

Enrollments

290

98

68

38

17

1

512

McMinn County Veterans Expo Staff from the Tennessee Career Center at Athens provided information on services available through the career center to dozens of veterans and their family members at the McMinn County Veterans Expo held on February 1, 2014. Sponsored by the McMinn County Veterans Affairs Office, the event drew local, state, and national resources to focus on job training opportunities, skills assessments, current job openings, counseling services, and various other programs that assist veterans. Some of the other providers included the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, the McMinn County Senior Center and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mobile Vet Center.

Partnership with LAUNCH—Business Entrepreneurship Academy WIA staff are partnering with LAUNCH for after-hours use of the Tennessee Career Center at Chattanooga to provide an Entrepreneurship Academy to approximately 20 individuals.

LAUNCH empowers entrepreneurs from underserved communities with business training, support and mentoring to better their lives and attain self-sufficiency. The intensive 10 week Academy focuses on all aspects of developing a small business, such as idea expansion, customer development, market research, financial planning, branding, marketing and social media. The program is designed for individuals interested in starting their own business or who have already started a business. Participants develop a business plan and graduates may choose to be partnered with a business mentor and have the option to participate in monthly round-table forums with their peers. Graduates have access to free or affordable business services from partners of LAUNCH. Partnerships may provide funding and resources for graduates as they launch their businesses.

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY â—? www.sedev.org

SUCCESS STORY Below is an email that was received from Ms. Angela Townsend, who is currently working as Operations

Administrator of the PIC Group in Chattanooga, a firm that provides third party engineering inspection services. Ms. Townsend is currently stationed at the VW plant.

“I want to share my thoughts with you concerning the Tennessee Career Center located at Eastgate Mall.

Approximately two years ago, like many another in the U.S. I was permanently laid off of my job of nine years. I am a single mom and the sole support of my now eight year old son. I am a college graduate. I worked two jobs all my life, even while going to school full time until my son came along, so this was, to stay the least, frightening. A child, a house, a car and all of the other fun bills we adults accumulate in this life still had to be paid.

I walked into the Tennessee Career Center confused, nervous and sure they couldn't do a thing for me. Didn’t they just work with people who didn’t really want to work? Wasn’t that what “Unemployment checks” were all about? That’s what this “educated, hard working, reasonably intelligent (I believe)” individual thought. Boy, was I in for an education.

From the incredibly articulate, soft-spoken, well dressed man at the front desk, to any of the many people working the desk in the Resource Room, the Trainers, The Career Counselors, I found assistance, support and just a smiling helping hand that made a difference.

I took advantage of the continuing education courses offered to increase my competencies as well as to ensure they were updated and I was knowledgeable on the newest software. I used the Resource Center to update my resume and spent many hours sending it out to the multitude of job listing available via your website and the many other sources you make available.

I interviewed with several companies and selected a position I am sincerely happy with. It supports my family and is a challenging position that teaches me something every day. I couldn't ask for more. Over the holiday shutdown of the plants, without being eligible for benefits at this time through my job, I filed for unemployment for the 2 week period. Additional information was required. I had questions and once again, your people came through with the aid needed clearly and quickly.

I sincerely hope that I will not need your services in the future. If however, I do, I can tell you that I could not ask for more knowledge, capable, compassionate and professional assistance. I think this does the State of Tennessee and the Management of this specific office proud and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

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Economic Impact of WIA Expenditures The Sparks Bureau of Business & Economic Research headquartered at the University of Memphis advanced a report detailing the economic impact of WIA expenditures during program year 2012-13 in the state and local areas. In the nine-county region served

by L WIA-5, a total of $3,714,452 in direct WIA expenditures resulted in total output of more than $6.2 million in goods and services and returned over $750,000 in local, state, and federal taxes through training services and job opportunities.

Total Impacts of LWIA 5 WIA Expenditures, 2012-2013 Output (Value of Goods and Services) Labor Income (Salaries, Wages, and Benefits) Employment (Jobs, Full—Part-Time) Federal, State and Local Taxes

$6,262,321 $3,714,452 120 $750,843

Statewide, the WIA program made over $48 million in direct expenditures, and with the multiplier effect, returned over $90 million in the total value of goods and services and almost $11 million in taxes while moving 1,562 individuals into high-demand jobs.

Five-Year Strategic Plan WIA Directors from each of the 13 Local Workforce Areas presented their Five-Year Strategic Plan to members of the State Workforce Development Board on May 1—2, 2014 in Nashville. This year, local plans were required to incorporate rigorous new policies designed to streamline services through functional alignment of career center partner staff. Sector strategies, partnership building, Rapid Response services, and a stronger focus on customer services and targeted populations were addressed.

Improvement of performance standards incorporating the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria established by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence was an important part Change is inevitable, we make it work… of the local planning process. The LWIA-5 local plan was one of only six plans statewide that sufficiently addressed all required elements and received approval from the state board. The theme of the Southeast Tennessee Development District’s 2013 Annual Report, “Change is inevitable…we make it work,” was incorporated in the plan presentation.

SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY ● www.sedev.org

Professional Staff Training Area Agency on Aging & Disability Staff Through an Aging and Disability Resource Center grant from the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability, SETAAD staff was given the opportunity to participate in comprehensive, validated, and skill-based online training through Boston University.

Four staff have completed Track 1. Currently, there are four staff enrolled in Track 1 and two continuing on Track 2. These courses provide professional continuing education with real world practice solutions.

Track 1: Core ADRC/ Options Counseling Training  Core Issues in Aging and Disability  Assessment with Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities  Mental Health Training in Options Counseling  Consumer Control, Choice and Direction in Options Counseling Track 2: ADRC/ Options Counseling Skill Development Training (this track includes 3 core courses and 2 optional elective courses) Core Courses  Care Management/Coordination Practice  Working with Informal Caregivers  Team Approach: Working Across Disciplines Elective Courses  Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias  Care Transitions  Geriatric Assessment & Care Planning  Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Photo courtesy of www.fancomni.com

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Professional Staff Training CED Staff completed the following professional training: 

November 6—7, 2013: SEIDA staff completed the Tennessee Business Retention & Expansion course, provided by the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer Program.

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January 23, 2014: SETDD staff completed Adobe InDesign CS6– Part 2, and on March 5, additional staff completed Adobe InDesign CS6– Part 1 at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. The program is designed to strengthen our marketing capabilities by creating professional brochures and other marketing materials.

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February 20—21, 2014: staff completed the Tennessee Economic Development Finance course, provided by the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer Program.

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April 28—May 1, 2014: SEIDA staff completed the Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course provided by the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer Program.

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May 4—6, 2014: SEIDA staff attended the 7th Annual Southeast United States– Canadian Providence (SEUS-CP) conference in Raleigh, NC. The conference offered opportunities to network with key global leaders and more than 250 Canadian and U.S. business leaders. Staff met with three businesses during the B2B matchmaking sessions.

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May 16, 2014: SETDD staff passed the exam towards getting AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certified.

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY ● www.sedev.org

Greater Chattanooga Regional Growth Initiative—Thrive 2055 Thrive 2055’s Mission is to proactively engage the people of the region in creating an action plan for making the most of our economic opportunities while preserving what we love about our home communities.

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 the second year of THRIVE, the theme was “Dream Together and Set the Bar.” During this phase, over 6,500 people from all 16 counties participated in outreach and engagement opportunities to help determine the top priorities of our citizens. From all the input, four areas emerged as the most important issues impacting the next 40 years: Regional Economic Development, Regional Transportation, Education and Training, and Natural Treasures.

Initiative groups in each of these priorities have been meeting to gather information, research best practices, and convene key stakeholders across the region to begin developing an overall strategic actions plan. Convened, for the first time, groups including tri-state school superintendents, higher education institutions, county sheriffs, tourism professionals, the three major Metropolitan Planning Organizations, environment and conservation entities, multiple chambers of commerce and key economic development professionals Educated people with good jobs means from the 16-county region to participate in shaping strategies towards our providing an opportunity for children and adults region’s future.

As we enter the third year of THRIVE, the charge turns to ACTION! Implementation of some elements of the strategic action plan will begin while we continue to build new partnerships and expand citizen participation in the ongoing process. While the initial 3-year planning process of THRIVE will come to an end, the ongoing work of building a region known for “Educated People with Good Jobs Living in a Great Place” will continue!

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to follow a path of education and training that fits their unique capabilities and prepares them for long term and rewarding employment opportunities at home. Living means having safe, healthy, fulfilled, and enriched lives.

Great place means a region filled with strong and resilient special and unique communities; preserved and conserved natural resources; and infrastructure that links the region together.

Funding Partners 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!

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

YOUR TOMORROW IS OUR TODAY ● 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