SETDD Annual Report 2015

GEARING COMMUNITIES FOR PROSPERITY

SEIDA 2010 2015 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Chairman and SETDD Partnerships………………………………………..……...2 Board of Directors.……….……………………………..3 Area Agency on Aging and Disability………………………………………….…..….4-7 Community & Economic Development……………………….…………….....8-11 Workforce Development………………………………………...12-14 Regional Focus……………………………….…………..15

SETDD IS PROUD TO WORK WITH PUBLIC & P R I VAT E PA R T N E R S T O C O N T I N U A L LY I M P R O V E AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT THE REGION. The Chattanooga Area Regional Council of Governments, doing business as the Southeast Tennessee Development District, is owned and governed by local county and municipal governments throughout southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia. The “District” was established to cost effectively provide professional staffing resources to local governments and to regionally deliver programs and services. This work is accomplished by utilizing local, state, federal and private funds to deliver programs and services through our core business functions: Aging and Disability Programs; Community & Economic Development; Career Workforce Development and Regional Partnerships.

SETDD staff members are looking forward to another productive year working with local, regional and state partners to assist in future growth for the SETDD region.

Message from the Chairman As Chairman of the Chattanooga Area Regional Council of Governments doing business as the Southeast Tennessee Development District, I am pleased to present this first ever electronic edition of the 2015 Annual Report entitled, “Gearing Communities for Prosperity.” This past year our region competed for and was selected by the University of Tennessee at Knoxville’s Smart Communities Initiative. Through this service learning partnership, our region will have access to some of the brightest and talented graduate level students who will provide additional capacity to engage in realworld problems identified by our local governments aimed at increasing the level of economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and the social integrity D. Gary Davis, Bradley County Mayor of the region. Another new initiative awarded this year is a Brownfields Coalition Grant of $500,000 from the U.S. EPA that will enable us to assess and prioritize brownfields for redevelopment. These are perfect examples of how our staff continues to position people and places throughout our region to enhance the quality of life, economic well-being and to take advantage of every opportunity!

There is no way that a single report can capture the staff accomplishments during the past year, but I hope you will take some time to join me in celebrating some of the highlights. In addition to serving more than 1,000 Workforce Investment Act participants, assisting 13 regional manufacturers with On-the-Job Training and coordinating a summer work experience for 128 youth, Career and Workforce Development staff helped to develop a winning grant proposal securing $946,280 from the state’s Labor Education Alignment Program to reinstitute technical education in advanced manufacturing/mechatronics in seven high schools across four counties. The Area Agency on Aging and Disability staff more than doubled the number of one-on-one free, unbiased insurance counseling appointments about Medicare and related insurance programs. Information and referral services assisted 9,653 individuals with outreach, education, connections to community resources and access to home and community based services.

Meanwhile in Community and Economic Development, the planning staff was busy night and day providing technical assistance under contract to 24 local governments, developing a new Heritage Tourism Guide, launching a new regional tourism website, preserving historic assets, rehabilitating 37 houses and writing all types of grants including 16 Community Development Block Grants totaling over $9 million that will serve 95,663 people through new water lines, improved water and wastewater systems, and community livability projects. SEIDA Economic Development staff responded to 67 prospect inquiries, facilitated 13 prospect visits and worked on 6 new locations and 19 expansions that resulted in new capital investments totaling $1.5 billion creating and/or retaining 5,676 jobs for the region. As a board of elected officials, we are grateful for the staff working as the perpetual gears of the region in cooperation with our many public and private partners to move our region toward prosperity.

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, Department of Transportation, TN Department of Children’s Services AREA AGENCY ON AGINGTN & DISABILITY

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LOCAL & REGIONAL All Local City and County Governments served by the Southeast Tennessee Development District, Southeast Industrial Development Association

BUILDING PLACES ● CREATING PROSPERITY ● CHANGING LIVES

2014-15 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bledsoe County Gregg Ridley; County Mayor Philip Cagle; Mayor, City of Pikeville 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 Michael Brady; County Mayor Jana Barrett; Mayor, Town of Altamont Glenn Jennings; Chairman, Town of Beersheba Springs Preston Miller; Mayor, City of Coalmont Kelly Gibbs; Mayor, City of Gruetli-Laager Marilyn Rodman; 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, City of Chattanooga Katie Lamb; 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 Janet Kelly Jobe; Mayor, City of Ridgeside Dick Gee; Mayor, Town of Signal Mtn. Rick Nunley; Mayor, City of Soddy-Daisy Bill Trohanis; Mayor, Town of Walden Marion County David Jackson; County Mayor Paul Wayne Evans; Mayor, Town of Jasper Rex Pesnell; Mayor, Town of Kimball Marilyn Rodman; Mayor, Town of Monteagle Mark Myers; Mayor, City of New Hope Jerry Godsby; Mayor, Town of Orme Barry Elsea; Mayor, Town of Powell’s Crossroads Jane Dawkins; Mayor, South Pittsburg Cindy Holland Easterly; Mayor, City of Whitwell

McMinn County John Gentry; County Mayor Ann Davis; Mayor, City of Athens Dewayne Jones; Mayor, Town of Calhoun Tony Hawn; Mayor, Town of Englewood E. Burke Garwood; Mayor, City of Etowah Lois Preece; Mayor, City of Niota Meigs County Bill James; County Mayor Jeff Landrum; Mayor, Town of Decatur Polk County Hoyt Firestone; County Executive Jerry Stephens; Mayor, Town of Benton Eric Waters; Mayor, City of Copperhill Doug Collins; 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 D. 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.

SETDD Financial Overview

As of 6/30/15

FY 2015 Operating Budget

$ 8,303,453

Pass Through Budget

$ 10,665,547

Total Assets & Liabilities

$ 10,972,854

Full – time Staff

(Average) 84 July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015

AREA AGENCY ON AGING & DISABILITY

AREA AGENCY ON AGING & DISABILITY The Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAAD) across the state serve as the Single Point of Entry (SPOE) into Tennessee’s Long Term Care System.

They are your one source for help and information. To contact the Area Agency of Aging and Disability call 1-866-836-6678. The 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 Fiscal Year (FY) 15, the SETAAAD handled a total of 9,653 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     

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 1,030 individuals receiving Title III services.

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 200 persons who received homemaker services this year.

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 1,120 individuals received congregate meals and approximately 730 received home delivered meals.

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.

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World Changers helped HMD “Pack the Pantry”

AREA AGENCY ON AGING & DISABILITY

Chick-fil-A Hamilton County Nutrition Program Volunteer Appreciation Event

“Souper Drive” donations for Monteagle Nutrition Site

BUILDING PLACES ● CREATING PROSPERITY ● CHANGING LIVES

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 1,580 persons received CHOICES Single Point of Entry services.

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 170 adults and 248 children who received RCP services.

Two RCP staff received training as mentors for the TN Promise / Achieves program. The mission of TN Promise / Achieves is to provide all Tennesseans with accessible and affordable post-secondary degree or credential opportunities that align with projected workforce demands. Tennessee Promise seeks to reach the students who are left to enter the workforce with only a high school diploma. The program ensures no student will be limited from the pursuit of a college degree because of socio-economic status, zip code or background.

The Relative Caregiver Program partnered with community agency First Things First (FTF) to offer Taking Care of Self, a Grandparent Luncheon on Thursday, February 5, 2015. The luncheon was held at the FTF conference room, where many current and graduated caregivers attended the event. Ms. Gena Ellis, Parenting Coordinator with FTF, presented on various ways caregivers can take care of themselves so they stay strong and healthy to continue helping grandchildren and other family members.

Success Story RCP assisted a 45 year old grandmother who is caring for her two grandchildren. The caregiver is intellectually disabled, and she has trouble reading and writing. She informed the Family Advocate that she would like to enroll the children in an after school program and summer camp, but she didn’t know how to fill out the application. The Family Advocate worked with the caregiver to complete a scholarship application to the YMCA, as well as an application for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. The caregiver stated that she is in need of respite, so these services will benefit her a great deal. She was also provided with information regarding after school programs at The Bethlehem Center. Due to the caregiver’s limitations, she stated that she often feels like she will have to give up custody of the children due to being overwhelmed. The Relative Caregiver Program is working to provide her with support services so that this does not occur in the future.

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM (NFCSP) The NFCSP provides Case Management and 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 115 individuals received NFCSP services.

The program also offers Caregiver Training, Support Groups, and serves grandparents and other relatives raising children.

AREA AGENCY ON AGING & DISABILITY

OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY LIVNG 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 320 individuals received services such as Case Management, Homemaker and Personal Care.

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

SENIOR CENTERS Senior Centers are focal points in each of our counties, offering numerous programs including Education/Training, Health Education, Physical Fitness and Recreation. Almost 3,000 seniors participated in activities at senior centers. The AAAD staff provided quarterly training for Senior Center Directors.

Ground breaking on the Etowah Area Senior Citizens Center addition

Gruelti-Laager Senior Center visits the Chattanooga Zoo

Meigs Senior Activity Center Garden

STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SHIP) The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free and unbiased counseling and assistance to persons with questions or concerns regarding Medicare and its related health insurances.

For the time period of July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015, SHIP achieved 8,425 calls and one-on-one appointments, almost doubling productivity from the previous fiscal year. Over ninety-nine percent of those contacts were considered to be "substantial" (lasting ten minutes or more). Over ninety percent of clients were screened to ascertain their eligibility for some form of subsidy and/or savings plan in regard to their Medicare costs. Of those, SHIP assisted 517 in applying for a low income subsidy and 1,795 in applying for a Medicare Savings Plan. Both the subsidy and the savings plan(s) potentially saves each individual hundreds of dollars (or more) per year in Medicare/Health-related costs.

During this time, SHIP also doubled its Volunteer force, conducting trainings for new partners and members in RSVP, Soddy Daisy Senior Center, Bledsoe County Senior Center, Etowah Senior Center, McMinn County Senior Center, and Memorial Hospital.

PUBLIC GUARDIAN FOR THE ELDERLY PROGRAM The Public Guardian for the Elderly Program served 58 individuals through court appointment. All 6 AREA AGENCY ON AGING & DISABILITY financial, medical and personal care decisions are made by the Public Guardian. The program is currently managing assets of approximately $555,000. An annual accounting is audited by the courts.

BUILDING PLACES ● CREATING PROSPERITY ● CHANGING LIVES

EVIDENCE BASED 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.

Tomando class completers

Chronic Disease Self Management Class at Bledsoe County Senior Center

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 SETDD and CHACP reach thousands of people by hosting several community awareness events.

Various meetings, trainings, and ongoing development and skills building opportunities are provided for the approximately 50 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 set forth by the TN Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During 2014, prevention program services directly served 11,802 individuals in the southeast Tennessee region.

From June 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015 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 5,302 individuals. These services included the coordination of workshops, Tennessee Department of Health-HIV Services statewide meetings and the Tennessee Community Planning Group meetings. Additional services included health fairs and National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and Ryan White Minority Initiatives events. To provide these services effectively, we partnered with Tennessee Department of Health and 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 also ensures that case management, dental services, assistance with transportation, food, and emergency financial needs are available to qualifying residents. These services are part of the continuum of care that is critical for the success of people living with HIV/AIDS to stay connected to care and achieve viral suppression. Ryan White staff continually work hand in hand with subcontractors and clients to actively evaluate the availability, delivery, and quality of program services, as well as program improvement. During this past year, the Ryan White Care Program provided direct services to 693 southeast Tennessee residents living with HIV/AIDS. SERVICE Dental Case Management Emergency Financial Asst.

Food Asst.

Medical Transportation Asst.

NUMBER SERVED 216 477 30 44 78

FUNDING UTILIZED $ 221,202 $ 110,980 AREA AGENCY ON AGING & DISABILITY $ 3,646 $ 1,256 $ 3,993

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Community & Economic Development (CED) is vitally important to local governments throughout the region as they endeavor to develop climates where businesses and industry can grow, prosper and create 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.

PLANNING In October 2014, planning staff provided two planning commissioner training sessions to comply with Public Chapter 862. A total of over 100 planning commissioners from the region participated in the training on floodplain management, ethics, vested property rights, and sustainable development practices. SETDD now provides planning assistance to 24 planning commissions throughout the region.

GRANT WRITING & ADMINISTRATION Seven local governments were awarded Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) in 2014 for projects ranging from water line extensions and water treatment plant improvements to sewer system rehabs and the elimination of slums and blight. In all, these projects plan to benefit 15,488 residents of the region.

In early 2015, staff developed and submitted 16 CDBG applications on behalf of local governments totaling $9,834,997 in project costs and $7,225,944 in grant requests. These projects included water and sewer system improvements, water line extensions, housing rehab and acquiring a fire truck. It is estimated these projects will benefit 95,663 people throughout the region.

Staff submitted six Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation [TDEC] Recycling Grants totaling $113,309 and five Tennessee Department of Transportation [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 Grant Type Community Description Total Grant Clean Tennessee Energy Grant Amount Program. East Ridge, Pikeville and CDBG City of Repair to 69 KV $ 250,000 Red Bank requested $336,462 in Disaster Cleveland Transmissions and 13.2 grant funds to complete energy Funds KV Distribution System conservation activities at various Rhea County Installation of 55 fire $ 250,000 government facilities.

TDOT

(May 2015)

hydrants

City of Whitwell

Pedestrian Enhancement Project– Phase I

City of East Ridge Highway 41 Corridor (June 2015) Enhancement ProjectPhase II SETDD staff facilitated multiple strategic planning retreats throughout the region.

Priorities discussed included economic development, education, infrastructure, jobs, public health, safety and welfare, and workforce development.

TDEC

8 COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

$ 440,692.65

$ 949,833.47

Bledsoe County, TDEC Clean Energy Funds $ 194,255 City of Ducktown, City of Etowah, Marion County, and Tracy City (June 2015)

BUILDING PLACES ● CREATING PROSPERITY ● CHANGING LIVES

Brownfield Site

On May 28, 2015 Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] announced that the Southeast Tennessee Development District had been awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant. Project activities will include the Phase I and Phase II assessments of abandoned factories, abandoned commercial and other contaminated properties with the potential for redevelopment and revitalization.

The City of Whitwell, Town of Tracy City, and Grundy County were invited to submit full applications for ARC Grant funds to assist with projects such as sewer line extensions and industrial building and site improvements.

On July 8, the City of Pikeville was awarded $250,000 for a 2014 Clean Energy Grant from TDEC.

On July 8, the City of Dunlap was awarded $591,141 for the Coops Creek Greenway—Phase II from the State.

SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE TOURISM ASSOCIATION (SETTA) The new Heritage Guide for Southeast Tennessee was published in fall 2014 and distributed at Welcome Centers and tourist venues throughout the region.

In October 2014, SETTA hosted 14 journalists from around the nation as part of a Tennessee Department of Tourist Development media tour through Geiger & Associates. The journalists wrote about the sites visited throughout the region for a variety of national publications, blogs, and online sites.

SETTA launched a new website in spring 2015 and it is now live! There were 10,000 new regional visitor guides printed and only 1,000 remain for distribution. SETTA staff is now meeting on a quarterly basis with the new Commissioner of Tourism.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION In fall 2014, Charleston Calhoun Hiwassee Society received a $200,000 RTP Grant for the first phase of the National Historic Trail Experience on Fort Cass, present day Charleston.

Etowah Carnegie Library was awarded a $25,000 Historic Preservation Fund Grant for window restoration and Meigs County was awarded a $2,500 Volunteer Energy Cooperative (VEC) SEED Grant for the Trail of Tears Signage at Blythe Ferry, both in spring 2015.

Etowah Carnegie Library, Etowah, TN

SETDD worked with Etowah Historical Commission on the 125th Anniversary of Old Line in Etowah, TN. The project included: a new exhibit at the L&N Depot, the restoration of its L&N Caboose, interior restoration to exhibit spaces, etc. The train ride anniversary took place on June 27, 2015.

SETDD staff submitted the following grants during FY15:  Etowah Carnegie Library Architectural Assessment  Etowah Carnegie Library Window Restoration    

MACC Window Restoration

National Register Nomination for Christ Episcopal Church in Tracy City preserve_seTN Tennessee Historical Commission sign for Engel Stadium (Nov.) COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT James Chestnut House Underpinning Project (Englewood Textile Museum) preserve_seTN

SOUTHEAST INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (SEIDA) “Your Regional Source for Sites, Facilities, and Financing”

SEIDA is a regional economic development association facilitating the creation of jobs, capital investment and additional power load throughout their service area. SEIDA provides services to assist businesses with locations, expansion, and help with the identification of financing opportunities, infrastructure development, and marketing and demographic research. SEIDA’s board of directors held a strategic planning session January 8-9, 2015 in Chattanooga. Board members shared opportunities, challenges and goals for the upcoming year.

In February 2015, SEIDA rolled out a Community Assistance Grant Opportunity.

The SR² Region Ready Program is to provide matching funds to rural communities throughout the SEIDA region for enhancement of economic development opportunities.

Athens Utilities Board to Offer Fiber-optic Internet In May, Athens Utilities Board announced its offering of fiber-optic broadband Internet service to area businesses and industries. AUB is leasing fiber between Athens and Ooltewah through Volunteer Energy Cooperative [VEC].

The broadband signal is coming from Chattanooga's Electric Power Board [EPB], Photo Courtesy of timesfreepress.com but the Athens utility extended its lines into Ooltewah to connect with the Chattanooga system. There is a steady 1 gigabyte signal purchased by AUB on the system and may be increased up to ten gigabytes, if necessary.

New Casino in Cherokee County, NC will Bring Hundreds of Jobs to Area - Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino is a big development for a small town, just 90 minutes from Chattanooga. The casino is set to bring about 800 jobs and a 32 to 39 million dollar payroll to the area.

The casino is set to open in September 2015.

On August 12, 2015 SEIDA hosted an Economic Development Partner’s Luncheon. Participants learned about the exciting project locating in Cherokee County and concluded with a tour of the new casino in Murphy, NC. Regional Marketing SEIDA continues to market the region with access to equipment that allows the opportunity to obtain aerial imagery and video of industrial sites and buildings.

Project Activity Industrial Recruitment & Expansions FY 15 New Locations Expansions Capital Investments Walker County Industrial Park

City of Pikeville Industrial Building

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

Jobs Retained

6 19 $1,520,550,00 340

Jobs Created

5,336

Total Jobs

5,676

Prospect Visits

13

Prospect Inquiries

67

Existing Industry Contacts

143

BUILDING PLACES ● CREATING PROSPERITY ● CHANGING LIVES

HOUSING SETDD Housing Programs include HOME grants, CDBG grants, and the Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly (ERP). For ERP jobs, a 1/3rd match must be identified to assist with repair work (i.e. volunteer labor, donated materials, insurance payments, weatherization services, or other home repair programs).

HOME grants have had a major revision in their administration policy due to funding reductions at the state and federal level resulting in a reduced amount of homes to qualify. CDBG has had no revisions to their grant administration policy.

This year 37 homes have been repaired using these grants (please see chart below). HOME policy now limits the amount of work on any one dwelling to $40,000, no reconstruction, and mobile homes are excluded. ERP grant contracts for 2016 will have an increase of $200,000 in funding and allow for more households to qualify through policy changes in qualifying standards.

July 2014 - June 2015 37 homes rehabbed or reconstructed using the following grant funds GRANT TYPE HOME

TOTAL GRANT AMOUNT

TOTAL

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

$750,000

3 Projects underway

3 projects to bid with more applicants being processed

CDBG

$458,500

3 projects underway

5 reconstructions identified 2 rehabilitations identified

ERP

$444,000

ERP Match Received

ERP Funds Spent

20 homes completed with in kind labor agencies

$139,912 (Volunteer Labor)

$54,766

17 homes completed with traditional matching funds

$94,703

$ 108,748

TOTAL

$234,615

$163,514

Total Match Required

$86,072

Difference indicating over match of funds

+$148,543

Current SETDD Loan Portfolio Total Loans

33

Jobs Created

247

Jobs Retained

150

Total Jobs

397

SETDD Funds

$3,156,249.15

Other Funds

$6,393,200.00

Total Project

$9,549,449.15

Neighborhood Stabilization Project (NSP) Homes Purchased to date…………………. 26 Homes Sold to date…………………………… 24 Homes for Sale as of June 30, 2015.……..2

Valley Entertainment Center is Dunlap’s one and only skating rink & bowling facility. After being closed for several years, local residents, Theresa Hicks & Anthony Smith, decided to reopen it using considerable sweat equity and by partnering with Mountain Valley Bank and SETDD. With loan funds from SETDD and Mountain Valley Bank, Theresa and Anthony purchased the facility, gave it a facelift inside and out and have reopened it to the public. In addition to the dayto-day entertainment choices, they also book group parties for birthdays, athletic teams, youth groups, class rooms, and other groups. They have created six new jobs and hire additional help when needed. Residents of Dunlap and the surrounding communities are excited to have the facility open again, providing safe and fun entertainment for the whole family. Since opening, the owners have grown the concessions area and have made additional repairs to the arcade and skating rink.

CAREER & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Southeast Tennessee Development District has served as the Administrative Entity and Sub-Grant Recipient of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) since 2000. WIA was replaced by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act on July 1, 2015, and SETDD continues to be the fiscal and program administrator of workforce services in our region. To deliver workforce services across a widespread geographical area, the District, along with a business-led Workforce Investment Board, operates fullservice Tennessee Career Centers/American Job Centers in Chattanooga and Athens while also staffing Affiliate Centers in Cleveland, Dayton, and Kimball. Services are available in Dunlap one day each week. 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 1,100 regional Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth participants into training programs as shown below: Category

WIA Served

Adults

667

Dislocated

130

Youth

297

TOTAL SERVED

1,094

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 72,000 units of service including job screenings, referrals, skills assessments, workshops, training opportunities, and supportive services to job seekers throughout the year.

Rhea County– Employment Law Seminar

Staff administered On-the-Job Training (OJT) contracts totaling $215,000 with 13 regional manufacturers. The OJT program allowed 109 new hires to receive training while learning their jobs, and the funds assisted the employers by underwriting a portion of their expense as the employees reached full capacity.

On-the-Job Training Success Story An LWIA-5 On-the-Job Training participant was recognized at the Adler Pelzer Group (APG) Grand Opening Ceremony in Athens. He was pre-screened and tested by staff at the Tennessee Career Center at Athens, was the first customer referred to APG, and was the first employee hired in September 2013. The participant started as an hourly production worker and was promoted to Team Lead in February 2014. He was Team Lead for only one month before he was once again promoted to Third Shift Supervisor. Because of his hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence during the development of the Athens plant, he was presented the “Exceptional Contributions” achievement award. APG supplies leading edge, light weight insulation and parts to its customers, many of whom are automotive related.

BUILDING PLACES â—? CREATING PROSPERITY â—? CHANGING LIVES

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 2,200 job seekers had the opportunity to connect with almost 140 employers, resulting in a number of immediate hires or expected employment for many: Location

Date

Job Seekers

Employers

Athens

7/31/14

410

39

Cleveland

10/30/14

332

63

Dayton

3/17/15

125

18

Chattanooga

5/7/15

1,350

81

2,217

201

TOTAL

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.

2014 McMinn Co. Job Fair

2015 Hamilton Co. Job Fair

2015 Job Ready 101

CONGRESSIONAL WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS SUMMIT A Regional Workforce Solutions Summit was hosted by U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Athens. It was the first of three planned Summits in the 3rd Congressional District focusing on meeting the demand for skilled workers in East Tennessee. The Summit brought together local employers, educational providers, and government officials who identified potential strategies and collaborations to cultivate an expanded, skilled workforce to meet the current and future workforce demands of business and industry.

Industry representatives from Resolute Forest Products, E&E Manufacturing, and Denso Manufacturing set the tone of the summit by citing their specific company needs. The summit closed with a Leadership Roundtable including Congressman Fleischmann; Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner, Burns Phillips; Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner, Randy Boyd; Board of Regents Vice Chancellor, James King; Cleveland State Community College President, Dr. Bill Seymour; and TCAT-Athens Director, Stewart Smith.

LEAP GRANT APPROVED LWIA-5 staff crafted a grant proposal focusing on advanced manufacturing—the Regional Apprenticeship Preparedness Program (RAPP) which was awarded $946,280 to implement new academic programs in mechatronics, purchase mechatronicsrelated equipment, and fund high school and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) instructors under the Labor Education Alignment Program (LEAP) competitive grant announcement.

Partners include employers, TCAT-Athens, Cleveland State Community College, and Career and Technical Education Directors from several high schools. LEAP funds are providing technical education in advanced manufacturing/mechatronics to be taught in seven high schools across four counties:  Bradley County, Cleveland City, and Walker Valley High Schools  McMinn County and McMinn Central High Schools  Meigs County High School  Polk County High School The RAPP project also creates internship opportunities for students with local advanced manufacturing employers as well as summer STEM camp opportunities. The project will help build employer-driven career pathways bridging K-12 and post-secondary advanced manufacturing training and serve as a workforce pipeline to fill regional employers’ needs.

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 300 youth were served through a variety of activities. Staff enrolled 128 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. An awards ceremony capped the summer work experience program and featured award-winning youth advocate and publisher, Al Duncan, who 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 such as community volunteering and work readiness training as well as career and college tours. Youth participants that expressed interest in Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare pathways had the opportunity to tour Erlanger Medical Center, Blood Assurance and Volkswagen, exposing them to employers that offer in-demand career opportunities in our region. College tours included UTC, Chattanooga State and TCAT Athens.

Summer Work Experience Participants

REGIONAL FOCUS

BUILDING PLACES ● CREATING PROSPERITY ● CHANGING LIVES

THRIVE 2055 - Greater Chattanooga Regional Growth Initiative 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 has been a partner from the beginning of the three year process.

In year three, a strategic plan was adopted as a result of two years of public engagement and the four volunteer Initiative Groups committees: Regional Transportation, Education and Training, Regional Economic Development, and Natural Treasures. The plan, which outlines goals, objectives, actions, and tasks for each Initiative Group, brings together overarching themes seen throughout Phase II of Thrive 2055. These include: 

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Transforming the relationship between our schools and our communities so that communities and their families understand, embrace and advocate for the value of lifelong learning and the transformative changes that we need.

Nurturing the growth of entrepreneurship and new local small businesses.

Strengthening the economic vitality and character of the region through responsible stewardship of our natural treasures and nature-based economic development.

Facilitating advocacy and collaboration between public transportation agencies, authorities, and the business community.

The groups collaborates together to make sure that the action items, and short and long term goals are coordinated and complement each other. A regional compass was developed and launched to keep the public informed of the process. Billboards, radio ads, and social media are all being used to encourage continued engagement and input from citizens across the region.

The end of the initial planning process is coming to an end, but much work still remains to be done. A new organizational approach is needed in order to sustain action over the long term.

An initial framework to for the next few years of implementation has been suggested that will continue the ongoing work of building a region known for its commitment to becoming a region of “educated people with good jobs living in a great place”.

UTK SMART COMMUNITITES INITIATIVE The Smart Communities Initiative is a new interdisciplinary program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville which partners faculty and students across campus with one city, county, special district, or other municipal group each year to engage in real-world problem solving aimed at increasing the level of economic viability, environmental sustainability, and social integrity of the region.

SCI is founded upon the idea that universities and communities should work together to improve the health and vitality of their areas. Through the leveraging of interdisciplinary research and scholarship, community dialogue, human capacity, and innovation, municipal and university partners will collaborate toward the pursuit of smarter, more vibrant communities. The Smart Communities Initiative is excited to announce that they have selected the Southeast Tennessee Development District as their 2015-2016 SCI Partner.

Thirty-two projects were submitted for the 2015-16 SCI year ranging from regional, county, municipal and other projects throughout southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia.

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 1000 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Tel 423.266.5781

Fax 423.267.7705

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