Roane Alliance Joins Innovation Valley Inc. Partnership
Tuesday January 22, 2008
Innovation Valley, Inc.
Economic development organizations in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge region have created a new partnership known as Innovation Valley Inc. This partnership, which will build on efforts of the five-year-old Jobs Now! program, will work together to continue the successful regional development.
Partners in Innovation Valley Inc. include the following organizations:
- Blount County Chamber of Commerce
- Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership
- Loudon County Economic Development Agency
- Oak Ridge Economic Partnership
- The Roane Alliance
- Tellico Reservoir Development Agency
Innovation Valley Inc. will be led by a board of directors initially made up of Kevin Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of Clayton Homes, Inc.; Jimmy Haslam, President of Pilot Travel Centers LLC; and Thom Mason, President and CEO of UT-Battelle LLC, with others to be added from the representative communities. Innovation Valley Inc. will be an investor-directed program designed to recruit, retain and expand business growth throughout the Innovation Valley region. There are specific strategies and tactics in this Blueprint which focus on technology-led economic development, as well as education and workforce development. These two areas of focus represent key differentiators in this plan of work.
Recommendations for formation of Innovation Valley Inc., and its activities are contained in a comprehensive five-year Economic Development Strategic Blueprint that was developed in 2007 with assistance from Boyette Levy, an Atlanta-based economic development consulting firm. The Blueprint includes recommendations in six primary program areas:
- Education and Workforce Development
- Technology and Entrepreneurship
- Global Marketing
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Public Policy
- Resources for Living
"The partnership will provide a holistic regional approach to economic development through coordinated activities, a specific program of work, and a successful funding mechanism," said Clayton. "Innovation Valley Inc. will be responsible for ensuring that we follow the recommendations contained in this very comprehensive Blueprint."
The Blueprint recommends targeted business sectors for the region and specific recommendations for attracting, retaining and growing those industries. In addition, the plan incorporates performance measures and quarterly check points to ensure a successful implementation.
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Contact:
Leslie henderson
865-376-2093
