November 23, 2005

Northern Madison County Seeks Economic Development Opportunities

In search of ideas to spur economic development in northern Madison County, the Madison County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA), led by Executive Director Tim Coursey and Board Chairman Barbara Gray, sponsored a bus tour of the Tellico Reservoir area for community leaders from northern Madison County.  The tour of the Tellico Reservoir, which is located in a largely rural area south of Knoxville, TN, took place on November 15 and 16th.  The thirty member Madison County delegation included elected officials, government representatives, farmers, educators, as well as many other civic and community leaders from the northern portion of the County.  The group, which also included State Senator Joseph Thomas, State Representative Ferr Smith dedicated the two days to exploring potential economic development ideas for northern Madison County.

The tour was organized and hosted by Mississippi State University’s GeoResources Institute to allow participants to see first-hand how a large water impoundment project could become a rural economic development hub and accelerator.  According to Jeff Ballweber, Associate Director of Mississippi State’s GeoResources Institute, “Tellico Reservoir is a good example of mixed land use economic development, with a combination of residential and light industrial land use and associated quality of life amenities.”  Jeff Ballweber and his team at Mississippi State have experience with economic development projects, particularly those related to lakes, and Jeff says they look forward to helping residents and stakeholders develop a vision of what northern Madison County should look like in twenty years.  

Several of the participants were particularly interested in how enhanced economic development opportunities in northern Madison County might benefit local schools.  The area’s educational system was well represented by Dwight Luckett, Assistant Superintendent for Canton Public Schools, Dr. Paula Griffin, Assistant Superintendent for Madison County Public Schools, Shirley Simmons, Madison County School Board Representative, and others.  “The group had a great time,” said Madison County District 5 Supervisor Paul Griffin.  “This is the first step of many more steps to get a better quality of life in northern Madison County.” 

On the trip, the group toured a child care facility, hotel, and multi-purpose convention center, located directly in the industrial park for the added convenience of park employees.  Other amenities in the industrial area included a fire station, a dental clinic, a medical facility, and a bank.  Also notable was the fact that several well-known boat manufacturers were originally attracted to the area specifically because of the Lake.  On the second and final day of the tour, the group visited a public park and recreation area, residential developments, and a cultural museum and amphitheater highlighting the area’s Cherokee Indian heritage.  The tour allowed community leaders to determine likes and dislikes regarding economic development opportunities which may be possible for northern Madison County’s future.  MCEDA’s Tim Coursey said, “We think the trip gave everyone a good sampling of the types of economic development opportunities, when combined with good planning, education, and community involvement that can become a reality in remote rural areas.  In this respect, we think the trip was very successful and sets the stage for more input.”