Special to the Claiborne Progress

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber announced that Claiborne County has achieved

certification under the state’s Three-Star program for excellence in economic development.

“The Three-Star designation is the result of a great deal of hard work on the part of Claiborne County,” Kisber said. “Three-Star communities know that sustainable economic

development is always built on solid community development, and ECD is proud to support Claiborne County in its dedication to long-term economic growth and success.”

Claiborne County and the cities of Cumberland Gap, Harrogate, New Tazewell, and Tazewell are now eligible to receive additional incentives under the guidelines of the

Tennessee Three-Star program.

The Three-Star program has set high standards and incentives like no other state-run program in the nation. Governor Phil Bredesen’s five-year asset-based economic

development strategic plan is the cornerstone of the program. In 2005, the Southern Growth Policies Board, a bipartisan public policy think tank devoted to strengthening the

South's economy, recognized the Three-Star program as a best practices program and a Southern leader in community certification programs.

Tennessee’s Three-Star program helps urban and rural communities develop strategic economic and community development plans that meet the needs and challenges of an

ever-changing economic environment. It helps communities preserve existing employment, create new employment opportunities, improve family income and develop a

strong leadership base for economic development.

The Tennessee Three-Star Program, which is currently active in 88 counties and one city, represents more than 340 Tennessee cities.

“On behalf of ECD, I applaud Claiborne County on its accomplishments and dedication to the Three-Star program,” said ECD Assistant Commissioner of Community

Development Rick Meredith. “This prime demonstration of Claiborne County’s commitment to economic development is indicative of more success to come.”

In order to receive the certification, communities are required to meet criteria in organizational, community, business, education and work force development categories.

Incentives for receiving the certification include identification on all FastTrack infrastructure and job training applications; eligibility for matching grants, if criteria set by ECD

are met; and the advantage of earning points in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.