News

TVA launches new community development program

August 8 , 2006 — To strengthen its community development efforts, TVA Economic Development has launched a new initiative, the Valley Targeted and Prepared Community Program, known as the Valley TaP Program.

The program offers communities throughout the TVA service area access to an innovative strategic planning process that will help them identify key target industries and actively recruit those industries. It was designed and will be managed by Boyette Levy, an Atlanta firm that provides strategic advice and communications support in the areas of economic and community development.

“A community must know and be prepared to market its assets to best meet the needs of prospective companies,” says TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “Boyette Levy has both the experience and expertise necessary to facilitate selected Tennessee Valley community leaders through this valuable new TaP program.”

Communities will submit an application, and three to four applicants will be chosen by this fall to participate in the program. The planning process will include an in-depth evaluation of a community’s resources and capacity to target and recruit specific industry segments that could bring additional jobs and investments.

“This program is truly unique in the economic development business,” says Del Boyette of Boyette Levy. “We believe participating communities will come away with the economic development tools, knowledge, and understanding to move to the next level in competing for new jobs and investments.”

Applications for The Valley TaP Program have been sent to city, county, and regional economic development organizations in the TVA service area. Communities interested in participating in the program should complete the application and return it by Aug. 25 to Tracy King Sharp, Boyette Levy, 100 Colony Square, 1175 Peachtree St. N.E., Suite 1660, Atlanta, GA 30361.

A team of economic development professionals will review and evaluate the applications. Judges will look for communities that demonstrate strong community leadership, have economic development funds available, and have infrastructure in place to support existing businesses and recruit new industries.

Following review of the applications, selected communities will be notified in mid-September. The planning process will be complete by early 2007. In subsequent years, an additional three to four communities will be chosen annually to participate in the program.

To find out more about the Valley TaP Program, call TVA Economic Development at 615-232-6225, or send an e-mail to econdev@tva.com.