New Council to Promote More Sophisticated, Aggressive Approach to Economic Development

An Economic Development Council has been formed in Washington County made up of private and public sector members to implement a more aggressive, sophisticated and coordinated approach to economic development in Johnson City, Jonesborough and Washington County, Tennessee. The Council will more effectively coordinate the individual efforts of the Economic Development Board, Johnson City Development Association, Public Building Authority and Chamber of Commerce under the direction of a CEO. The search for the CEO is in its final stages.

A Steering Committee made up of public and private sector representatives began working years ago to develop objectives and an implementation plan, which led to creation of the Economic Development Council.

“There has never been a time when economic development was more competitive than it is today, thus it is vital to have professional leadership and an organized approach to aggressive economic development efforts,” said City of Johnson City Commissioner Steve Darden, former member of the Steering Committee and current Chair of the Council.

What are the objectives of the Economic Development Council?

1. Commit to developing a more coordinated, updated / sophisticated approach to economic development that includes these comprehensive elements:
1. Business attraction and marketing
2. Existing business retention and expansion
3. Small business and entrepreneur development
4. Downtown development
5. Tourism development
2. Engage community and business leaders in education and workforce development.
3. Promote the improvement of the business climate and quality of life for all of Washington County.
4. Champion sustainable and diverse leadership development, and better local and regional cooperation.

Structure of Economic Development Council (EDC)

1. Executive Committee - The Executive Committee currently consists of 6 votes from the private sector and 3 votes from the public sector. The Founding Executive Committee members were the Mayor or County Commissioner of Washington County, Tenn.; the City Manager or Commissioner from Johnson City, Tenn.; the Mayor or an Alderman from Jonesborough, Tenn.; the President of the Washington County / Johnson City / Jonesborough Chamber of Commerce and the President (or designee) of ETSU. For a three-year commitment of $25,000 a year, an individual or organization can gain a seat on the council’s executive committee. Up to three businesses can combine funds in exchange for one rotating committee seat.
2. Advisory Committee Members - This group is made up of small businesses contributing no less than $500 per year to Council operations. Having as many businesses involved as possible is a goal of the Council, reflecting its nature as a public-private partnership.
3. The Economic Development Council Entities - Economic Development Board (EDB), Johnson City Development Association (JCDA), Public Building Authority (PBA), and Chamber of Commerce.

The CEO of the Council will be responsible to the Executive Committee.

“The biggest difference between the new economic development effort and those that have existed for years is the funding and influence of the private sector. It does a great deal of good to have the efforts of the private sector instead of just government entities… to recruit new business and industry, “said Kelly Wolfe, Mayor of Jonesborough and home builder.

The Role and qualifications of the CEO

The CEO of the Economic Development Council will be a person who can work with the different entities comprising the Council to support and enhance what they are already doing. This person must also have the knowledge to improve what they are doing, but will not be running these different organizations. The CEO, having an overall perspective, must coordinate the efforts of the Council Entities to foster support for each other’s actions, establish prioritized goals, reduce redundancy and ensure that each entity is moving in the same direction.

The CEO of the Council also will not simply be some sort of figurehead, but must bring real value to refining and expanding the Economic Development program of Washington County.

The CEO will work to identify and address gaps in the current economic development programs, including taking the leadership over such projects as developing the Med Tech Corridor and Med Tech economy of Washington County, something no one person or group has yet taken responsibility for leading. Harnessing the potential of the university and medical sectors will be a main focus of the CEO.

A search for a qualified candidate has taken place with the help of a national consultant and the search has been narrowed to three candidates. The candidates were expected to have direct education and credentials in economic development, a track record in economic development leadership and accomplishments and the correct skills set and personality.

How the Council Works

• The CEO will be supervised and directed by the Executive Committee in which the private sector figures prominently.
• The Advisory Committee will be engaged to provide input to the CEO.
• The Economic Development Council member entities comprise the Council and function in accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement. The respective Boards of Directors of the EDB, JCDA, PBA and Chamber of Commerce have adopted such Memoranda of Understanding for their entity.

Community leaders who have formed the Council agree that the participation of the private membership is essential to create the right atmosphere for success. Private sector attributes include their intellectual capital, valuable experience, expectation of results and high levels of accountability.