State and local officials were on hand at the Dyer Industrial Park on Thursday, September 3, where it was announced that Dyer now has a 32 acre Select Tennessee Certified Site. The Select Tennessee program helps communities like Dyer prepare industrial sites for private investment and job creation. The program sets rigorous standards to give companies detailed and reliable information during the site selection process.
(Photo Courtesy The Tri-City Reporter)
There are now five Select Tennessee Certified Sites in Gibson County, but this is the first in the northern part of the County, according to Gibson County Director of Economic Development Kingsley Brock. “The City of Dyer & Dyer Industrial Development Board have been proactive in preparing for investment and new jobs, and this certified site is a major step forward for marketing Dyer and allowing Dyer to compete for industrial projects.” Brock said the process has taken more than 18 months.
Kirby Lewis, Site Development Director for the Tennessee Department of Economic Development (TN ECD) presented a sign recognizing the achievement. Accompanying him was Janna Hellums, Business Development Consultant for ECD. The City of Dyer in partnership with the Dyer Industrial Board received a $15,000.00 grant to help finance the geotech and archeological studies that are required as part of the certification process.
Dyer Mayor Chris Younger said, “I feel like Dyer is on the cusp of great things, of quality jobs, and industrial and commercial growth. We’ve worked hard to get here, and we’ll all continue to work hard for Dyer. A special thanks to Director Brock, the Dyer Industrial Board, our staff at the City of Dyer, and our partners from all the agencies that have helped us out.”
State Senator John Stevens said, “Congratulations to Dyer and everyone who worked on this project. Our rural communities need quality jobs, and Certified Sites like this will prepare Dyer for economic development and job growth.”
State Representative Curtis Halford said, “I want to congratulate Mayor Younger, the Dyer Industrial Board, and Director Brock, and thank them for their commitment to Dyer. This is a great example of how the State and local government can partner together to engage rural communities and promote growth.”
Also on hand were Tom Lannom, Chairman of the Dyer Industrial Board and other members of the IDB; Emily Sullivan, VP of Economic Development at Gibson Electric Membership Corp; Libby Wickersham, Executive Director, Greater Gibson County Area Chamber of Commerce; and County Commissioner Nathan Reed.