Knoxville has earned a platinum rating in the Tennessee Valley Authority's new "Valley Sustainable Communities" program. This designation should help Knoxville differentiate itself and be even more competitive for investments and jobs.
Knoxville recently completed the program sponsored by TVA and developed and administered by consultant Boyette Strategic Advisors (BSA.) "The platinum level designation recognizes that a community has made a significant and comprehensive commitment to sustainability and also has thoroughly integrated economic development into its sustainability efforts," said Del Boyette, President/CEO of BSA.
"The Knoxville Chamber has seen increased interest from business recruitment prospects inquiring about our community's sustainable efforts, so the results of this certification will be touted immediately to those companies considering Knoxville for capital investment and job creation opportunities" said Doug Lawyer, Knoxville Chamber Vice President of Economic Development.
"TVA Economic Development's mission includes working with communities in the TVA region to help them be ready to differentiate and compete when economic growth opportunities occur," said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. "When we saw the trend of more search executives adding a sustainability component to their RFIs, it was important for us to have a program in place to inventory and highlight the sustainable assets of Valley communities."
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said, "Knoxville has already made a significant commitment to sustainability. This Platinum Valley Sustainable Community designation provides us with the opportunity to document and be recognized for our ongoing sustainability initiatives, and to attract new investment and jobs. Boyette Strategic Advisors visited our city and evaluated us in key areas like sustainability preparedness and education; economic vitality; and environmental and societal commitment, including health and wellness efforts. The program is unique in that it has an economic development focus."