“The Three-Star designation is the result of a great deal of hard work on the part of Hickman County,” Kisber said. “Three-Star communities know that sustainable economic development is always built on solid community development, and ECD is proud to support Hickman County in its dedication to long-term economic growth and success.”
Hickman County and the city of Centerville 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 Hickman County on its accomplishments and dedication to the Three-Star program,” said ECD Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith. “This prime demonstration of Hickman County’s commitment to economic development is indicative of more success to come.”
