Development District Considering Selling Old Building
UCDD will look to potentially sell the District’s old office building located on Willow Avenue. The Development District moved out of the old building to its current location on England Drive in 2019. UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said with more development taking place on Willow Avenue, now might be the time to sell the […]
Aikens Serves As Interim Vice President Student Affairs
Tennessee Tech Dean of Students Katie Aikens will serve as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs. President Phil Oldham said Aikens has served in higher education for about 20 years, recommending her for the interim position. “We’re in the situation where we need to make another appointment in the search to fill the position permanently, […]
UCDD Exec Director Encourages Local Leaders To Focus On Industrial Development
As the region’s leaders outline goals for the next five years, UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley emphasized the need to find more land for industrial development. Recruiting more industry was one of the goals included in the UCDD Executive Committee’s five-year plan approved Wednesday. Farley said mayors need to educate their council or commission on […]
City Mayors Elected To Serve On UCHRA Executive Committee
Six city mayors selected to serve on the UCHRA Executive Committee. Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton and Gainesboro Mayor Lloyd Williams will represent the north sub-region. Smithville Mayor Josh Miller and Gordonsville Mayor John Potts were elected for the middle sub-region. The south region will be represented by McMinnville Mayor Ryle Chastain and Sparta Mayor Jerry […]
UCDD Approves Loan For New Childcare Facility In Carthage
A new childcare facility will be coming to Carthage that will help a region-wide capacity issue. The UCDD Executive Committee approved a $200,000 loan to the operator for renovations. “It’s a much needed thing in our community,” Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason said. “April comes from a great family. She has a heart for this. […]
UCDD Exec Committee Increases Cap For Micro-Loan Program
More micro-loan opportunities through UCDD will be available for those starting a small business. The Executive Committee voted Thursday to increase the cap from $450,000 to $1 million. Lending and Economic Director Megan Choate said the loan committee felt it was time to up the portfolio. “As the economy changes and as new businesses start, […]
TTU Board Of Trustees Approve New Contract For Oldham
Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham has received a new six-year contract. The Board of Trustees approved the contract Thursday afternoon. It replaces the current contract and takes Oldham’s employment through 2028. Trustee Tom Jones said it is a big step forward for the university. “This is not something that I would have entered into or […]
UCDD To Help UC Mayors In Need Of Administering TDEC ARP Money
UCDD will offer administrative services to Upper Cumberland counties needing assistance with managing TDEC ARP fund. Executive Committee Chair Randy Heady said in his role as Jackson County Mayor, he does not have the staff to oversee the money. “It is hard to navigate, and I don’t have time to do that kind of work,” […]
Committee Named To Review UCDD/UCHRA Executive And Finance Directors
UCDD/UCHRA Executive Committees will conduct performance evaluations of Executive Director Mark Farley and Finance Director Ginger Stout in the next thirty days. Chair Randy Heady leading a three-person committee including Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason and Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster. Heady said the reviews are conducted annually. “Our job is to evaluate them, evaluate […]
UCHRA/UCDD Entities Receive Clean Audit Report From Firm
UCDD and UCHRA have received a clean audit report this year from an outside accounting firm. Senior Audit Manager Derek Young of JHM in Chattanooga gave a presentation of the report Wednesday to the Executive Committee. Young said the firm reviewed the finances, operations and accounting practices. “We had not significant decencies or material weaknesses […]
