South Central Tennessee Development District
receives the 
National Association of Development Organization's 
2005 Innovation Award 

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 27, 2005 - South Central Tennessee Development District based in Columbia, Tennessee received a 2005 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for their Middle Tennessee Marketing Group.  

NADO, a Washington, D.C. based public interest group, recognizes organizations for demonstrating innovative approaches to economic and community development.  NADO awarded 64 innovation awards this year for a variety of projects in areas such as aging, entrepreneurialism, emergency management, environment, healthcare, literacy, workforce, technology, tourism and transportation planning.  Awardees were showcased during NADO's Annual Training Conference, August 27 -- 30, 2005 in Seattle, Washington.  

According to NADO President Jack Scriber, Director of Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency in Louisville, Kentucky, "These award winning projects and programs truly represent the community and the economic development benefits derived from acting regionally, especially in rural communities where resources are often sparse."

Over 750 Innovation Awards have been made since the program was started in 1986.  Only NADO member organizations are eligible to apply for the award.

NADO, established in 1967, continues to be the nation's leading advocate for a regional approach to development.  NADO member organizations serve over 1,800 counties and 15,000 cities and towns.  Through meetings, training seminars and publications NADO provides a network for professionals and local elected officials to share information. Visit  www.nado.org for more information about NADO.

SCTDD Receives 2004 Innovative Award

L-R Standing:  Marshall County Mayor Terry Wallace, Maury County Mayor Jim Bailey, NADO President Gary Gorshing, Franklin County Mayor Monty Adams, Coffee County Mayor Ray Johnson, SCTDD Director of Transportation Sanford Potts,  and SCTDD Director of Economic Development Doug Williams.  Seated:  SCTDD Director of Community Development Lorie Fisher-Braly, SCTDD Executive Director Joe Max Williams, Wayne County Mayor Willard Pope, and Hickman County Mayor Steve Gregory.

The South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD), along with several member counties and cities, was honored with a 2004 Innovative Award by the National Association of Development Organizations.  The award recognizes the group’s work in establishing the Tennessee River Trails Association. The Association includes nine counties bordering the Tennessee River between Middle and West Tennessee.  Its goal is to boost economic growth for the area, whose per capita income is only two-thirds of the national figure.  The Association will focus on recreation, tourism, economic development, and community development to aid these counties.

“The SCTDD strives to support forward-thinking projects which benefit the people in our counties and cities.  We are honored to receive the Innovative Award for this project,” says Joe Max Williams, Executive Director of the SCTDD.  

 “Perry and Wayne Counties will greatly benefit from the Tennessee River Trails program, with maps of the trails, brochures, a Web site, and other marketing elements,” he adds.  “The group will promote the Natural Bridge, Shiloh, Martin Mills, and other historical sites.  Marketing efforts will also tie in the Natchez Trace Parkway, which already draws in 3.5 million visitors per year.  The Tennessee River attracts many people for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities, and the Association plans to develop more festivals, activities, hospitality, and craft shopping opportunities for tourists.  The net result will be an increase in revenues and jobs for the area.” 

The SCTDD includes 13 counties, whose mayors sit on its Board of Directors:  Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry, and Wayne.  Development Districts were established by the State of Tennessee so each city and county could receive help in community development and job creation, often with federal and state grant money. 

The SCTDD assists its member cities and counties with community development projects – including water/sewer systems, fire equipment, and parks; economic development efforts – such as infrastructure for industries and business loans to help create jobs; transportation – including vans and buses for public use; and programs for aging – such as senior centers and medical assistance.  Last year, the District submitted grant applications worth about $47 million, helped create or retain more than 400 jobs, and saw business investments of almost $24 million in its 13 counties.

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