At the Governor's Conference in September, representatives from Dyersburg/Dyer County and the Chamber were on hand to receive the 26th consecutive Annual Three Star Award for Economic Preparedness. From left to right are: Commissioner Matt Kisber; Tammy Hall, Chamber VP of Finance and Administration; Tonya Traylor, Chamber VP of Research and Information Technology; Dyersburg Mayor John Holden; Chamber President/CEO Allen Hester; Gov. Phil Bredesen; Director of Main Street Dyersburg Steve Guttery; Dyer County Mayor Richard Hill; State Sen. Mark Norris; Chamber VC Business Development Don Crews; Chamber VC Community Development Paul T. Carson; and Assistant Commissioner Community Development Rick Meredith. [Click to enlarge]

"This designation is a sign of Dyersburg-Dyer County's tremendous hard work, and I am proud to offer my congratulations," said Kisber. "Strong community development is the basis for sustainable economic growth, and Dyer County has demonstrated their commitment to improvement by accepting and meeting Three-Star's challenging requirements. This dedication has yielded progress, and Dyer County is more prepared than ever for long-term success in the economic, and every other, arena."

Dyersburg-Dyer County is 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.

Gov. Phil Bredesen's five-year asset-based economic 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 89 counties and one city, represents more than 348 Tennessee cities, making this year's participation the largest ever.

"It's an honor for me to celebrate with Dyersburg-Dyer County in their achievement of the Three-Star certification," said ECD Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith. "Dyer County is truly making a strategic approach to economic development in their community, and its success in the Three-Star program is evidence that is poised for marked growth. ECD is proud to provide support to this forward-thinking community."

In order to receive the certification, communities are required to meet criteria in organizational, community, business, education and workforce development strategies.

Incentives for receiving the certification include identification on all FastTrack infrastructure and job-training applications; eligibility for matching grants, if criteria set by ECD are met; and the advantage of earning points in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

To find out more information about the Three-Star program, visit www.tnecd.gov.