The 13-member Three-Star Advisory Council meet recently to discuss initiatives and best practices of the Three-Star program. Brownsville's Director of Economic and Community Development Anne Banks, center, is a member of the council.

Banks member of State's Three-Star Advisory Council

The Governor’s Three-Star Advisory Council recently met in Nashville to discuss the community development program’s best practices, initiatives and new developments. Anne Banks, Brownsville’s Director of Economic and Community Development, was among the 13-member council who talked about strengths and improvements to help maintain and advance the Three-Star program’s success.

“Economic environments are always changing, and we must make the necessary adjustments to stay competitive,” said Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber. “Creating an avenue for community leaders to come together and share their strategies and resources for success ensures our state as a whole is prepared to attract new businesses and help existing industries grow.”

The council discussed new benchmark requirements and streamlining the program guidelines. Counties represented in the advisory council include:

• Bedford County and Shelbyville, Walt Wood

• Bradley County and Cleveland, Amy Conley-Moore

• Cannon County and Woodbury, Cliff Swoape

• Cocke County, Sherry Butler

• Franklin County, Judy Taylor

• Gibson County, Jim Blankenship

• Hawkins County, Nancy Barker

• Haywood County, Anne Banks

• Lauderdale County and Ripley, Lisa Hankins

• Lewis County and Hohenwald, Philip Griner

• Knox County, Daryl Brady

• Warren County and McMinnville, Neal Cox

• Wilson County, Sue Vanatta

“All of these individuals have a strong community development background and we value their ideas and feedback,” said ECD Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith. “We appreciate their time and service and look forward to implementing programs that can enhance the Three-Star program.”

The Three-Star program assists communities in preserving existing employment, creating new employment opportunities, improving family income and creating a strong leadership base for economic development. The program has steadily grown as communities work with the state to enhance their appeal as locations for new business and industry.

In 2006, 83 counties and four cities in Tennessee were certified through the Three-Star Program. The Southern Growth Policies Board, a bipartisan public policy think tank devoted to strengthening the South's economy, has recognized the Three-Star program as a best practices program and Southern leader in community certification programs.