THE JOBS NOW! PROGRAM OF WORK
Overview . Program Plan . Investors . Team
This unique economic development program has a unified regional work plan that utilizes an unprecedented partnership between the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency, the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and the Oak Ridge Economic Partnership.
Download the entire plan here.
2007 JOBS NOW! PROGRAM PLAN SUMMARY
Program Elements
- Marketing & Business Recruitment
- Business Retention & Expansion
- Business Start-Up Programs
- Program-Wide Technology Strategy
1. Marketing & Business Recruitment
- Target “good fit” business sectors in less competitive regions, site consultants in project rich markets.
- Utilize vertically integrated channels to communicate our message, promote and reinforce the brand: the internet, communications, media, events, and direct contact. Emphasis on the internet and direct contact.
- Service the customer after the sale: make cuts and close deals by expanding an ongoing follow-up and fulfillment strategy.
2. Business Retention & Expansion
- Refine the message by creating collateral material describing the region’s existing industry services.
- Identify and prioritize companies that show the greatest propensity to grow or relocate.
- Communicate the benefits of existing industry services, Technology Mining and Matching and workforce development.
- Treat competitive expansions like new prospects: make the cut and close the deal utilizing the business recruitment follow-up and fulfillment strategy.
3. Business Start-Up Programs
- Support the cost of a staff consultant to the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. TSBDC helps small businesses with everything from feasibility and business plans to marketing strategy and trade marking.
- Foster efforts of the Innovation Valley Nano Alliance at Technology 2020. The Nano Alliance focuses on the areas required to capitalize on the region’s new nanotech assets: building a local nanotechnology community, business development, organic growth; and building a pipeline of talent.
4. Program-Wide Technology Strategy
- Forge alliances and work with UT, ORNL (UT-Battelle) and Y-12 (BWXT) to effectively leverage their available technology resources.
- Integrate technology into the every aspect of the Jobs Now! Program Plan.
