The Strategic Economic Development Plan steering committee held its second in a series of meetings Thursday night with presentations made in the key segment areas of healthcare and education. Among the presenters were Denny DeNarvaez, President and CEO of Wellmont Health System; Bart Hove, President of Bristol Regional Medical Center; Keith Wilson representing the education committee of Networks Sullivan Partnership; and Dr. Gary Lilly, Director of the Bristol Tennessee City Schools. The committee has been tasked by the City Council to evaluate and understand where our future growth opportunities lay and to develop a strategy to successfully advance those areas. Included int he outcomes are to target our efforts more effectively, develop wide public and private support, and align key resources. A survey has also been developed to provide feedback on the job market, economy, and other relevant matters which will be used in the development of the plan. If you haven't taken the survey yet, we encourage you to do so at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LD3DSR3 . It takes just minutes to complete.
I want to encourage everyone to come to downtown Bristol this weekend for several events of interest including Art D'Vine, a gallery hop from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and the Farmers Market on Saturday morning where the best in locally grown produce and handmade crafts can be found. And speaking of locally grown produce, place on your calendar the "From Farm to Fork" event that is being hosted by Appalachian Sustainable Development at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday, July 27.
And finally, the good folks who provide technology support linked this blog with my Facebook page last night - City Manager Jeff Broughton. So now what I post links up there. I suspect that most everybody knew that anyway...but me.
Enjoy the weekend. peace to you.
