State Awards Innovation Grant To Cannon County

Governor Phil Bredesen has approved a $15,000 Three-Star Innovation Grant for the Cannon County Three-Star Program. The grant will be applied toward a community-wide web development project.

“Innovation Grants make it possible for Three-Star Programs to approach development opportunities in a new way,” Governor Bredesen said. “Laying a foundation of community excellence is at the heart of economic development, and these grants help bring that mission to life.”

The Three-Star Innovation Grant encourages Tennessee’s Three-Star communities to explore unique projects, programs, activities and technologies that enhance overall community or economic development.

“Innovation Grants are a valuable tool for communities who have ahead-of-the-curve ideas and just need a little help getting started,” Rep. Stratton Bone said. “Cannon County is so pleased to receive this grant, and we can’t wait to see the dividends this investment pays for our community.”

“The Governor and I are pleased to offer our support to these communities through the Innovation Grant,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Coming up with a creative way to address a challenge can be the most important step in the development process, and Cannon County has done just that.”
To receive the Innovation Grant, the community has agreed to provide a 10 percent match. The total project cost is $16,666.
The grant was approved following an application by the Cannon County Chamber of Commerce and has the support of local officials, along with Representative Stratton Bone and Senator Mae Beavers.

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.

The program helps communities preserve existing employment, create new employment opportunities, improve family income and develop a strong leadership base for economic development. Communities receiving certification as a Three-Star community have reached a variety of benchmarks in organizational, community, business, education and work force development categories.