At the Highlands Economic Partnership, we are committed to creating sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both businesses and communities across the Upper Cumberland. A key aspect of our success comes from the partnerships we build with like-minded organizations that share our vision. One such vital partner is the Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association (MTIDA), a force driving industrial development across Middle Tennessee.
MTIDA: The Backbone of Industrial Development
Since its founding in 1962, MTIDA has been a cornerstone in Tennessee's industrial development landscape. Created to assist communities, counties, and businesses, MTIDA works tirelessly to attract industrial investment to Middle Tennessee. Their influence stretches across 40 counties, including the Highlands region, where they provide critical support in areas like:
Industrial Site Analysis: MTIDA offers comprehensive site evaluation services, helping communities determine the best use of their available land and resources.
Data Collection & Research: They provide businesses and economic developers with essential data on workforce availability, transportation infrastructure, and utility capacities, allowing for informed decision-making.
Marketing & Promotion: MTIDA works to market available industrial sites to potential investors and businesses, promoting the assets of Middle Tennessee.
MTIDA’s resources and expertise are indispensable for communities seeking to attract new business and industrial projects. Through their wide-reaching network and deep understanding of regional economics, they lay the foundation for successful industrial recruitment and long-term investment in our region.
A Synergistic Partnership with Highlands Economic Partnership
Our collaboration with MTIDA enables us to leverage their expertise in industrial development to further promote the Highlands region as a key destination for business expansion. Together, we work to attract companies, showcase available sites, and prepare the groundwork for investment and growth.
This partnership is particularly valuable in several key areas:
Strategic Site Selection and Marketing: MTIDA’s detailed analysis of available sites within the Highlands region helps us ensure that every piece of land is optimally utilized. They conduct in-depth research, gathering data on factors such as infrastructure, utility availability, transportation access, and environmental impact. This information is crucial as we present potential sites to prospective businesses.
Innovative Technologies - Drone Footage and 3D Renderings: One of the most recent innovations from our partnership was the use of drone technology to capture aerial footage of industrial sites, particularly at the Highlands Business Park. This state-of-the-art approach allows us to present dynamic views of available land that static images simply can’t match. The drone footage gives investors a clearer perspective of the land's layout, topography, and infrastructure. But we’re going beyond that—this footage can also be converted into 3D renderings, providing businesses with immersive, interactive tools to visualize potential developments on these sites. Such technology plays a pivotal role in helping businesses make confident decisions about where to invest.
Workforce Data and Economic Insights: MTIDA’s ability to gather and interpret workforce data has been a game-changer in our recruitment efforts. By highlighting local workforce strengths and gaps, MTIDA helps us paint a compelling picture of the region’s economic landscape, showing that the Highlands is not only rich in resources but also in talent. Their analysis provides vital information on labor availability, skills training, and educational resources, reinforcing the message that businesses coming to the Highlands will have access to a capable, ready workforce.
MTIDA’s Ongoing Role in Shaping the Future
As the business landscape continues to evolve, so does MTIDA's role in fostering regional economic development. With a focus on supporting infrastructure improvements, strengthening rural economies, and advancing technological innovations, MTIDA helps us ensure that the Highlands is future-ready. They actively work with local governments, utility providers, and private sector stakeholders to identify and secure funding for essential projects, such as roadways, utilities, and broadband—critical components that can make or break a site’s attractiveness to investors.
Through MTIDA’s advocacy and support, we have access to tools that enable long-term, sustainable growth for both urban and rural communities in our region. Their strategic vision is vital to maintaining a competitive edge in attracting new industries and retaining existing businesses in a rapidly changing economy.
Our Shared Vision for the Highlands’ Future
As we look forward to the future of economic development in the Highlands region, we know that partnerships like the one we have with MTIDA will continue to be crucial. Together, we are positioning the Highlands not just as a region for growth, but as a thriving hub of innovation, industrial success, and community resilience. With MTIDA’s continued support, we will remain at the forefront of development, ensuring that our businesses, workforce, and communities can compete and thrive in the years to come.
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