U.S. Representative Stephen Fincher and USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode today joined local leaders to celebrate selection of the City of Martin for a $40,000 grant to be used to strategically recruit and enhance area retail business.
"In January, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the expansion into Tennessee of the StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity strategy of partnering public resources with local expertise to grow rural economies,” said Goode. “This project combines the resources of Delta Regional Authority (DRA), USDA, and the City of Martin to create jobs and improve the lives of our rural citizens.”
The DRA/USDA grant will allow the City of Martin to conduct a retail market analysis, develop a strategic plan, and implement the plan to actively recruit new retail to the city as well as assist existing retail businesses.
Others participating in the event included Field Representative for Senator Lamar Alexander Matt Varino, Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum, City of Martin Mayor Randy Brundige, City of Martin Community Development Director Brad Thompson, Executive Director Weakley County Chamber of Commerce Barbara Virgin, University of Tennessee at Martin Foundation Director Andy Wilson and USDA RD staff.
USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, infrastructure, community development, health, education, homeownership and affordable rental housing to improve the economic health of rural communities. During the last four years the agency has assisted more than 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses in 158 communities, investing more than $3.7 Billion into local economies through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in Northwest Tennessee contact the Union City Area Office at 731-885-6480 x4, or 800-342-3149 x1497. Visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/TN.