ECD Partnership

In 2007, TNCPE and the Tennessee Three-Star Program entered into a partnership to provide services to communities in the state.

Administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Three-Star Program assists local communities in their efforts to achieve excellence in community and economic development. Participating communities are guided through a comprehensive plan of essential criteria developed by local economic development professionals and a cooperative collaboration of various state agencies. These combined efforts have made the Three-Star Program an important component of the state’s economic development strategy.

Communities participating in the Three-Star program benefit from the TNCPE partnership by receiving free resources provided through TNCPE.

TNCPE uses the Criteria for Performance Excellence to assess the strategic plans developed by communities that participate in the Three-Star program. In addition, TNCPE provides coaching and feedback to help the communities implement and improve their plans. 

Focusing on leadership, strategic planning, customers, measurement systems, workforce development, process management and results, the partnership will help communities become more attractive to new business, building stronger communities with more diverse economies and greater job opportunities.

Applying for the TNCPE/Three-Star Program

Three-Star Communities: If you’re a community leader from a Three-Star community, and you’re interested in using TNCPE tools to strengthen your economic development initiatives, please contact Katie Rawls, TNCPE president, for guidance: (800) 453-6474.

Other Communities: If you’re a community leader interested in learning more about the Three-Star Program, please visit the Three-Star Web site or contact Melinda Keifer, director, Three-Star program: (615) 741-2373.