Communities Coming Together to Build a Stronger East Tennessee

Plan East Tennessee (PlanET), a three-year regional planning initiative for Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Union Counties, is hosting a series of six Community Forums beginning Monday, November 14 through Thursday, November 17. Open to everyone, participants will be asked to share their perceptions of strengths and challenges presently facing their communities, looking at topics like job growth, housing, transportation, clean environment, and community health.

Each two-hour forum will engage participants in small-group activities, using teamwork software and a public polling tool, called Brainstorm Anywhere. Group members will be able to toss ideas around for discussion and evaluation and share those ideas with the larger gathering, all in real time.

The forums are an opportunity to have a voice in the long-term success of the region. Sessions will be held in each of the five counties comprising the region, and residents from all areas are welcome to attend any and all meetings.

Everyone is encouraged to join us and to spread the word about the schedule of events:

Knox County: November 14th, 11:00am
East Tennessee History Center
601 South Gay Street, Knoxville

Anderson County: November 15th, 5:30pm
Alex Haley Farm
1000 Alex Haley Lane, Clinton

Knox County: November 16th, 6:30pm
STEM Academy, Haslam Commons
800 Worlds Fair Park Drive, Knoxville

Blount County: November 14th, 6:00pm
Maryville College
Clayton Center for the Arts, Main Foyer
502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville

Union County: November 15th, 7:00pm
Plainview Community Center
Plainview City Hall
1037 Tazewell Pike, Luttrell

Loudon County: November 17th, 6:00pm
Loudon County Technology Center
4380 Harrison Road, Lenoir City

Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each forum.

PlanET is a regional partnership of local governments, economic development agencies, non-profit organizations, and citizens working together to address the long-term needs for the 16 cities, four towns, and many communities in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Union Counties. The partnership encourages participation from residents of all communities throughout the region.

For additional information about PlanET and the forums, visit us online at www.planeasttn.orgor call (865) 215-2500.