State leaders talk West Tenn. rural economic growth

McKENZIE, Tenn. — State leaders met with local community members Thursday to discuss economic development in rural West Tennessee.

Inside the recently renovated Park Theatre in McKenzie, people from across West Tennessee talked about bringing jobs and businesses to the area.

Garlon Prewitt moved to Carroll County from California. “I’m here to learn everything I can,” he said.

The Tennessee departments of Agriculture, Economic and Community Development, and Financial Institutions hosted a roundtable Thursday. The purpose was to update people on programs and opportunities in rural areas plus get feedback about agriculture and forestry issues.

“We want to listen and see what people want us to do and see if we can adjust accordingly,” Tennessee Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Ed Harlan said.

Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Julius Johnson said there is additional state funding for rural economic development. “We’ll have more sites that are ready for small companies to come onto these properties,” he said.

Prewitt said the goal is to bring business and people to McKenzie. “I think this is the best-kept secret in Tennessee,” he said.

Representatives from other rural West Tennessee counties also attended Thursday’s event.