NETWORKS revamps its marketing plans

By Rick Wagner
Published December 26th, 2008


KINGSPORT — Sullivan County’s joint economic development effort has revamped its marketing plans for 2009.

But it may not be done quite yet.

The group remains focused on a rifle approach of targeting selected prospects rather than a broad-based, shotgun approach.

However, NETWORKS officials are still seeking input for what areas should be targeted in its rifle sites, so to speak.

Jack Lawson, director of economic development for the NETWORKS — Sullivan Partnership, outlined the in-progress marketing plan at the December NETWORKS board meeting.

After the presentation, he handed out questionnaires seeking input from board members on how NETWORKS should prioritize its marketing efforts, including revamping the NETWORKS Web site and targeting of specific clusters such as automotive and pharmaceuticals.

Lawson and Keith Wilson, chairman of the NETWORKS board and publisher of the Kingsport Times-News, said the results will be compiled and presented for possible inclusion in the NETWORKS draft marketing plan.

Setting priorities

NETWORKS, a joint effort of Sullivan County, Kingsport, Bristol, Tenn., and Bluff City, is asking what percentage of its marketing should go toward automotive parts and components and a list of other industries: metal products, plastics, telecommunications, electronics, printing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, aviation-related industries or other suggested industries.

“It was sort of a follow-up to the strategic plan we did last year,” Lawson said. “We don’t have that big a budget so we have to be careful where we put our money.”

More than half of NETWORKS 2008-09 marketing and travel budget of nearly $193,000 goes to the Regional Business Alliance, a regional umbrella marketing organization.

Richard Venable, chief executive officer of NETWORKS and a former Sullivan County mayor and former Tennessee state House member, said NETWORKS wants to work closely with others marketing the region. More here.