NEWPORT-The morning was cold, but the meeting was lively when members of Cocke County Partnership's executive committee gathered Monday at Mountain Crest Inn for their first meeting of 2009.

Chairman Tommy Bible and his fellow board members heard reports from nearly all partnering organizations, including the Cocke County Education Foundation/Education Committee, Leadership Cocke County, Cocke County Health Council, Keep Cocke County Beautiful, Newport Theatre Guild, Downtown Newport Association, Cocke County Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Cocke County Museum, Library Friends, Cocke County Senior Citizens Center/Office on Aging, Parrottsville Business Association, and Cocke County Relay for Life.

According to Bible, the Cocke County Education Foundation recently received two more donations for the Imagination Library, including a check from US Bank for $2,500 and a $500 donation from Unified Marine. "This brings the total amount for Imagination Library to approximately $48,000," said Bible, "as part of a two-year campaign."

Don Ellison introduced Elizabeth Reed, new chair of Cocke County Leadership. Reed told the group that additional officers for this year include Tina Kilgore, vice-chairman, Diana McGaha, secretary, and Linda Leslie, treasurer. New board members include Lula Ozmun, Dorie McKinney, Linda Lewanski, Linda Heinzelman, and Steve Tweed. Heinzelman will serve as facilitator for the 2009 class.

She also said that group set the agenda for the 2009 Leadership Class during a meeting this past Saturday. "Applications for the 2009 class will go out this week," said Reed. "Anyone wishing to apply should contact a member of the board."

Ellison, speaking for the Cocke County Health Council, said plans continue to be made for this summer's RAM event, set for July. "Frances Miller is chairing this project. We need supplies, volunteers, and monetary donations," said Ellison.

He said the group expects to perform over 1,200 free medical procedures.

Reed also reported for Keep Cocke County Beautiful, saying that market funding for recycling is down over 50 percent from last year, a reflection of the sagging economy. "We've gone from receiving over $100 per ton to less than $50 a ton," Reed said.

She also announced her office is preparing for the annual Great American Clean-up campaign, which starts March 1.

The Newport Theatre Guild recently held auditions for its spring production "First Baptist Church at Ivy Gap," according to Duay O'Neil. "Announcement of the cast is expected this week," he said.

Jennifer Wilson, Cocke County Partnership President, reported on the activities of Downtown Newport Association. "This group is currently working to re-establish itself," she said. "Aaron McMahan is serving as president and meetings are being held to review the by-laws and get officers in place."

Carlene Robinson told the group that Cocke County Habitat for Humanity recently dedicated its 16th house and that footers have been poured for its 17th house.

Ellison, representing Cocke County American Red Cross, said that plans are moving along for the second annual Spring in the Mountains festival, a fundraiser for the group. "This year we will be at Parrottsville's city park," said Ellison, "on June 5-7. On Saturday we will concurrently celebrate Parrottsville's Saturday Night in the Park."

O'Neil announced that the Cocke County Museum will hold a juried quilt show in May and that plans are underway for a later exhibit dedicated to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's 75th anniversary.

He also reported for Library Friends. "We're like everyone else," he said, "in that funds are short. Please support our monthly book sales held the first Saturday of each month."

Robinson, director of Cocke County Senior Citizens Center/Office on Aging, revealed that 42 new members joined the group in December.

"We hosted over 90 people for our Christmas party," she continued, "and next year will probably have to go off-site to accommodate our growing numbers."

Robinson said goals for her group this year include getting an Elder Watch program in place, the completion of a senior directory, more focus on health screenings, and an additional increase in membership of 100 or more.

Fred Beaver, representing the Parrottsville Business Association, announced two projects for that group. "We want to meet with state officials about signage on the new by-pass," said Beaver. "Also, we're investigating the possibility of an electronic sign which would announce such activities as church gatherings and club meetings."

O'Neil also reported for Cocke County Relay for Life, saying that the group will receive awards later this month for their success last year. "More importantly, though," he continued, "is our continuing work this year. Our teams are up and running and will be contacting you soon."

Reports were also heard from Cocke County Tourism, Newport/Cocke County Chamber of Commerce, and Cocke County EDC.

Tourism Director Linda Lewanski said that she continues to work with Blount and Sevier Counties on "Gateway Green," an event set for Jan. 29 at Walters State Community College. "Our own Elizabeth Reed will serve on a panel for Keep America Beautiful," she said.

Lewanski also told the group that David McClary and fellow musicians had successfully launched the first Mountain Strings gathering at East Tennessee Coffee Company. "The next gathering will be Saturday, Feb. 7," she said.

"We had a travel writer from Blue Ridge Country magazine here during the holidays," she continued. "He and his family will return on January 23 and 24 as he works on a story about family fun from Greeneville to Gatlinburg."

Lewanski also praised Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, who joined Get Real as a sponsor.

"We will choose the company for our Gems of Appalachia project this week. We had four proposals submitted," she said.

Lewanski will also be speaking to the Cosby Youth Leadership class this Thursday, and will be in Nashville for a conference later in January. "I also attended the Salvation Army board meeting in Sevierville, and look forward to working with them to see how they can improve their services to Cocke County," she ended.

Kandee Veridal, Cocke County Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations, said several individuals had contacted her office regarding small business loan opportunities offered by the state.

"We're also working hard getting ready for this year's Partnership banquet this Friday night," she said.

Veridal also said she had attended last Friday's annual Newport Rescue Squad banquet. "We presented them with a plaque of appreciation for all their help with our various projects," she said.

"All Seasons Realty, located at 2915 Cosby Highway, will have a grand opening on January 29," she concluded. "Everyone try to attend and support them."

Jennifer Wilson, Cocke County Partnership President, reported, "Project activity is slow, which is no surprise. But I see this as a time of opportunity. We can work on our marketing efforts and develop our workforce education efforts. I will be working with the city on this."

"Sherry Butler is organizing two economic development seminars, one for leadership and one for prospects," she continued. "We'll soon schedule a committee meeting to form a Housing Committee."

"Also, Katie Proffitt is working on a commercial property inventory, so that we will know what properties are available and also see what our needs are. I am currently visiting our area industries. We are reviewing our strategic plan."

Wilson also encouraged the group to attend local events, such as ribbon-cuttings. "I know everyone is busy, but it is important that we show one another our support."

Bible appointed Annette Mason to chair the Industrial Relations Committee and Lonnie Jones as chairman of the Personnel Policy Review Committee.

Butler asked the group's nominating committee to submit a name for someone to replace Jeff Poore, who recently left the board.