Partners of theCherokee made a rare special presentation to a Newport business leader in lateMay at the new natural resource center off Highway 321/73 at Edwina.

Partners PresidentGary Schneiderrecognized National Bank of Tennessee President Keith Ketterman for his supportof the Cherokee National Forest and conservation efforts. Kettermanreceived a "Walking with Partners of Cherokee National Forest" award.

"We appreciateyour leadership," said Schneider,noting that one out of five acres in Cocke County is part of the CherokeeNational Forest, and Cocke County is one of 10 comprising the 650,000-acreforest.

Ketterman said,"It's a pleasure for us to be a small part of the progress. We appreciatewhat the Partners do and hope to support you whenever we can."

National Bank andKetterman have been long-time supporters of the national and state forestprogram. Schneiderrecalled that in 2006 the bank made a $10,000 donation to the Partners-one ofits first significant contributions.

Dr. Gary Schneider, former dean of theUniversity of Tennessee College of Agriculture and President of Partners,commented that the National Bank had provided leadership in advancing thenatural resource asset represented by Cherokee National Forest in CockeCounty.  Cherokee is the largest singletract of public land in Tennessee and 49,523 of those acres represent nearly 18percent of the total land area that comprises Cocke County.  Cocke Co. sits in the middle of the Northernand Southern districts of the Forest and is the I-40 entrance to the State ofTennessee.

Thousands of visitors each month stopat the Hartford Welcome Center and request information on local attractions, suggestedeating and lodging facilities and shopping opportunities.  The Tennessee Welcome Center is located onNational Forest land made available to the state for this facility.

Dr. Schneider praised National Bank forits contribution to economic activity during this critical fiscal time forindividuals and government agencies.

Ketterman said the directors and employeesof the bank are pleased to partner with Cherokee. "I understand a TennesseeGulf Trail is being considered to transverse the Cherokee and Martha SundquistForest. We are excited with this possibility and think the view shed of theAppalachian Trail would encourage our students and adults to get to know ourCocke County natural resources," he said.

Cherokee NFS, state Dept. of Forestryofficials, and board members of Partners witnessed the presentation during thebeginning of the quarterly board meeting in May.