NEWPORT-It should be an ideal marriage. At Monday's Cocke County Partnership Board of Directors' meeting, representatives from the organization's 16 partnership groups first presented monthly reports of their activities and work. Nearly every person expressed a need for volunteer help. Next on the agenda were Tina Williamson and Shawna Murrell, Cosby High School teachers and co-advisors of Cosby Academy, who told the group about that organization's history and purpose. According to Murrell, all Cosby High School students are eligible to join the Academy, which she described as "a work-hard program." Among the Academy's requirements are the completion of numerous hours of community service. "Sophomores must complete 50 hours of service, juniors 75 hours, and seniors 100 hours," said Williamson. To date, the group has helped clean and renovate Sunset Gap Community Center, assisted with local Bible schools, and this spring, worked with the production of "Under the Apple Trees." With Murrell and Williamson on Monday was rising Cosby High School senior Nikki Way, Cosby Academy member who was part of the cast of "Under the Apple Trees." Several other students assisted at each performance. "With so many members," explained Williamson, "we are in need of projects for our students to do."At the close of Monday's meeting, community group representatives converged on Murrell and Williamson to discuss possible work.Staff reports were given by Cocke County Tourism Director Linda Lewanski, Newport/Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations Kandee Veridal, and Cocke County Partnership Vice-President of Operations Sherry Butler. Lewanski told the group that National Tourism Month had been celebrated locally with Tourism Day at Hartford's Tennessee Welcome Center. "We welcomed over 500 people to Cocke County that day," said Lewanski, "and gave out Carver's fried pies and locally bottled water. David McClary and Dan Gathercole provided music, and Tony and Vernell Holt displayed their bees. Other counties present were Grainger, Hamblen, and Jefferson." Lewanski's office was also active in the recent Cosby in the Park celebration. She served as a safety committee member when Cocke County's 12 rafting posts were visited recently. "We're preparing for our new year," said Lewanski. "Our billboard campaign, which depends on matching grants, was very successful." Lewanski also reminded the group of the upcoming visit to Cocke County by members of the Christy Fan Club. Set for June 18, this year's gathering will celebrate the centennial of Leonora Whitaker's arrival in Del Rio, where she taught at a Presbyterian mission school. Her work there was immortalized in her daughter Catherine Marshall's novel Christy. Among the special guests on June 18 will be Marshall's son Peter Marshall, who will speak at Ebenezer Baptist Church.Veridal announced that seven new members have joined the Chamber of Commerce: Smoky Mountain Cast Stone, Lakeway Pallet, Aaron's, Renew Clean Out & Cleanup Services, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, White's Monuments, and Craig Martin Construction. Veridal reminded members of several upcoming events, including the annual VIP picnic on June 23, a lender-training seminar on June 25, and Hometown Celebration on July 3. Twenty-five relocation packets have been mailed by the Chamber of Commerce office during the last month, according to Veridal. In her report, Butler told the group that the EDC continues to meet with existing industries. "This is a slow process," Butler explained. "We're finding out about their needs and other things." Butler also said her office is working with an existing industry who is interested in leasing one of the Partnership's building for future expansion. "Their business is good," said Butler, "in spite of the economic downturn."She also said the rail spur project has been completed and thanked Phoenix Closures for their cooperation. "We are ready for our Three Star review later this month," Butler said. The board accepted the nominating committee's recommendations for 2009-2010 officers: Chairman Tommy Bible; Vice-chairman Patti Ketterman; and Secretary/Treasurer Annette Mason. They also appointed the following at-large directors: Calisse Finchum (manufacturing), Lonnie Jones (banking), Annette Mason (lodging), and Tommy Bible (utilities), all for one-year terms.