NEWPORT-If all goes well, the search for a new President of the Cocke County Partnership could soon conclude.

Economic Development Commission Chairman Keith Ketterman reported to board members Tuesday that a second interview has been scheduled with one of the candidates for the post.

"This one appears to be a good possibility," said Ketterman. "The candidate came in on the tail end of our search...sort of the way Don Hurst did. We hope it will work out. We should know next week."

Hurst stepped down last July in order take a similar position in Carter County.

Also during Tuesday's EDC meeting, interim EDC Director and Partnership Administrator Sherry Butler reported Cocke County has attained Benchmark 1 on the state's Three-Star program.

Butler said the county was certified last week and has actually already made great strides toward reaching Benchmark 2.

"We went ahead and looked at things we've done above and beyond Benchmark 1," she said. "We're four things from Benchmark 2...A housing committee and action plan, a community connections visit, having a land use and transportation plan and meeting planning commission standards in Parrottsville.

"Parrottsville Mayor Ronnie Hommel said the town has a planning commission but only has three members and seven are required."

Hommel said he could look at adding more members.

Butler, however, said Hommel might want to wait.

"We met in Nashville and discussed this situation," said Butler. "We talked about having some exemptions for towns with revenues less than $100,000. That could change the perspective for next year."

Butler said the Three-Star awards will be presented in Nashville on Sept. 15.

Butler also reported that Lisega announced it will take ownership of its building in the industrial park and place the facility on the market.

Lisega's 15-year lease ended Aug. 1. Butler said there is a $19,000 loan on the property and an additional loan with TVA for $10,000. Butler added, however, "$106,000 remains in an account set aside to pay off the debts."

In concluding, Butler said a prospect is very interested in the spec building at the industrial park.

"This is the most positive one we've had," she said. "They've been back three times and they're trying to determine if they can retrofit the building for their operation.

"If it will work, they want to be in the building within 90 days so this could move along fast."

The company would use the building as a warehouse and distribution facility.

The final discussion of Tuesday's meeting concerned a new position with the city of Newport.

Ketterman questioned City Manager Scott Collins concerning the city's pursuit of a community development coordinator.

"I'm a little concerned," said Ketterman. "Several years ago we would have people with the city and the county go to Nashville and no one would listen to us. We have a good ear down there right now and I don't want anything to change that."

"This actually would be a project coordinator," responded Collins. "Their main focus would be on Main Street and Riverfront development. We think this would be a complement to the EDC."