BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — The number of businesses and developments in Blount County business is on the rise, according to the Blount Partnership. Last year marked a year filled with new developments from housing projects to big-name businesses. And the work is not done yet — there are more projects coming in 2023.
The Blount Partnership said this year, investors and county leaders are looking to bring more hotels and renovate older buildings across the area. They said they are focused on creating a sustainable community.
"We've got good businesses here, we've got good jobs here. Now we're really working on community development," Muir said.
He said community leaders want to attract and maintain young people in the area. They are looking to implement a friendly environment with a range of businesses that serve the community.
"The county is trying to attract definitely the younger generation people, people in their young 20s, 30s, people just starting out trying to build some families," he said.
He also said investors are looking to make Blount County a hub for people to live, work and relax by building a lively entertainment scene.
"Having new entertainment venues, having more restaurants and that type of stuff, and make things walkable. Really take advantage of our green spaces," Muir said.
Both Downtown Maryville and Alcoa are already seeing changes, including new condominiums and big brand names calling it home.
The new headquarters for the gun manufacturing company Smith & Wesson is under construction. A new Amazon fulfillment center is also being built off Alcoa highway, set to open before summer 2023.
The partnership says Amazon is expected to be one of the biggest providers in the area.
"They really are invested in the community, and it's an investment in their life and in the things that they've gathered from this community," he said.