Storm Impacted Counties Unite for Economic Recovery Following Hurricane Helene
- FTDD Staff
- May 1
- 3 min read
On Wednesday, April 30th, leaders from across Northeast Tennessee gathered at Grace Meadows Farm for the Economic Recovery Workshop, a collaborative event hosted by the First Tennessee Development District (FTDD) to address the region’s economic recovery following Hurricane Helene.
The morning opened with remarks from Mark Stevans, FTDD Deputy Director, who welcomed attendees to the scenic venue and set the tone for the day. “We are gathered in a place known for its beauty and community spirit — and that spirit is exactly what will drive our recovery efforts forward,” Stevans said. “The impacts on our local economies, businesses, and tourism have been significant — but equally significant is the opportunity we have before us: to build smarter, recover more resiliently, and ensure every community has a seat at the table.”
Stevans expressed gratitude to the event’s key partners, including FEMA, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Small Business Administration. He also recognized the vital roles played by county mayors, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, utilities, and the business community.
Dr. Olivia A. Scriven, Federal Disaster Recovery Officer with FEMA, delivered opening remarks, outlining the Economic Recovery Support Function and underscoring the importance of interagency coordination in long-term disaster recovery.
The workshop’s agenda featured a variety of sessions designed to provide attendees with practical tools and direct access to recovery resources:
A County Mayors’ Forum, moderated by Colleen Zaremba of FEMA, highlighted lessons learned and forward-looking strategies from local leaders. County Mayors Joe Grandy, Larry Potter, and Patty Woodby shared their insight and perspective on recovery in their communities.
The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Recovery Roundtable, led by Alicia Phelps of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, examined the challenges and creative solutions within the tourism sector. Panelists included Amanda Delp, Kendra Hopson, and Brent Lambert, leaders in the region's tourism field.
A panel on Assistance to Businesses, moderated by Brooxie Carlton of TNECD, included speakers from U.S. SBA, Erwin Utilities, and the Small Business Development Center, all focused on delivering financial, operational, and technical recovery support to local businesses.
A brief Q&A session followed, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with panelists, followed by a networking session featuring resource tables from key recovery organizations, including Red Cross, United Way, Long-Term Recovery Groups, and FEMA.
"The goal of today's workshop is to connect groups on a regional level, share resources, and learn about best practices on rebuilding across the region," explained Vicki Casteel, Disaster Recovery Coordinator at the FTDD. " She went on to add that “What we’ve seen today — from the perspectives of our county mayors, to the strategies shared by our tourism leaders, to the practical tools offered for supporting businesses and utilities — is a clear demonstration that recovery is not a solo act. It’s a team effort.”
The event emphasized that resilience is not just about “bouncing back,” but about moving forward with purpose. “Let’s carry forward the connections made today, the ideas exchanged, and the momentum we’ve built. Continue collaborating across sectors. And most of all, continue leading — because the work you do every day is what will shape the future of our region.” said Stevans.
The event concluded with a call to action: to maintain the dialogue, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and leverage the resources shared to support community-driven recovery.
For questions about the District's Disaster Recovery efforts, feel free to contact Vicki Casteel, vcasteel@ftdd.org.
For more information about this and other District news, visit www.ftdd.org/news.
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