By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
UPPER CUMBERLAND–The October meeting of the Upper Cumberland Women’s Club will be held on Oct. 14 at the Cookeville Art Studio & Gallery in Cookeville. The meeting will begin at noon (CST).
All professional women in the area are invited to learn more about economic and community development in the region. Guest speaker will be Amy New, President and CEO of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
New earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration at Tennessee Tech University and recently completed her Master of Leadership and Public Policy degree at Lipscomb University as the first-ever Haslam Scholar.
New’s professional career has been very diverse. She was Director of Programs for Vanderbilt University, and served as the first Rural Economic and Community Development Assistant Commissioner of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) under Gov. Bill Haslam.
Under New’s leadership, TNECD launched an $8 million dollar Rural Development fund, with The Rural Economic Opportunity (REO) Act of 2016 adding an additional $45 Million in program funds. She also assisted in the restructuring of the job tax credit, making it more accessible to small business.
A native of Monterey, New was raised on a tobacco, cattle and hog farm. She was exposed early to hard work, the importance of agriculture, public service and what it means to give back to the community. She now resides in Cookeville with her husband, Jake, and their two daughters, Lily Kate and Sadie Belle.
The price for the luncheon will be $15.00 payable at the door. The luncheon will feature a Blue Coast Burrito taco bar. Extra donations for the annual scholarship/benevolent fund are always welcome. To RSVP, email ucwomensclub@gmail.com or call 931-265-1959.
Cookeville Art Studio & Gallery is located at 186 S. Walnut Ave. in Cookeville.
