Sequatchie County and Dunlap Chamber of Commerce

by

Winston Pickett

9  February 2010

The Chamber office received a news release stating Governor Phil Bredesen announced CoverKids would resume enrollment March 1. This is a program for uninsured children this program was suspended last year when the membership reached the maximum that could be supported by the current budget. Bredesen’s proposed budget for FY 2010-2011 includes an additional $13.1 million in recurring state dollars to continue the Coverkids program next fiscal year. For three years children across Tennessee have benefited from the quality coverage provided through CoverKids. In addition to the new state appropriation, $41.5 million in federal funds will come to Tennessee as a result of the state’s increased contribution. Coverkids is a program of Cover Tennessee, Bredesen’s initiative to address health care needs of Tennessee’s uninsured. It offers three other programs including CoverTn, a limited benefit health plan for working uninsured; AccessTN, which offers comprehensive health insurance for those who are uninsurable due to pre-existing medical conditions; and CoverRX, which provides access to affordable prescriptions for Tennesseans who lack pharmacy benefits. For more information about Cover Tennessee programs, visit www.coverTn.gov or call 1-866-COVERTN.

The last open meeting for those interested in the golf course project was held Saturday, February 13^th. Approximately 30 individuals received information from myself, Claude Lewis, Roger Bott, Attorney Keith Davis and current owner Bill Willis. For more information contact the Chamber office or Keith Davis at Austin, Davis & Mitchell Attorneys at Law, 109 Cherry Street East.

The new metal recycling center is open for business and located between the Kangaroo Station and Hwy 111.

We had a visit from Rick Layne, Assistant Director of Southeast Development District.

This district covers 10 counties in southeast Tennessee, 10 in North Georgia and 2 in Southeast counties of North Carolina. Their office is in Chattanooga. Tennessee. It is always encouraging to see Sequatchie County High School graduates that have gone on to serve their county well.

The SCHS alumni social event will be held February 27^th from 7:00 to 12:00 P. M. central time at the National Guard Armory here in Dunlap.

The chamber is still selling bricks and we have a partial order to submit. If anyone is interested come by the chamber office. The bricks are $100.00.