Paris, Tenn.–Thanks to funding through the state of Tennessee’s ThreeStar program, Henry County High School’s culinary program has received student training and upgrades in equipment, including a commercial refrigerator, microwave, ice machine and dishwasher.
The Paris-Henry County Industrial Committee, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, recently completed the project. Henry County was awarded the $50,000 grant through a competitive process.
To address both workforce development and tourism needs, workshops were developed by Hospitality Consultant Helen Bayne from Murfreesboro. Bayne has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The workshops were offered to community service members at no cost to the participants.
Chamber CEO Travis McLeese said, “Tourism is our county’s second largest industry. By investing in the service industry, we are addressing a growing need. We hope that we will not only provide a better experience for our guests, but help to make our businesses more successful.”
According to Tara Wilson, Assistant Director with the Paris-Henry County Industrial Committee, “We were so grateful to be awarded this opportunity to offer such valuable training to the community, free of charge, while also helping to improve the supplies within the culinary program at Henry County High School. This project will better prepare students and service workers to deliver a positive experience to both tourists and residents of Henry County.”
ThreeStar promotes economic and community prosperity through collaboration to positively impact every Tennessean. To be eligible for ThreeStar grants, each county must meet all ThreeStar certification requirements, develop an asset-based strategic plan and design a program to implement a goal from its strategic plan.
Photo: From left, Tara Wilson, Teacher Jessica Lemons, Travis McLeese, Henry County Schools Career Education. (Chamber photo).