Carter County Proud becoming an affiliate of a nationally-known organization is still in the cards.
Founder Ed Jordan and other members recently met with Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board this week to address the item of having the group be absorbed by the Chamber to be recognized under the Keep Tennessee Beautiful– a statewide chapter of the nationwide organization (Keep America Beautiful) that looks to promote environmental safety and grant opportunities to communities.
The discussions went smooth, according to Chamber Director Tonya Stevens, who expects the talks to continue soon.
“We appreciate what the members of Carter County Proud are doing in the community,” Stevens said. “There was a general agreement that this could be positive, but we just need more information before we can commit to a project like this.”
While agreeing the plan sounds positive, it comes down to seeing if everything matches up with what the Chamber can provide, Stevens said. If the affiliation comes through, “Keep Carter County Beautiful” would have to be operated by a staffed member from the Chamber.
“Before we take on any project, we want to make sure we have all the particular information in place,” Stevens said. “Business plans, the cost of operations … we want to ensure we have everything that’s available so we can make a fully-informed decision.”
Jordan contacted the Elizabethton Star and added the group is looking at developing a business plan and is hoping to have all the information in place before their next meeting with the Chamber.
Jordan went on to add that Milligan College has pledged their offer an intern to assist with Keep Carter County Beautiful if the transition occurs. Funding as also been procured by the group from both the city and the county. The overall amount to be part of the Keep America Beautiful organization is a one-time fee of  $4,000.
Since its inception, Carter County Proud has looked at implementing various litter programs and encouraged the public to get involved.