Originally the Dayton - Rhea County Economic Development Council, the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council (RETC) was created in 1986 and is the primary agency responsible for recruiting new industry, and providing assistance to existing industries with expansions. Information on available buildings, industrial property, training, and other available programs can be obtained by calling 423/775-6171.

The Council is a public/private partnership governed by a 31-member board made up of Rhea County citizens and elected officials. The Council has 3 government-funding agencies, and 48 members from the private sector. The Board's 3 officers and 10 members of the Board comprise the Executive Committee. The Council also serves as the Joint Economic & Community Development (or Growth Plan) Board.

The Council regularly advertises Rhea County's advantages, its industrial parks, and its available buildings in various trade journals and State Economic Development publications. And in 2005, the RETC reinstated the Industry Appreciation Day-a day to honor all industry in the County and to recognize their contribution to the community.

The Council's Executive Director is Raymond Walker. A former State Representative, (retired in 2004), Mr. Walker was a House member of the 100th, 102nd and 103rd General Assemblies (1996-2004), represented the 25th District (Rhea, Cumberland, and Bledsoe Counties), and was a member of the House Commerce Committee, Industrial Impact of Commerce, Finance, Ways and Means, and TennCare Oversight Committee.

In Rhea County, he served as a member of the Industrial Development Board for 19 years, and the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council for 8 years. Mr. Walker was instrumental in helping with the completion of the four-lane Highway 27 and Washington and Blythe's Ferry bridges (Highways 30 and 60, respectively) over the Tennessee River, and helped secure numerous grants for industries in Rhea County.

Rhea Economic & Tourism Council
Rhea County Welcome Center
107 Main Street, Dayton, TN 37321
423-775-6171 (Office)
423-570-0105 (Fax)
http://www.rheacountyetc.com
E-mail: director@rheacountyetc.com