The annual Benchmarks edition of The Greeneville Sun begins in today's newspaper with the first two sections devoted to "Business & Industry" and "Government."

A one-of-a-kind reference, Benchmarks provides an extensive review, in six sections, of major developments of the past 12 to 14 months in Greeneville and Greene County.

A 16-page section today focuses on "Business & Industry."

Some of today's highlights in "Business & Industry" include:

* DTR Tennessee's winning of the coveted Volunteer STAR (Safety Through Accountability and Recognition) Award;

* Strong sales at Meco Corporation, and the celebration of the company's 50th anniversary;

* Inroads made in the tourism industry of Greene County during the past year, an area of increasing importance to the local economy.

Another 16-page section today takes a look at "Government."

Some of today's highlights in "Government" include:

* the beginning of the realignment project at Greeneville-Greene County Airport;

* the shift of power at the Greene County Election Commission from Democrat to Republican;

* the adoption of a Greeneville Regional Planning Commission 20-Year Plan.

On the following two Saturdays, the Sun will be publishing the four remaining Benchmarks sections.

Those sections will report on Agriculture (Section C), Health & Education (Section D), Community (Section E), and Perspectives (Section F).

The annual Benchmarks edition is designed to recall many of the most important local events of the preceding 12 to 14 months, ones that have "benchmark" significance for this community.

A copy of Benchmarks sections A and B will be distributed with each issue of today's newspaper.

In addition, copies of the complete six-section edition will be provided to the Greene County Partnership for distribution to anyone requesting information about the community.

Also, copies will be placed in town halls of all Greene County municipalities for distribution to those seeking local information.

Complete sets of Benchmarks 2010 will be available for purchase for $2 per set while supplies last at the Sun's circulation department.

Benchmarks will be available online at http://www.GreenevilleSun.com for the next 12 months.