The Greene County Partnership will be honoring local industries at an invitation-only industry appreciation reception on Monday, Nov., 16, at the Link Hills Country Club.

A GCP anouncement said, "Congressman Phil Roe, R-1st, of Johnson City, Kingsley Brock, administrator of Business Development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and other state, regional and local elected officials and economic development leaders will join the Greene County Partnership in honoring local industry."

A press release said, "The reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. and feature light hors d'oeuvres. It will provide a casual atmosphere in which industry officials can talk with state, local and regional leaders about topics they feel are important to their businesses.

Randy Harrell, the Partnership's president, said, "Over the course of the past several years, local industries have been recognized and honored for their tremendous contributions to our community in a variety of ways, from receptions to golf tournaments.

"We wanted to plan an event that would be beneficial to the industries as well as honor them, so, after discussing the event with local industrial leaders, we have designed the event around their requests.

"The Partnership is inviting economic development leaders and elected officials from across the state and the area to this reception to provide a forum in which the industrial representatives can discuss their concerns one-on-one with state and local leaders.

"We have eight local and area businesses that have stepped forward to sponsor this very important occasion, and the sponsorships remain open.

"We intend to extend an invitation to each sponsor to join our industrial leaders and elected officials for the evening to assist us in honoring our guests," Harrell said.

Bob Grubbs, chairman of the GCP's board of directors, elaborated on the importance of showing gratitude to local industries, as well as the sponsors who will make this event possible.

He said, "It's very important, especially in difficult economic times, to openly show our appreciation to our industries for the solid economic base they provide to this community.

"This reception is a perfect venue through which recognition and gratitude can be shown for the many, many contributions they make to our community.

"We also need to recognize our sponsors who so readily realize the importance of manufacturing jobs in our county and view this as an opportunity to personally thank them for their outstanding contributions, exceptional performance and continued dedication and commitment to Greeneville and Greene County."

Sponsors for the event include C&C Millwright Maintenance, Greeneville Collection Services, Ready Mix USA, Transport Technologies, Greeneville Light & Power System, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, Laughlin Memorial Hospital and Rodefer Moss & Co.