Business

A partnership between two regional non-profit organizations and USDA Rural Development is helping West Tennessee veterans find jobs. Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode says the partnership is between Memphis Bioworks Foundation and the Crockett Policy Institute. The USDA is providing a $30,000 grant. The collaboration will establish a network of support organizations, a comprehensive database and outreach programs to help veterans find jobs in the energy sector.

A national group that has pushed expanding broadband access in other southern states is now focusing on Kentucky. Citizens for a Digital Future is opening a Kentucky chapter to help advocate for these issues with lawmakers and private businesses. The group’s Kentucky director, Gary Gerdemann, says a lack of wireless options is affecting businesses and education.

The more than 700 employees at the DuPont Titanium Dioxide plant in New Johnsonville, Tennessee will not lose their jobs according to Public Affairs spokesman David Hastings. The chemical maker is cutting 1,500 jobs throughout the company after a third quarter in which earnings fell sharply. The company reported net income of $10 million today, compared with $452 million for the same period last year. CEO Ellen Kullman said weaker than expected demand in titanium dioxide and photovoltaic markets contributed to the decline.

What’s good for one is good for all. That was the philosophy that led to the formation a few years ago of the Ken-Tenn Regional Alliance. It’s an economic partnership organization formed between Fulton, Hickman, and Carlisle counties in Kentucky, and Lake, Obion, and Weakley counties in Tennessee. KTRA was designed to focus on promoting the region’s shared assets, and building infrastructure.  KTRA’s new executive director Hollie Holt joined Angela Hatton in the WKMS studios.

Ameren Illinois officials say consumers should expect natural gas prices this winter to be similar to last year’s prices. The Peoria-based gas delivery company serves 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers in southern and central Illinois. Ameren gas supply manager Ken Dothage says prices should stay the same this winter because North American gas supply has increased. He says slower U.S. and global economies along with a decreased worldwide demand for energy also play a role in the steady price of natural gas.