Greeneville, TN: A group of visionaries led by entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist Scott M.Niswonger will launch its extraordinary plan to turn the town of Greeneville into a fresh, economically sustainable model for small-town America on September 6, 2007 at the historic General Morgan Inn located in downtown Greeneville.

The 4:40 pm press conference will provide the media with a detailed outline of the group's vision for Greeneville, including its comprehensive plan to transform this Northeast Tennessee town into a desirable community for a "new generation of 21st century pioneers."

Using Niswonger's proven economic model of "Learn, Earn and Return" as its fundamental philosophy, the group plans to build upon the vast contributions Niswonger has already made to the community.

"Small town America has experienced an emigration of its young talent for generations as the best and the brightest relocate to metropolitan areas," Niswonger says. "The Learn, Earn and Return model is a viable way to reverse that process and bring a new generation of technological pioneers back to the frontier."

Niswonger's first step was to establish the Niswonger Foundationn with a $25 million investment to create opportunities for community and individual growth through education. Focused on local schools facing economic challenges, the Foundation's Partnership Program provides the resources and expertise these schools need to become successful. In five years of operation, Greene County has become a national model for its reading programs, state-of-the-art technology centers and efficient modes of assessment.

In addition, the Foundation's Scholarship and Leadership Training Program has awarded college scholarships to 42 local high school seniors, while providing valuable leadership experience, including internships, training and workshops with such inspirational notables as seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. "I wanted to give our local young people opportunities to attend the best schools in the nation," Niswonger says. "In turn, we have a commitment from these young scholars to return to the First Congressional District in East Tennessee to give back to this community."

The second stage of Niswonger's model includes providing venture capital to help local and relocating entrepreneurs buy or create businesses in this region.

"If these kids come back to this region with degrees and good ideas we want to sit down and help them develop a successful business plan," Niswonger says. "We've set aside capital to help get these businesses off the ground and running. We want to fund their dreams until they're bankable on their own. Of course, these opportunities are also available to entrepreneurs who are already here or who are willing to relocate and create new businesses here."

Yet Niswonger recognizes that to lure young people away from the nation's metropolitan areas, a small town must provide a thriving, exciting place to live. As a result, he has already begun revitalizing Greeneville by constructing a performing arts center, a sports complex; renovating the luxurious General Morgan Inn and its surrounding historic downtown; and planning a wide range of new projects including new office space, residences, spa, restaurant, outdoor areas, movie theaters and other community oriented spaces.

"To be able to recruit high-level businesses and entrepreneurs, we have to improve quality of life and resources," Niswonger says. "We need planned housing developments for the young people. We need a rich social, cultural and economic community; a place that is globally connected to the international business world through technology while retaining all the benefits of small-town living; a place where anyone can safely raise a family while remaining at the cutting edge of the world's marketplace. We're looking for pioneers to return to the frontier."

According to Niswonger, these "pioneers" will not just include mobile entrepreneurs with knowledge-based business and new technologies, but baby boomers starting second careers, young people starting families, tourists looking for a perfect getaway, and retirees looking for a vibrant community with traditional values.

"Everywhere there's a guy like me who's done very well in business. People who want to give, but need provable, measurable results that you've made an improvement," Niswonger says. "Ultimately, I would like to see this become a national model."

Founded in 1783, Greeneville is Tennessee's second oldest town and rich in history. Home to frontiersman Davy Crockett and Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, Greeneville is unique for being the only town in the United States that pays tribute to both the Union and the Confederacy in its courthouse square.

Greeneville is also known as the gateway to the rolling Appalachian mountains of Northeast Tennessee. Home to four state parks which include both world-class whitewater rivers and serene mountain-fed creeks, full of rainbow, brown and brook trout, Northeast Tennessee boasts excellent mountain biking, hiking, climbing and camping.

For more information please contact: Bob Cantler, General Manager, Morgan Square Development Group, (423) 202-5167 or (800) 223-2679, or email gm@generalmorganinn.com. In addition, a comprehensive website, www.rediscovergreeneville.com, will go live during the September 6 presentation.

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