NEWPORT, Tenn. (WVLT) – In Cocke County, Chamber of Commerce president Daryl Brady estimates that 50 to 100 people have lost their jobs due to the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene more than three months ago.
While most businesses in the area are back open, some have been forced to scale back staffing to save money.
In the midst of county leadership working to find ways to help people get back on their feet, a company from Canada is setting up shop.
Regenex will take over the building behind Jabo’s Pharmacy near downtown Newport. It’s a company that takes old and recycled catalytic converters and harvests the precious metals from them.
“This company set an example of coming to a community in need,” said Brady.
Brady said the company first made contact with them on September 27, which was the day of the flood.
Not knowing the flood was happening, the …