ERWIN, Tenn. (AP) -- An East Tennessee State University initiative is trying to boost the economy in Unicoi County.

Dr. Robert G. Leger, assistant vice president of ETSU's Community Outreach program, told the Johnson City Press (http://bit.ly/Wzdw9d) that the school has partnered with Unicoi officials to hire a full-time director of Community Outreach and Economic Development.

The position will work to develop partnerships between the university and officials and businesses in Unicoi County with a goal of expanding and attracting small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, facilitating revitalization in downtown Erwin and making the most of tourism opportunities.

Leger says a similar partnership between the university and Johnson County was successful, leading the school to consider duplicating the model in Unicoi County.