ATHENS, Tenn. — Tennessee Wesleyan College will host a meeting Tuesday between local officials and others interested in business expansion and Jill Bratina, national spokeswoman for Volkswagen of America.

Tennessee Wesleyan spokesman Blake McCaslin said the group will include some faculty and staff members and some students.

“She (Ms. Bratina) will present the timelines and implications of the impending $2 billion operation scheduled to begin next year in North Chattanooga,” Mr. McCaslin said.

TWC President Stephen Condon said he believes this is the first time since the announcement for anyone in counties outside Hamilton to meet with representatives of the German automaker.

“We are bringing in financial and manufacturing leaders from the area to the meeting,” Dr. Condon said.

He said the county is poised to become home for suppliers to the Chattanooga plant. A number of commercial and manufacturing buildings are on the market and several industrial parks are ready for construction and occupation, he said.

“This is wonderful for McMinn County and for the college to be able to sponsor this,” Dr. Condon said.

Ms. Bratina is scheduled to speak and then to answer questions. Her visit includes time for individual talks with some audience members, according to Mr. McCaslin.

McMinn County Economic Director Jack Hammontree has said in past meetings with the Athens City Council and McMinn Commission that the county lies well within the 60-mile radius considered ideal for suppliers associated with a car manufacturing plant.

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