The local Board, in partnership with local elected officials, plan and oversee the local workforce system. The Board also leverages the public and private resources to meet business needs and promote economic growth. NORTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD, INC. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NORTH TENNESSEE WORKFORCE BOARD, INC.) IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION ORIGINALLY ESTABLISHED TO BEGIN SERVICES ON JULY 1, 2000 AS A POLICY-MAKING BOARD FOR A NINE COUNTY LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA 8 (LWDA 8) UNDER THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998. THESE SERVICES, FACILITATE PROGRAMS WITHIN THE LWDA TO PREPARE YOUTH, AND UP-SKILL ADULTS AND DISLOCATED WORKERS FOR ENTRY AND/OR RE-ENTRY INTO THE LABOR FORCE AND TO AFFORD JOB TRAINING TO THOSE ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED INDIVIDUALS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS FACING SERIOUS BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT TO INCREASE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY. THE BOARD ALSO SERVES TO SUPPORT AREA ECONOMIC GROWTH. A BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPRISED OF BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES AND OTHER LABOR, EDUCATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIALTY POPULATIONS GOVERNED THE AFFAIRS OF THE NINE COUNTY SERVICE DELIVERY AREA. THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 THE AREA INCLUDED CHEATHAM, DICKSON, HOUST