Bass: Tazza Pronto Coming to Tyler; Tree Initiative Successful

TYLER — The Italian company Tazza Pronto is on its way to Tyler. Mayor Barbara Bass made the announcement Wednesday during her final State of the City Address to Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce members. Tyler Economic Development Council chief Tom Mullins said earlier the company had been looking in Seattle, Kentucky, and Tyler. It will now partner with Distant Lands Coffee on a popular single-serve product, operating in the old Carrier plant. According to Bass, the partnership will bring in some 125 jobs by 2015.

In other news, Bass announced that the Mayor’s Tree Tyler Initiative has been successful, with more than 5,000 trees planted since the program began. Bass says phase 2 of the environmental and beautification project is “Green Up the Gateways.” Bass told KTBB that will be an effort to beautify the city’s major entry corridors “by adding beautiful trees and natural beauty that we are known for — so that as people enter Tyler, they immediately recognize what a beautiful city we are and feel welcome for their visit.” Due to term limits, Bass is in her final tour of duty as mayor.