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October 2010

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September 2010

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August 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Group aims to put package stores on ballot in Cookeville

Gainesboro and Spencer have had it. Baxter and Gordonsville just got it. Should Cookeville get it?

That’s the question a group of citizens are asking about possibly putting a package liquor store referendum on the November ballot for the city of Cookeville.

“We’re never going to stop people from purchasing their favorite brand of wine or alcohol beyond our city borders,” said Matt Case, spokesperson for the Citizens for Progress in Cookeville. “So... click here to read more

'Sin tax' structure raises concerns for U.C. distributors

Governments have traditionally been able to sustain their operating funds by collecting additional taxes on those items most folks will just keep on buying regardless of recessions or economic downturns. The state of Tennessee is no exception, and is in some cases setting the bar for just how much controlled substances can be taxed.

Tennessee’s manufacturers and distributors of beer, wine and spirits are all subject to an excise tax levied by the state. For beer, the tax is set at 14 c... click here to read more

Financial overhaul places regulatory burden on community banks

With the House and Senate versions of a financial reform bill being combined to create the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act on June 25, community banks across the country see the resulting legislation as a mixed bag. But in order to make any certain judgments, bank officials will have to sift through the pending bill’s 5,000 or so pages of new regulations that touch community banks.

Sam Warren, president of Cit... click here to read more

‘Green’ industry looks to add jobs in Overton

HEFT Industries Inc., a start-up electric power plant company out of Colorado, has given Livingston and Overton County officials a letter of intent announcing their selection of Livingston for the corporate headquarters. The company is currently negotiating the purchase of the Berkline #5 Building in the Livingston Industrial Park, but has not closed on the property as of press time.

HEFT is a “new technology" power plant company, according to Greg McDonald of the click here to read more

U.C. ahead of the curve on state sales tax collections

The latest retail sales tax collection figures show an upward trend across the Upper Cumberland, albeit a slower rate than in past months. For month-over-month collections in June, the region’s rate of increasing revenues still outpaces retail tax collections from the state as a whole. The region’s collections showed a 3.7 percent increase from June 2009 to June 2010, compared to an increase of only 0.7 percent statewide over the same span.

Henry Bowman, senior analyst for the click here to read more

Roane State receives $2.86 million grant for high-tech job training

Roane State Community College has received a $2.86 million federal grant that will support educating workers in advanced materials technician-level training – a field with strong job growth prospects.

Roane State was one of 41 community colleges and organizations nationally, and the only one in Tennessee, to receive a Community Based Job Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor received 323 applications and award... click here to read more

Statewide sales tax holiday set for Aug. 6-8

Tennessee’s fifth annual Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 6, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 8. The Department of Revenue is reminding Tennessee shoppers that during these three days of savings, shoppers can save almost 10 percent on tax-free clothing, school and art supplies, and computer purchases.

The holiday begins Aug. 6 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Aug. 8 at 11:59 p.m. During the designated three-day weekend, consumers will not pay state or local sales tax on ... click here to read more

Woodbury town square completes renovation project

The courthouse square in Woodbury recently received extensive renovations as part of a Tennessee Department of Transportation enhancement grant. The $800,000 project focused primarily on replacing the site’s original 1936 drainage system, and received 80 percent of funding from TDOT, with the City of Woodbury and Cannon County taking on the remaining cost.

The renovations also included installing new sidewalks and paving, underground electric and telephone wiring, new landscaping and l... click here to read more

BizBuzz – August

Local gubernatorial debate planned

COOKEVILLE – A town-hall style gubernatorial debate has been scheduled for Sept. 14 at 7 pm at Tennessee Tech University’s Wattenbarger Auditorium. The Highlands recently announced that it will partner with Tennessee Tech University, Nashville’s WTVF NewsChannel5, and the Tennessee League of Women Voters to produce the non-partisan debate.

“Our candidates for governor should hear firsthand about the ... click here to read more

Horner Family – Hooper, Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home: Providing comfort and service

At Hooper, Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home, doing business is all about keeping it in the family. Owners David and Jill Horner have established a family-oriented operation that sets a high standard of service and values for a company going into its 70^th year of operation. Their commitment to these values is made obvious by the fact that their two sons, Jason and Brad, are also members of the team, both of them working as funeral directors. ... click here to read more

Van Buren Chamber receives funds for downtown location

The Greater Van Buren County-Spencer Chamber of Commerce was recently named the recipient of a federal investment for the purchase and renovation of a building on the historic courthouse square. The new facility will provide space for chamber operations, visitor information and much-needed meeting space for community organizations.

“This is an investment in Spencer and Van Buren County’s future,” said U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis. “I am proud to support vital projec... click here to read more

$750k grant moves Airport Industrial Park forward

White County and the Highlands region has just moved another step toward the creation of additional jobs with the recently approved $750,000 PILOT Program Fast Track Infrastructure Program grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Officials hope the grant will enable the Airport Industrial Park to add new jobs in the area.

“We have been working constantly on this project since 2007 and having this grant approved is wonderful news for the people o... click here to read more

Economic downturn changes Americans' attitude toward debt

After years of amassing higher levels of unsecured debt, many Americans have decided it’s time to stop paying high interest rates and get their financial houses in order. One option recommended frequently in the financial press is to divert some or all of the dollars previously earmarked for saving and investing to now pay down debt. For these “experts,” paying off debt is equivalent to earning the interest rate charged. “When you pay off a credit card that charges 16 per... click here to read more

Dr. Christine K. Pham – Obstetrics and gynecology: Making the move to the friendliest place on Earth

If you wave to Dr. Christine Pham as you’re driving around town, don’t take offense if she doesn’t respond right away. She’s just not used to it.

“When I first got here, I couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was,” said Pham, a gynecology and obstetrics physician with OB/GYN Associates and Cookeville Regional Medical Center. “When I went to the grocery store and someone offered to take my bags to my car, I was taken aback. What a great place ... click here to read more

Entrepreneurial brothers tap a new market in U.C.

A love for business – and beer – is ingrained in brothers Don and Dave Sergio. The brothers have recently opened Calfkiller Brewing Company in their hometown of Sparta, and are set to begin distributing their microbrew this summer. Their enthusiasm for craft beers combined with a fierce do-it-yourself attitude has fostered their evolution from “mere homebrewers,” as Don says, to entrepreneurs on the verge of tapping a rapidly expanding industry without a precedent in the ... click here to read more

New Business Licenses – August

MACON COUNTY
(from the office of County Clerk James Howser)

B and C Services
411 Stevens Circle
Lafayette, TN 37083

Comprehensive Cuts
351 High Street
Red Boiling Springs, TN 37150  

Dan Baxley Repair and Service
2554 Trammel Creek Road
Westmoreland, TN 37186  

Hobart’s Restaurant
447 Highway 52 Bypass West
Lafayette, TN 37089  

KSY Inc.... click here to read more

July 2010

Annual Ovation Awards ‘proof positive’ of success

There’s nothing quite as nice as being able to deliver good news, and this edition of the Cumberland Business Journal is chock full of it. We have the distinct honor of recognizing dozens of Upper Cumberland businesses and individuals for a job well done over the past year with our annual Ovation Awards issue.

This is the third year we’ve brought these awards to you, and each year gets better and better with more nominations and compelling reasons why different awards shou... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Excellence in Business Leadership

Honoring business owners, managers, education facilities and other key leaders for their foresight, management skills, training and overall success.

Motlow State Community College, Mechatronics Certification Program

Warren County

Business leaders with the foresight necessary to promote long-term innovation and global competitiveness oftentimes take the most important steps outside of actu... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Honoring individuals who have made something from nothing, who have withstood the test of time and/or carved out a unique business model where none previously existed.

 

Zurich Homes

Cumberland County

As father-and-son ... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Excellence in Governmental Leadership

Honoring elected/appointed officials and their respective offices/entities for their overall commitment and service to promoting a strong business and economic environment in the Upper Cumberland region.

Donna Arrington, Four Lake Authority

Macon, Smith and Trousdale counties

Attracting industry to rural areas can be a challenge, but Donna Arrington and the Four Lake Authority have done their best... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Excellence in Manufacturing

Honoring innovation, environmental stewardship, quality work environments, corporate philanthropy/citizenship, and consistent or extraordinary growth.

Norcom

White County

Norcom, the nation’s leading manufacturer of institutional and residential bathing systems, has bolstered White County’s economic development by providing the area with continued expansion and job growth. Along th... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Best Individual/Corporate Citizen (Philanthropy)

Honoring leaders who have helped pave the way through their generosity, donations or other volunteer activities.  

 

Chuck Sparks, BB&T-Legge Insurance Agency

Putnam County

Chuck Sparks, agency manager at Cookeville’s BB&T-Legge Insurance Agency, has devoted countless hours and resources to various worthy causes in the area, and believes that he has a duty to give back to the com... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Excellence in Professional Services

Honoring professionals who serve the Upper Cumberland well, from accountants and lawyers to plumbers and doctors.

Larry Taylor, UBS

Putnam County

As the senior vice president of investments, Larry Taylor of Cookeville’s UBS knows that satisfying clients doesn’t always come easily, but he believes that a few key practices – building trust, listening carefully, maintaining an eye for in... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Favorite Restaurant

 Honoring Upper Cumberland-area restaurants for consistent service, food quality and/or unique dining experiences.

 

 

Timberloft

Smith County

How do you make a motorcycle gang stop in its tracks? Try what Timberloft has done and install a barbeque smoker right in front of your restaurant. Along with their Memphis-style barbeque and other top-notch menu items, Gordonsville’s favorite rest... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Favorite Retail Establishment

Honoring the various retail outlets in the Upper Cumberland for customer service, varied or unique product selection, convenience and overall value to the community.

 

J.J. Jax

Putnam County

As a small retailer of home accessories, jewelry and clothing, Cookeville-based J.J. Jax strives to stand out from the crowd by offering quality goods and services with a personal touch. But according to owner Jenny Jackson Spurlock, J.J. Jax r... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Exellence in Tourism Promotion

Honoring an effective or unique promotion of tourism related to economic development in a community or the Upper Cumberland region.  

 

Alliance for the Cumberlands

Regional

Formed in 2001 as a vehicle for ecological conservation in the region, the Alliance for the Cumberlands is a partnership of public and private organizations unified in their commitment to protect the Cum... click here to read more

Biz Buzz – July

Fox appointed to Tennessee Medical Association committee

COOKEVILLE – Dr. Eric Fox has recently been reappointed to serve on the Insurance Issues Committee of the Tennessee Medical Association for a two-year term. The Insurance Issues Committee monitors and addresses all insurance issues, both government and commercial, affecting physicians, practices and patients in Tennessee.

Fox is on staff at Cookeville Regional Me... click here to read more

Blue Coast Burrito coming to Cookeville

Mexican food lovers will be salivating about the newest restaurant on its way to Cookeville.

Blue Coast Burrito, based in Brentwood, has announced plans to open a new restaurant on the former Pizza Hut property on South Jefferson Avenue in Cookeville. According to officials close to the project, the restaurant is scheduled to be open by early fall. Within 12 months, the company plans to open a second location near Ten... click here to read more

VW supplier invests in Warren County

Warren County’s Mountain View Industrial Park will soon be home to a new distribution center for a Volkswagen supplier, bringing 118 jobs and a $7.5 million investment to the county.

Miniature Precision Components is a leading supplier of thermoplastic injection molded, extrusion and blow-molded products for the automotive, lawn and garden, and commercial industries, and the company’s customers include the Volksw... click here to read more

U.C. economy shows dramatic improvement in April

The economic wellbeing of counties across the Upper Cumberland are seeing signs of significant improvement, according to recently released sales tax revenue collection data. Collections for the region as a whole increased by 7.2 percent from March to April, the most significant jump in recent memory. DeKalb County posted the region’s largest increase, hoisting its revenues up by 16.7 percent, with Cannon County’s increasing by 14.8 percent, Clay County by 10.6 percent, and Putnam by ... click here to read more

MJF Media expands, adds jobs in Algood

MJF Media, a Putnam County-based media distribution company, recently relocated a second distribution facility from Ontario, Canada to Algood, immediately providing 25 jobs. The newly relocated business will distribute videos for the company.

Marty Toombs, vice president of operations at MJF, believes that the distribution facility’s relocation to Algood will provide tangible benefits to the local economy. In addition to its immediate job cr... click here to read more

U.C. real estate, construction contracts show recent gains

Sales in the real estate and construction sectors across the region have grown by leaps and bounds in recent months, suggesting the beginning of an upward trend for the economy as a whole.

Robbin Reagans, CEO of the Upper Cumberland Association of Realtors, reports that the region’s annual residential home sales through May 31 have increased 31.25 percent over sales recorded during the same span last year. Additionally, the average sales price for sin... click here to read more

Workers’ comp policies to undergo changes

Employers across the Upper Cumberland should be aware of several changes made to workers’ compensation policies in the state legislature. Included among these changes are modifications to existing policies on an employer’s right to medical information, at-work recreational injuries, and provisions for gradually occurring injuries.

Coverage requirements have changed for certain construction companies. Under Senate Bill 3591, passed in June, qualified construction companies will be... click here to read more

Davis Draper – REI & Youth soccer coach – Outstanding in his Fields

Davis Draper is used to dealing with the idea of very important information, and depending on what time of day it is, he’s either helping people protect it or giving it out freely. That’s because of Draper’s two distinct vocations: instructing technical security techniques during the day and teaching young players the fundamentals of soccer in the evenings. But his drive and continual focus on fundamentals guides him equally through both endeavors.

After earning his ... click here to read more

New Business Licenses – July

MACON COUNTY

(from the office of County Clerk James Howser)

 

Joey Dyer Remodeling

737 Morgan Road

Lafayette, TN 37083

 

Macon Signs & Designs

530 Walton Chapel Road

Lafayette, TN 37083

 

Midwest Materials Company

1220 W 13^th Street

Joplin, MO 64802

 

Pro Flooring

2609 Gamaliel Road

Red Boiling Springs, TN... click here to read more

Dr. Greg Roberts – Orthopedic surgeon with CRMC and Upper Cumberland Orthopedic Surgery

Ask any mechanic or repair man, and they’ll tell you that having the right tool for the right job can mean all the difference in the world. The same can be said for knee replacement surgery.

Dr. Greg Roberts, an orthopedic surgeon with Cookeville Regional Medical Center and Upper Cumberland Orthopedic Surgery, has been using new tools to perform an MRI scan of the knee, map it, and then use computer-generated models to build guides customi... click here to read more

June 2010

BizBuzz – June

Fudge promoted to president at Honest Abe

MOSS – Randy Fudge has been promoted to president of Honest Abe Log Homes. Fudge joined Honest Abe in 1987 and holds a degree in industrial technology from Western Kentucky Univers... click here to read more

Hospital officials set to tackle challenges in reform bill

Every aspect of health coverage in America has come under intense scrutiny since the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in March. In addition to its obvious effects on businesses and individuals with its insurance coverage mandates, the bill also calls for hospitals to confront widespread changes in the way they will operate in the future. And if you ask Michael Meadows, CEO of Livingston Regional Hospital, the debat... click here to read more

U.C. businesses see uptick in economy

Based on recent trends of increased business, expansion and job creation, many businesses across the Upper Cumberland appear to be indicating the region’s turn toward positive economic growth. A number of businesses in the construction sector, as well as area manufacturers, have shown improvements in each of these areas.

Van De Voorde Electric, a Cookeville-based electrical services company, has seen the economy improve to the point that it rec... click here to read more

Education reform to better prepare Tennessee’s work force

The passage of two education reform bills in a special legislative session earlier this year, coupled with Tennessee’s acquisition of the federal Race to the Top Grant in March, have positioned the Upper Cumberland and the state at the forefront of nationwide educational reform efforts. Concurrently, the reform measures adopted by Gov. Phil Bredesen are designed to improve economic and work force development in the region and across the state.

Bredesen’s educational reform initia... click here to read more

Cumberland Kia comes under new ownership

The auto dealership formerly known as Cookeville Kia came under new ownership in April and is now Cumberland Kia, joining Cumberland Auto Group under owner Lanny Dunn. The dealership received approval from Kia in May and has already begun increasing its new vehicle inventory.

Cumberland Auto Group, which currently employs over 100 workers, will increase its work force by 25 with the addition of the Kia dealership. Dunn expects to hire an addition... click here to read more

Morrison Bridgestone plant celebrates milestone, learning pavilion

Bridgestone-Firestone’s Morrison facility, part of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, marked a milestone on May 12 as it celebrated its 20^th year of operation.

As part of the ceremony, the facility officially dedicated its Bridgestone Environmental Education Classroom and Habitat (BEECH) learning pavilion. According to company officials, the BEECH wildlife habitat program has provided more than 5,000 young people ... click here to read more

Flooding dampens commerce for Upper Cumberland retailers

The recent outbreak of storms and severe flooding has brought many businesses in the Upper Cumberland to a standstill, leaving owners and employees to pick up the pieces. Flooding in Clay, DeKalb, Jackson, Macon, Smith and Trousdale counties has been met with a degree of federal aid, but many businesses remain uncertain of their own eligibility for Small Business Association loans and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

One business owner who has experienced t... click here to read more

Floods, insurance policies cover many U.C. business owners

Record-breaking floods across the state of Tennessee have put a severe economic strain on many residents and businesses of the Upper Cumberland. But for many affected by flood damage, the reality echoes Bob Dylan’s warning, that if you go down in the flood it’s going to be your own fault. Flood insurance coverage, available exclusively through the National Flood Insurance Program, is available to everyone regardless of location or risk... click here to read more

Linde RSS named regional medical gas distributor

Linde RSS, a medical gas warehouse in Livingston, was recently selected to be a regional distribution center for LifeGas locations nationwide and held a ribbon cutting to celebrate on May 6. LifeGas, owned by the Linde Group out of Munich, Germany, operates 48 locations and is the world’s second largest supplier of medi... click here to read more

Dr. Timothy Powell – Focusing On Healing

Physicians and surgeons face a daunting task in today’s society. Not only are they responsible for the health care of their community, but many are also businesspeople who operate their own practice.

When the opportunity came to eliminate the business side of the equation for Dr. Timothy J. Powell in the form of a position with Cookeville Regional Medical Center, he jumped at the chance.

“I had known for a while that I wanted to mov... click here to read more

Larry and Tim Funderburk – Success is Golden

McDonald’s franchisee Tim Funderburk actually works for a real estate entity. Or at least that’s how he explains it.

“The best way to look at McDonald’s is that it’s just a huge real estate company,” he said. “They own a lot of land and a lot of buildings, and they lease those to the local owners to run the business. And that’s what we do.”

Tim and his father, Larry, have been... click here to read more

Crossville downtown welcomes two new businesses

Visitors to Crossville’s downtown area will notice two new retail businesses: The Screen Door and Perks Too. Both stores opened their doors recently, giving many hope that their unique offerings will attract visitors to the downtown area and help foster the economic and community development of Crossville’s downtown.

According to owner Carla French, The Screen Door offers its patrons a unique variety of one-of-a-kind items, ranging from home accessories and decor, linens, apparel... click here to read more

Fast Lane Fun Park opens first phase of recreation

The Fast Lane Fun Park has completed its first phase of construction and opened daily to the public on May 15. An additional phase of construction and development is also underway, according to park business operations manager Christy Norton.

The park’s first phase of construction consists of an 18-hole mini golf course; an 827-foot go-kart track; a rock-climbing wall; four giant bounce houses; the Monkey Jump, an attraction made of four tr... click here to read more

New Business Licenses – June

New Business Licenses

 

MACON COUNTY

(from the office of County Clerk James Howser)

 

Five Star Investment Group LLC

201 Scottsville Road

Lafayette, TN 37083

 

Hickornuts

1979 Coleytown Road

Lafayette, TN 37083

 

Jambros Construction

232 Yancey Lane

Pleasant Shade, TN 37145

 

J.T. Shrum Auction & Realtyclick here to read more

May 2010

Health care bill raises questions for businesses

With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in March, businesses across the Upper Cumberland have been forced to reexamine the health coverage provisions offered to their employees. Because of the size and scope of the reform bill, its effects on area businesses vary considerably, depending largely on the size and current practices of the company.

One of the most significant short-term changes to the health care system involves a tax credit already available to many sm... click here to read more

Prepaid FDIC assessments challenge U.C. banks

Bank of Putnam County president David Williamson compares it to a group of tourists standing around a Las Vegas craps table. A couple of them step up to play but the rest just sit back and watch.

“Some of them rolled the dice,” he said, “and when they lost, the house said, ‘Hey, stop. Hold on just a second. It’s OK, these other people still have their money because they didn’t gamble. They’re going to bail ... click here to read more

Last month for Ovation nominees

Nominations are being submitted in record numbers for the third annual Ovation Awards, to be published in July.

The Ovation Awards honor businesses, organizations and individuals in the Upper Cumberland region for excellence in several categories, from manufacturing and retail to individual philanthropists and governmental officials.

Deadline for submitting nominations has been extended to Monday, May 17. Nominations may be sent by e-mail to news@... click here to read more

BizBuzz – May

Gary Maxwell Insurance merges with Richardson in Gainesboro

GAINESBORO – Gary Maxwell Insurance has recently consolidated operations with the Richardson Insurance Agency in Gainesboro, allowing the Maxwell agency to serve customers in Jackson County in addition to those near its existing offices in Cookeville and Livingston.

“In teaming up with the Richardson Agency, I feel like I'm going back to m... click here to read more

Omega Apparel contract creates 112 jobs in Smithville

A new contract recently awarded to Omega Apparel, a military uniform manufacturer in Smithville, will provide the area with 112 additional jobs and a payroll boost estimated at $1.5 million for the first year. The contract, worth $34 million over five years, was awarded by the Defense Logistics Agency for the production of U.S. Army dress pants. Production began April 15.

Over the life of the new contract, awarded in late February, Omega will manufacture 336,000 medium blue Army dress pants ... click here to read more

STEM Center looks to boost area education, industry

The Millard Oakley STEM Center, housed in Tennessee Tech University’s newly completed Ray Morris Hall, will celebrate its grand opening on May 7. The center, whose focus combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is designed to improve student engagement with these disciplines, as well as provide teachers with a space to experiment and test out new, research-based learning methodologies. The ... click here to read more

Fentress County manufacturer reopens, adds 30 jobs to area work force

Camel Manufacturing, a producer of tents for the U.S. military, reopened its Jamestown manufacturing facility in February, adding 30 new jobs to the area. The reopening came six months after the plant halted operation in July 2009, a closure that resulted in the loss of 68 jobs.

A new contract with the Department of Defense enabled the plant to reopen and rehire 30 of its previous employees. Plant manager Penny Leffew believes that the reopen... click here to read more

Highlands prepares for next phase of regional strategy

As reported in last month’s CBJ, Phase I of the Highlands Initiative was deemed a “resounding” success by officials in Overton, Putnam and White counties.

Now Phase II, spanning years 2010-2013, has already begun with a fundraising campaign to provide capital for implementing the four main strategies set out in the program of work adopted by Highlands leaders. The theme for the next four years of work is... click here to read more

Cookeville Baymont makes eco-friendly imprint on Upper Cumberland

Baymont Inn and Suites of Cookeville is in the process of “going green,” having introduced a number of environmentally friendly practices as part of its daily operations and long-term goals. The changes have come as a result of new brand standards under its parent corporation, Wyndham Worldwide, as well as through independent initiatives.

In April, the Cookeville location participa... click here to read more

Putnam’s December restaurant revenues higher than expected

Recent revenue reports broken down by industry present more signs that the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association football championships were a boon for Putnam County.

According to one estimate, Putnam County’s December 2009 revenues for eating and drinking establishments exceeded typical revenues for the same month by $1.3 million. The figure has led to speculation that the boost came as a result of the city hosting the TSSAA games, which l... click here to read more

U.C. Airport Industrial Park moves forward in White

With an eye toward the future, White County Commissioners vote to continue their investment into the Upper Cumberland Airport Industrial Park at their April meeting of the county legislative body and will begin construction on a road into the Industrial Park.

“Essentially this vote moves White County job growth forward in a very positive way,” said Herd Sullivan, White County Executive. “With our central location and access to Interstate 40 and Highway 111, we look f... click here to read more

Dave Riddell, VP of Support Services, Cookeville Regional Medical Center – Facilitating excellence

Dave Riddell, vice president of support services at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, has made a career out of helping others improve the quality of every patient’s experience, as well as providing support to hospital staff members. Riddell, a native of Charleston, W. Va., has done this by continually looking to make the most out of every opportunity, not the least of which involved his moving south to Tennessee.

In 1971, Riddell graduated from... click here to read more

Regional resort project proceeds after $25 million bond authorization

CELINA – The Celina/Clay County Joint Industrial Development Board was authorized by the State of Tennessee through Commissioner Matthew Kisber, Department of Economic and Community Development, to issue $25 million in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds to assist in the financing of the La Gardena Resort development. Since Clay, Fentress, Overton and Pickett Counties will benefit from the construction and eventual employment of many of their residents, this will be a four-county regional project... click here to read more

Dr. Mark Wathen – Sparking an interest in the electrophysiology of the heart

If you want to receive medical care from a physician who is considered one of the leaders in his profession, you’d have to go to a big metro hospital or a world-renown facility like the Mayo Clinic, right?

Not when it comes to Cookeville Regional Medical Center and the specialized practice of cardiac electrophysiology. Dr. Mark Wathen is known as one of the leading experts in the field, with half of the cardiac electrophysiologists in the state f... click here to read more

Sparta chamber building receives high-resolution facelift

By Kevin Burmeister

CBJ Staff

 

As part of a remodeling project begun in February, officials at the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce recently enhanced the building’s visual appeal by installing a large, floor-to-ceiling mural on an interior office wall. Designed and created by EGRX Graphics, the mural was custom-made for the chamber building using the company’s speci... click here to read more

Suit accuses Monterey Perdue plant of illegal hiring

A class action lawsuit named the Monterey Perdue Farms Inc. processing facility in its allegation that 16 Perdue plants across the nation have knowingly hired more than 500 illegal immigrants since 2006. The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. District Court in Alabama, alleges that Perdue’s corporate office implemented the hiring scheme in an effort to save millions of dollars in labor costs. Perdue officials deny the accusations and argue that the company’... click here to read more

Noble and Tracy Cody – A family tradition of supplying quality

Many businesses across the Upper Cumberland have, in one way or other, depended on a single family for their supply of office necessities for over half a century. Whether from Noble Cody and his former business, Cody Office Supply, or from his son Tracy Cody at A-Z Office Resource, business owners continue to recognize quality products and services as synonymous with the Cody name.

This tradition of quality sprouted from humble beginnings. Noble began hi... click here to read more

New Business Licenses – May

MACON COUNTY

(from the office of County Clerk James Howser)

 

Expressions by Melinda

2605 Celina Road

Red Boiling Springs, TN 37150

 

Langford Sons Restoration

4510 Oakdale Road

Westmoreland, TN 37186

 

Alternative Laser Service

616 Gaulden Hollow Road

Lafayette, TN 37083

 

PUTNAM COUNTY<... click here to read more