Archives

November 2011

Original artwork by Pacesetters artists on display Nov. 26

CBJ Admin
Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011

COOKEVILLE - ART a la carte will present original artwork prepared for the book “Birds of Tennessee + One” during a reception from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.

This exhibit features works of art published in “Birds of Tennessee + One," an alphabet book produced by artists and writers of Pacesetters Inc. in May 2010. The book illustrates 40 bird species native to Tennessee and features poems, text and images for each letter of the alphabet.

The artwork in... click here to read more

Maurices holding food drive for Salem Outreach Center

Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011
COOKEVILLE – Maurices’ West Jackson Marketplace store, located at 410 W. Jackson St., Cookeville, is holding a food drive to benefit the Salem Outreach Center.

The food drive began Tuesday, Nov. 1, and continues through Wednesday, Nov. 23. Customers can drop off their donations any time during store hours, which are 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Needed are non-perishable food items.

“While we participate in a number of Maurices-sponsored benefits throughout the year, we are espec... click here to read more

State leaning toward running own health insurance exchange

Liz Engel Clark
Thursday, Nov 10, 2011
COOKEVILLE – Whether or not Tennessee will run its own health insurance exchange in 2014 is a question that’s yet to be determined, but state officials are currently looking for citizen input in order to help make that decision

A few dozen Upper Cumberland residents looking to weigh in on the brewing issue attended a forum Tuesday night at the Leslie Town Centre in Cookeville. In addition to state officials who provided background information on the Patient Protection and Afforda... click here to read more

UC college named 'regional entrepreneurial accelerator' and awarded grant to assist entrepreneurs

Thursday, Nov 10, 2011

UPPER CUMBERLAND – A Crossville college will represent the Upper Cumberland region as one of nine “regional entrepreneurial accelerators” established across the state to assist Tennessee entrepreneurs.

The Upper Cumberland accelerator will be based at Roane State Community College’s Cumberland County campus in Crossville. Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development (ECD) Commissioner Bill Hagerty recently announced the formation of ... click here to read more

Historic RBS hotel to hold last Red Pump Cafe of the year

Wednesday, Nov 9, 2011

MACON COUNTY - On Saturday, Nov. 19, Vision 2020 Inc and the historic Armour's Hotel in Red Boiling Springs will present the last “Red Pump Cafe” of the year. The Red Pump Cafe is an open mic night where artists can share their unique talents with the community. The special guests this month will be "Kinship."

The event is free for performers and viewers. Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Dinner at the hotel is available upon request.

Call (615)... click here to read more

Health insurance forum Tuesday: Group looking for feedback on pros/cons of a state-run exchange

Monday, Nov 7, 2011
COOKEVILLE – Whether or not Tennessee will participate in a state or federally run health insurance exchange will be the top topic of conversation at a Tuesday event in Cookeville.

On Oct. 1, 2013, small-business owners and individuals will be able to purchase health insurance through the health insurance marketplace, otherwise called the “Health Insurance Exchange.” Tennessee has to decide whether or not it wants to run the exchange or let the federal government do it.

... click here to read more

One on One: TTU business plan guided Scott Stallings to success on PGA Tour

Jay Albrecht
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011





















Scott Stallings has certainly taken the road less traveled. Why? Because the PGA Tour doesn’t typically come by way of Cookeville.

But, earlier this year, Stallings became arguably the most successful golfing alumnus in Tennessee Tech’s history with his victory in The Greenbrier Classic at White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. That win combined with a third-place f... click here to read more

Made in Cookeville: Local company has a hand in products used in everyday life

Liz Engel Clark
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
Discovery Channel’s “How It’s Made” is a popular television show that takes an in-depth look at how everyday products are made. But have you ever thought about what is produced here in the Upper Cumberland? One such company responsible for several different products you come in contact with is ATC Automation.

Founded in Cookeville in 1977 and located on Mill Drive, ATC Automation designs and builds custom assembly and test equipment for the medical/life sciences... click here to read more

Acme brings unique “thinking” to Cookeville

Liz Engel Clark
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
COOKEVILLE -- If you ask Jen and Bob Rhea to describe their business, Acme Industrial Thinking, in one sentence, you might have trouble getting an answer.

But one thing’s for certain. The fabrication studio/metal and wood working shop/art gallery, which was recently relocated from Asheville, N.C., to Cookeville’s West Side, has its hand in just about “anything and everything,” Bob says. He might craft a custom sign one day, for example, and piece of furniture, unique ... click here to read more

Crash course on corporate party planning from the experts

Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
When it comes to throwing a successful corporate party, the only surprises you want are the good ones.

It’s no secret that planning such an event can be a stressful experience, and its success says a lot about your company. So here are 10 things to consider ahead of your next gathering:

1. Plan ahead

Rent your venue as far in advance as possible and have several possible dates in mind in case there’s a conflict there. Be realistic with the major a... click here to read more

Tommy West and Algood Main Street Market: A man and his dream

Jay Albrecht
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
Tommy West grew up in Algood and likely thought he knew everything about the town – that is until he acquired Algood Main Street Market 15 years ago. From that moment on, West became a town icon in and of himself, due to his strong work ethic, the excellent customer service his store employees provide and the faith that leads him to help as many people as possible. Today, West serves as one of those “in the know” in the bustling, growing town of Algood.

West has always had ... click here to read more

Highlands Park a game changer: Putnam site closer to being shovel-ready

Liz Engel Clark
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
COOKEVILLE – Just a few months ago, city, county and chamber officials stood at the site of the Highlands Industrial/Business Park with shovels in hand.

Those same leaders are now hoping their site will be shovel-ready by next fall, ready for the future industries they hope will bring lots of high-tech, high-paying jobs to the Upper Cumberland.

And for that to happen, the city and county have been moving full steam ahead. Nationally, the site selection process is on a fast trac... click here to read more

Making the leap

Liz Engel Clark
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
“Change is good."

“Change is inevitable."

“Don’t fear change.”

Whether considered mantras or commonly-used cliches, these three phrases have fit my last few weeks to a tee. In late September, I took over the editor reins here at the Cumberland Business Journal, leaving behind the Herald-Citizen and the only full-time job I’ve ever called home.

But unlike our former editor Greg Little, who packed up a U-Haul for a near cross-country ... click here to read more

Dr. Scott Reising: The path less traveled

Liz Engel Clark
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
An insurance agent, airline pilot…and cardiologist?

Dr. Scott Reising, Tennessee Heart’s newest physician, certainly took the path less traveled into the medical field, but now that he’s here, he says he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

And Reising’s unique background will come in handy as he looks to take preventive cardiology in the Upper Cumberland to the next level. His sights are set on starting a heart attack and stroke prevention center at t... click here to read more

Chamber spotlight: Outlook optimistic, but we need to be ready to “possess” the future

Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
“So Mrs. Lincoln, other than what happened, how did you enjoy the play?”

I often think about this quote when asked to discuss the current state of our local and regional economy and the prognosis for the future. To paraphrase, “So Chamber, other than experiencing the worst recession since the Great Depression and the changing global economy, how are we faring as a region, and what is our future going to look like?”

In a few words, your chamber is &ldq... click here to read more

The Dog Whisperer: Sparta business owner uses special techniques to train all breeds of dogs

Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
Since she can remember, Marina Thorne has been drawn to animals.

“I’ve always had a way with dogs,” said Thorne. “I have always been an animal lover.”

Thorne is owner of Four Perfect Paws located in the mountains east of Sparta. She is a dog behaviorist and uses dog whisperer techniques. Thorne is an AKC certified dog evaluator and a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Thorne said it was at age 15 when she realized he... click here to read more

The business of dance: Stage One a model for success

Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
For a pair of Cookeville natives, going into business together almost came naturally, in spite of warnings by others.

“Our original goal is still there,” said Beth Wheeler, co-owner with Jennifer Dotson-Creter of Stage One Dance Studio on the square in Cookeville.

Interestingly, their dance backgrounds both began at the ripe old age of four. But it wasn’t until 2004 that the pair, after connecting through Jennifer’s husband, decided it might be wise to start t... click here to read more

Facebook issues bring labor board interest

Jeff Jones
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011
The use of Facebook is becoming an employment issue as well as a social media. Some employers are actually conducting social media background checks in evaluating candidates for employment or promotion. There have been some interesting legal developments from such reviews, particularly in light of the fact that some states have laws prohibiting reliance on non-work related issues in employment. Recently, the National Labor Relations Board has jumped into the picture.

Social media a p... click here to read more

September state sales tax collections show improvement

Thursday, Oct 27, 2011
... click here to read more

Cookeville Regional hosts community health fair

CBJ Admin
Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011

Cookeville Regional Medical Center will be hosting its quarterly Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 7-10 am. The Health Fair is open to the public and provides an opportunity for community members to participate in affordable health screenings to stay abreast of their health.

Numerous affordable screenings available at the Health Fair include: Blood pressure, cholesterol and lipid profile, vitamin D level, prostate specific antigen, bone density screening, co... click here to read more

Life Care Center of Sparta named Facility of the Year

CBJ Admin
Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011

SPARTA – Life Care Center of Sparta was recently named Life Care Centers of America’s Eastern Division Facility of the Year.

The award was presented during Life Care Centers of America’s annual management meeting. It recognizes the facility as the premier location in Life Care’s Eastern Division, which includes 41 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Criteria for this... click here to read more

Pacesetters earns four-star rating

Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011

ALGOOD – Pacesetters has earned a four-star status and the highest possible rating in a recent state quality assurance survey, the second year in a row for the not-for-profit organization with headquarters in Algood.

The survey, which was completed June 27-July 13, is done annually by the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and includes a review of records, fiscal practices, interviews with service recipients and families and employees. The survey looks at ... click here to read more

Local BBB members celebrate 50 years of service

Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011

UPPER CUMBERLAND - The Upper Cumberland Better Business Bureau advisory board met recently to congratulate BBB Middle Tennessee on 50 years of service. The Upper Cumberland BBB opened in 2003 serving the citizens of Putnam, White, DeKalb, Smith, Jackson, Clay, Macon, Pickett, Fentress and Overton counties. Kathleen Calligan is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee.

The BBB “Accredited Business Logo” represents an ethical commitment to do b... click here to read more

Diabetes Center earns recognition from ADA

Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011

COOKEVILLE – The Diabetes Center of Cookeville Regional and its diabetes self-management education program has been awarded “Continued Recognition” from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The Diabetes Center was originally recognized 12 years ago in October 1999 for offering high quality education services to the patients it serves, an essential component of effective diabetes treatments.

Recognized for the fifth consecutive time, the Diabetes Center v... click here to read more

Home Builders take part in energy education program

Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011

UPPER CUMBERLAND - E3 Innovate and PST Insulation recently presented an educational program about energy efficiency in residential construction for the Home Builders Association of the Upper Cumberland.

 When builders make wise investments in energy efficiency, homeowners enjoy lower utility bills, along with increased comfort, durability, and home value. E3 Innovate LLC has certified more than 100 homes under the Energy Star, Earthcraft, LEED H and NAHB building programs and con... click here to read more

October 2011

Macon County offering small business counseling

Friday, Oct 7, 2011
LAFAYETTE -- The Tennessee Small Business Development Center will offer free and confidential one-on-one counseling for existing and start-up small businesses in Macon County on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Whether the counseling is in the area of marketing, operations, management, or any other business service, “the TSBDC consultant provides guidance every step of the way,” a flyer related to the event says.

Appointments are required; call the Macon County Chamber of Commerce at 666-5885... click here to read more

Simply the best: Averitt marks 40 years

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
If you’ve driven in Cookeville, it’s hard to miss the place.

The corporate headquarters of Averitt Express sits between Neal Street and Highway 111 on the city’s east side. There’s also the call center and many other aspects of this worldwide company.

But exactly what does happen inside those walls? Where did it start? How did it get here?

These questions — and hundreds more — are likely asked by unassuming motorists every day of the week w... click here to read more

New Carthage mayor has clear vision

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
It takes about 10 seconds to figure out that Sabra Hodge has enthusiasm.

And when it comes to the city of Carthage, the level goes even higher — for good reason.

Hodge became the first female to be elected mayor of Carthage in the long history of this Smith County community. She was elected last November in an overwhelming way, getting 40 percent of the vote in a race with four candidates.

“This town was dying,” said Hodge, who owned her own business for 16 ... click here to read more

One-on-One: Art Gernt gets the most out of life

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
Art Gernt loves his family, sports and life in general. As the owner of Gernt Insurance in Crossville, he also loves people.

In the October chapter of our ongoing “One on One” series, we conducted an in-depth interview with Gernt. The subjects ranged from where he grew up to the difficult subject of health insurance. Following is that interview.

Cumberland Business Journal: Tell us about your childhood, where you grew up and what it was like.

click here to read more

New director leading Smith County Chamber, future means more activity and new direction

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
It doesn’t take long to realize there’s some new life being pumped into the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

“It makes you appreciate your hometown,” said Denise Hackett, the new chamber director. She’s been on the job less than two months, though she is a native of the county.

“I makes you want to make the very best of your hometown and move it that way for generations to come,” said Hackett. “Smith County has a tremendous amount to o... click here to read more

Smith County business offers great opportunity on Caney Fork

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
As Brent Pascall sees it, life is about perspective.

When he attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Pascall, born and raised in Gordonsville in Smith County, befriended someone from Cincinnati. Pascall said he felt like he had moved to the big city. His friend said he had moved to the country.

It’s all about perspective.

And that’s how Pascall approaches his business, Caney Fork Surf, a kayak and canoe rental company formed in 2008.

“I ha... click here to read more

Meet Cookeville’s most artful entrepreneurs during ART Prowl 2011

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
For the past 11 years, leading members of the Cookeville arts community have worked to boost visibility for the arts as a way to promote economic development and cultural tourism, which benefits not only artists, but the local retail and service sector reliant on tourist income.

Beginning in 1999, these efforts were organized into a single annual event called “ART Prowl,” an open studio and gallery tour offering the public a chance to see artists at work, talk with artists about ... click here to read more

Bacchanal committee gathers to plan 2011 event

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
Fall in the Upper Cumberland can be a busy time of year, so make your plans now to attend an annual favorite, the Bacchanal: A Celebration of Art, Wine & Food.

Slated for Sunday, Oct. 23, from 1-5 p.m., the popular event is hosted by Spankies Restaurant in Cookeville.

The lively Sunday afternoon occasion offers a fantastic selection of wines and specialty beers for tasting, a delectable and extensive cocktail buffet, live jazz, and the crowd’s favorite –- the... click here to read more

Between the lines: The journey has been short but rewarding...

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
It is certainly never fun to say goodbye. And I certainly never thought it would come this fast.

It was just over a year ago when I drove that big U-Haul truck to the Cumberland Plateau and began my duties as editor of this publication. As you read this, I will have driven another big U-Haul truck away from the plateau to the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. I have accepted a position as manager of four newsrooms for a group of papers in that area.

My intention was not ... click here to read more

Taking baby steps — again Duncan and Sons back in the moving business, new economy means new approach in industry

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
There’s an old saying, “What goes around comes around.”

For Freddy Duncan it’s a pretty appropriate phrase when it comes to his business.

For three decades, residents of the Upper Cumberland have been very familiar with Duncan Moving & Storage. But back in 2007, that all changed when the business was sold. Yet just two years ago, the business came back and now it’s entering a new phase — with a new name.

Freddy Duncan and Sons Moving &a... click here to read more

Give them a foot … and they’ll help you out!

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
What do you get when you take a chance drive on I-40, a bite to eat at Cracker Barrel and meeting a couple of strangers who take you under their wings?

A thriving podiatrist practice some 23 years later, of course.

“His best friend lived in Knoxville and his aunt lived in Nashville,” said Kathie Chapman about her husband, Stephen Chapman, who operates Family Foot Center in Cookeville and three other Upper Cumberland locations.

At the time, they were living in Clev... click here to read more

Dr. David Henson’s connection with TTU can’t be ignored

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011
It may have not been fate that brought Dr. David Henson to Cookeville Regional, but then again, it may have been.

And that fate could have started years ago right on the campus of Tennessee Tech. That’s where his parents met. His mom was from the Lynchburg area and his dad a city boy from Philadelphia. The family ended up going back to the east coast and Henson went to medical school at the University of New Jersey in Newark.

Henson did a fellowship in pulmonary and critical ca... click here to read more

Fall is great time for Upper Cumberland activities

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011

With the dog days of summer a recent memory and leaves starting to turn to brilliant colors, the signs of fall in the Upper Cumberland are becoming clear.

But don’t think that means people are going to stay inside and turn on the television. The opposite, in fact, is true. Fall in the Upper Cumberland is one of the most enjoyable times of the year and the recreation and tourism opportunities are almost endless.

“It just amazes me,” said Ruth Dyal, executive d... click here to read more

September 2011

Sales tax collections continue to lag in Upper Cumberland

Wednesday, Sep 21, 2011

Sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland continued slightly downward again in August, which is the latest data available.

Collections in the region fell 0.4 percentage points, which is about $74,000 for the entire 14-county region where the data is tracked by the Upper Cumberland Development District. On top of that, the area’s two largest counties, Putnam and Cumberland, both saw declines in sales tax collections for August.

In Putnam County, collections were down ... click here to read more

J&S Construction gets contract for Crossville shopping center upgrades

Wednesday, Sep 21, 2011

CROSSVILLE — J&S Construction Company, located in Cookeville, has recently signed a $595,000 contract with Cumberland Plaza, LLC to reface the front facade of Cumberland Plaza Shopping Center, a 56,720 square-foot retail center located in the heart of Crossville on the corner of Genesis Road and North Main Street, two of the city’s busiest streets.

During this four-month project, J&S Construction will completely reface the front facade of the building and bring the... click here to read more

Employer outlook shows continued good signs, survery says

Wednesday, Sep 14, 2011

Though unemployment continues to remain high in the country, a new survey indicates the outlook is improving in all areas of the United States.

Manpower, the world’s largest employment agency, recently released its 2011 third quarter employment outlook and the picture looks better than in the past couple of years.

The company conducted more than 18,000 interviews throughout the U.S. Those interviews were conducted in all 50 states and also included the top 100 metropolit... click here to read more

Averitt rolls out enhanced online rate quoting

Wednesday, Sep 7, 2011

COOKEVILLE – Customers who want the added assurance of guaranteed delivery times now have instant access to rates for that peace of mind, along with standard delivery quotes, when visiting www.averittexpress.com. Full-service transportation provider Averitt Express introduced the new service in order to address customers’ needs for expedited delivery.

The process is simple: customers login to thei... click here to read more

Pickett County water company hopes to expand its operation

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

BYRDSTOWN — Nelda Riley knew most everything about teaching. She knew almost nothing about the bottled water business.

Ten years later, she’s the heart and soul of CJR Bottling in Pickett County.

“Are your crazy?” was her husband Steve’s response back in 2001 when asked if they wanted to buy the water bottling company.

Yet the opportunity did seem intriguing and it also seemed logical since their tobacco farming business was going up in sm... click here to read more

BizBuzz

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

J&S reconstructs church in Madisonville

MADISONVILLE — J&S Construction of Cookeville has completed the construction of a 14,750-square-foot addition for the Madisonville First United Methodist Church.

In December 2007, a fire completely destroyed the FUMC’s sanctuary. Working alongside the architect and FUMC Building Committee, J&S used the design/build approach to construction to design a new 8,377-square-foot sanctuary as well as an ... click here to read more

What price will it take before a change?

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

It’s never been a secret that economics in America is tied to politics. It’s the politicians who set fiscal policy, forever linking the two.

But, what has transpired in recent weeks in Washington, D.C., is like nothing before. The politicians were using the economy as a weapon, one probably more dangerous than any F-16 we have ever built.

And the biggest problem? The target of this weapon was the American people — the very folks who fund the economy in the fi... click here to read more

Workplace wellness is major topic for business leaders

Jill Boling
Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

Workplace Wellness is a topic on the mind of many business leaders today. Finding ways to reduce costs while keeping your workforce healthy and safe is important for optimum success. There are numerous small steps that organizations can take to improve the health and wellbeing of employees.

Here are ten simple ideas to help you get started:

1) Schedule Health Care Screenings for yourself and your employees. Prevention and early detection are key factors in having a healthy wor... click here to read more

Going green and saving green as part of workplace wellness

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

As an Occupational and Environmental Medicine physician, I get a number of questions about how environmental sustainability can improve workplace wellness. While the answer may not be obvious, “going green” benefits both the environment and worker health, while improving the bottom line.

Building green is a major way that companies can promote environmental sustainability while improving workplace wellness. Through the LEED certification system, the U.S. Green Building Cou... click here to read more

What is the current state of finances in America? An expert responds

Jay Albrecht
Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

Recently, Wayne Cravens, president of Cravens & Company Wealth Management, sat down for a wide-ranging interview with the Cumberland Business Journal. Subjects ranged from where he grew up to the current financial situation in America. Following is that interview.

Cumberland Business Journal: Where were you born and raised?

Cravens: I was born and raised in Jamestown. I moved here (Cookeville) to go to (Tennessee) Tech, and never really we... click here to read more

Some good employment news for the region revealed in new figures

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

There is some good economic news regarding employment in the Upper Cumberland.

The latest unemployment figures released by the state indicate a drop in the number of people out of work in this region.

In fact, unemployment dropped in 13 of the 15 counties covered by the Cumberland Business Journal.

The numbers are for July unemployment, the latest available from the state.

In what is a seeming trend for the Upper Cumberland, the drop in unemployment mirrored th... click here to read more

Chicken farming in Pickett County doing well during tough economy

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

BYRDSTOWN — There is a fact in today’s world that can’t be disputed: Chicken is becoming more popular as a meal all around the world.

Evidence of this fact can be seen right here in the Upper Cumberland, where raising chickens is a growing industry.

“Our business has picked back up,” said Sam Gibson, owner of Mountain View Farms in Byrdstown.

Gibson has been in the chicken business for 11 years. He went into the business with his wife and ... click here to read more

Dale Hollow marinas holding own during tough economic times

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

It is without dispute that Dale Hollow Lake is the driving economic force in Pickett County. The lake has attracted people to the area since being built in the 1940s. The reservoir was full by 1944 and recreational opportunities became immediate.

Since that time, four marinas have been established on the lake in Pickett County. The marinas offer everything from fishing equipment to houseboat rentals.

As part of our focus on Pickett County, the Cumberland Business Journal conta... click here to read more

Sales tax collections stagnant in Upper Cumberland region

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

Sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland region remained stagnant during July, which are the latest numbers available from the Upper Cumberland Development District.

That was in stark contrast to the statewide numbers, where tax collections rose nearly 5 percent over the previous year. In the Upper Cumberland, collections fell 0.6 percent in July. And for the first time in a long time, the state of Tennessee now has higher sales tax collections for the past 12 months than the Upp... click here to read more

Simple changes in lifestyle can help ease tension of everyday life

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

Getting the kids to school. Paying the high electric bill. Watching gas prices climb. Another tight deadline at the office.

For many, this is just a typical day. And for a certain percentage of people, the daily grind leads to one conclusion — stress.

Jim Bolton from Wellspring Family Chiropractic in Cookeville says stress is one of the most common problems in today’s hectic world. He said the “bulk” of people he sees suffer from some form of stress.click here to read more

Pickett County capitalizes on deep family ties to famed lake

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

Having a destination for tourism is a major asset. Growing that asset even larger is another issue.

“It’s the primary engine,” said Will Robbins, executive director of the Pickett County Chamber of Commerce in Byrdstown, about tourism.

Dale Hollow Lake is the “big driver” of tourism in the county, said Robbins. He said economic indicators show tourism in the area has grown considerably over the past decade, going from $5 million in revenue in 2001... click here to read more

Rebranding helps Ben Lomand advance with technology

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

McMINNVILLE — Since 1952, the name Ben Lomand has been synonymous with communications service in the Upper Cumberland.

It began as the Ben Lomand Rural Telephone Cooperative, spurred on by the efforts of the Young Businessman’s Club which launched a crusade demanding modern quality telephone service for rural Warren County and the city of McMinnville.

Thus launched a story of determination that spread throughout the region. The residents first demanded in 1950 that... click here to read more

Cookeville building gets first-in-the-state certification

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

The Upper Cumberland Regional Health Facility in Cookeville was awarded LEED – NC (LEED for new construction) platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first building in the state of Tennessee to achieve this level.

LEED is the nation’s preeminent certification for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

The new $10.9 million, 50,733 square feet was a joint venture by Brentwood-based architecture an... click here to read more

J&S, Corps team up at Ft. Campbell project

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

As J&S Construction Company continues to lead the state in green construction and sustainable practices, it recently received its fourth LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

J&S officials were in attendance alongside U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials for the ceremony to recognize the LEED Gold Certified Ft. Campbell Equipment Maintenance and Supply Complex, located in Fort Campbell, Ky.

This complex consists of six new buildings as well as addi... click here to read more

Cookeville Regional adds pediatric department

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

The administration at Cookeville Regional Medical Center has authorized the development of an addition of a five-bed pediatrics unit on the hospital's 5 East Wing. The unit will have a $30,000 security system, child-friendly rooms with murals, sofa beds for caregivers who wish to spend the night and other amenities. Total cost of the renovation is $67,000, which The Foundation is trying to raise in support for this project.

Art students from Tennessee Tech, along with other local arti... click here to read more

Progressive Bank offering new service for customers

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

JAMESTOWN — Progressive Savings Bank asks consumers, “Do you Kasasa?” as it becomes the second financial institution in Tennessee to launch the country’s most innovative financial products.

Kasasa is a new brand of free checking and savings accounts that pays consumers to use their account with what interests them most — high interest, cash back, automatic savings, money to donate to charity or digital downloads from iTunes or Amazon... click here to read more

August 2011

Get some altitude in the UC!

Wednesday, Sep 7, 2011

In just over a week, the sound of airplanes buzzing above the Upper Cumberland will be loud and clear.

The Upper Cumberland Air Show is set for Saturday, Sept. 17. The event will be at the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport located five miles south of Cookeville just off Highway 111.

This annual event attracts a wide variety of aircraft and this year’s show is no exception.

Gates for the show will open at 9 a.m. and people are encouraged to come early as many plan... click here to read more

Medical students grace halls of Cookeville Regional

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

New experiences abound at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in conjunction with Lincoln Memorial University/DeBusk College College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, as third year medical students (student doctors) start a new chapter in their training.

“This is a great opportunity for Cookeville Regional to be a part of medical student education and to introduce these future physicians to CRMC,” said Dr. Menachem Langer, CEO of Cookeville Regional. “Our hope is ... click here to read more

Hard work pays off for Dr. Joseph Jestus

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011

For Dr. Joseph Jestus, hard work has paid off in his career. However, he’ll be the first to admit that various outside circumstances have helped him along the way.

“I wanted to start my own place,” said Jestus, a general neurosurgeon, referring to just how he landed in Cookeville and opened Cumberland Neurosurgery.

That journey, however, began in the suburbs of Chicago where he was raised from the sixth grade forward. He then went to the University of Illinoi... click here to read more

Sutton Homestead added to Granville experience

Wednesday, Aug 24, 2011

GRANVILLE — Granville Museum, Inc., has purchased the historic home of Sutton General Store owner T. B. & Ethel Sutton which dates back to around 1860. The home is almost a town block and is located across the street from the 1880 Sutton General Store which is currently in operation.

Officials have restored the home to its condition when Mr. Sutton owned it. The home will be furnished with furniture of the period as well as many historical items of the Suttons. They will hav... click here to read more

Highlands kicking off new ‘Get Fit’ events in area

Wednesday, Aug 24, 2011

Overton, Putnam and White counties, partners in the Highlands Initiative, will host a Get Fit Highlands kick-off on Saturday, Aug. 27. Each county’s kick-off event is at a specific location in their county, with different activities for all ages.

"We are very excited the Highlands Get Fit Challenge is almost here,” Linsey Arfsten, community health educator and county chair for Highlands Get Fit Challenge, said. “We would like to encourage all community members t... click here to read more

Funds made available for small businesses in state

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced the approval of Tennessee’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) application. Tennessee’s planned use of the SSBCI funds will help create new private sector jobs and spur more than $297 million in additional small-businesses lending in that state.

The SSBCI program, which supports state-level, small-business lending programs, is an important component of the Small Business Jobs Act Preside... click here to read more

A success story from a small foundation

Wednesday, Aug 17, 2011

COOKEVILLE — Effective June 30, 2011, Lazarus House Hospice Inc. (LHH) has dissolved its 501(c)(3) organization and transferred its assets to the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Foundation (The Foundation). The acquisition is the culmination of two and a half years of discussions between the two organizations.

LHH, a Cookeville-based, not-for-profit hospice care provider, held assets of cash and property of over $1 million after selling their Certificate of Need as w... click here to read more

Upper Cumberland to host signature Civil War event

Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011

As Tennessee celebrates the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, marking 150 years, the Upper Cumberland will host the state’s signature event for 2011.

From last year through 2015, the Tennessee Sesquicentennial Commission is sponsoring a series of conferences in various locations around the state, focusing on the events which took place 150 years ago. These conferences are the signature events of each year and compliment many other celebrations and commemorations across the stat... click here to read more

Burgess Falls attendance up astounding 190 percent

Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011

The Highlands Initiative recently convened a group of government, chamber and business leaders from Putnam and White counties to listen to a briefing from the Friends of Burgess Falls addressing the impact Burgess Falls has on our local economy, the significant increase in visitation to the park and some of the challenges that has posed.

“The efforts and excitement to save Cummins Falls has allowed us to rediscover Burgess Falls,” said George Halford, president/CEO of the ... click here to read more

Impacts of Japan tsunami reach into Smith County employment

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

You might not think that Smith County, a mostly rural area nestled in the Upper Cumberland, would feel a major impact from world events.

You would be wrong.

The numbers speak loudly when it comes to Smith County, particularly the unemployment rate. The June numbers released late last week reveal that Smith County, where Carthage is the county seat, had the largest percentage drop in unemployment from the previous month in the entire state.

Unemployment fell 2.6 percent... click here to read more

Dr. Marilyn Vermeesch returns ‘home’

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

Dr. Marilyn Vermeesch is back “home.”

Vermeesch has joined The Physicians Associates of Cookeville Regional and began seeing patients in mid-July. This is her second stint at Cookeville Regional and she’s pleased to return.

“I’m happy to be back,” said Vermeesch, who specializes in internal medicine and pediatrics. “I wanted to stay in primary care.”

Originally from Michigan, Vermeesch did her undergraduate studies at Cen... click here to read more

Tom Jones guides REI, helps community

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

Many people seem to have the strange perception that Research Electronics International LLC (REI) makes spying equipment.

But in reality, it is a little less glamorous and a lot more technical. And many people probably don’t realize there’s a company right here in the Upper Cumberland which is one of the leading designers, developers and manufacturers of Counter Surveillance equipment.

Research Electronics International is located in an unassuming building in Algoo... click here to read more

Local athletic recruiting company has major success in first year of operation

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

People who love sports probably remember the days when a standout high school star was playing in a game and in the stands dozens of recruiters were watching, taking notes and assessing the possibilities.

For some, this scenario remains true. But the numbers have dwindled dramatically. Certainly, big-time programs like Texas, Florida, Tennessee and others still send scouts out to assess high school talent.

But for the majority of colleges in this country — and that&rsquo... click here to read more

What are trends for Upper Cumberland unemployment?

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

Some might say trying to predict unemployment rates in the Upper Cumberland is like trying to herd cats on Interstate 40.

And they might not be far off, though some trends do seem to emerge.

Like all of America, the Upper Cumberland has been impacted by the great recession which appears to have gotten into high gear at the very end of 2008. Though a recovery has been in progress for quite some time, unemployment continues to remain high and job growth low.

Just last we... click here to read more

Cumberland Medical Center does not fit the typical mold, and that’s positive

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

CROSSVILLE — There’s one undisputed fact when it comes to Cumberland Medical Center.

By all accounts, it does not fit the typical model of a medical center. For one, it is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Secondly, with around 5,000 retirees living in Fairfield Glade and many others elsewhere in the area, the age of the hospital’s patients is quite higher than in most places.

“We are going in the right direction,” said Debra Davis, executive dir... click here to read more

Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative has changed along with technology

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

Communications.

Sixty years ago, that meant either a telephone call or an old-fashioned letter with a stamp. (Postage rate at that time: 3 cents.)

Today, the world of communications has changed in ways not even imagined 60 years ago.

But one thing has not changed, and may never, for rural telephone cooperatives and that is serving customers.

“Customer service is still the focus of this company,” said Jonathan West, general manager of Twin Lakes Tele... click here to read more

Cumberland Business Incubator open, entrepreneurs are welcome

Monday, Aug 1, 2011
CROSSVILLE — Thursday, July 14, was a good day in Crossville. A very good day.

"Partnering together, we can do many great things," said Cumberland County Mayor Kenneth Carey.

Carey was one of several who spoke during the grand opening ceremonies of the Cumberland Business Incubator (CBI), located on the campus of Roane State Community College.

The incubator project has been seven years in the making and took the efforts of many people and government entities to come to ... click here to read more

Sales tax numbers indicate positive summer season around Dale Hollow

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

It appears the tourist season at Dale Hollow Lake has increased dramatically from last year.

According to the most recent sales tax collection figures released by the Upper Cumberland Development District, sales tax collections in both Pickett and Clay counties — the two largest beneficiaries from the lake — are well up over collections in 2010.

In Clay County, collections in June, which are the latest numbers available and the month which generally signals the sta... click here to read more

Getting a grip on reality is first step for our leaders

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

Have you ever made the assessment that certain things are just so bizarre it is hard to fathom how it could even happen?

Such is the case in Washington, D.C., these days. The debate over the debt ceiling turned almost comical with ludicrous cries from both sides of the fence. The bottom line is the debate is not about the debt ceiling, it’s about ideology. That is sad and why it is not funny.

It is painfully obvious those elected to serve the people are all too often abo... click here to read more

Keeping ahead is crucial in getting word out

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

By David Roland, Roland Digital Media

In the past, a newspaper and word of mouth were your only two sources of information.

At that time, newspapers were prime advertising real estate. Everyone that could fit would be squeezed in around the articles. It was done this way because it worked. 

Readers would see every ad in the paper and take it for truth because they didn’t have television commercials, radio ads and magazine articles telling th... click here to read more

The future ain't what it used to be

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

By Turney Stevens, Dean of The College of Business, Lipscomb University, Nahsville.

When Yogi Berra played for the Yankees, mostly in the 1960s, he often met with the press after games and often made some strange comment or other that seemed, at first glance, to be just plain nutty.

Upon reflection, though, the hidden wisdom of what he had said would emerge. Over the years, these became known as Berraisms.

After one game, a reporter asked him to predic... click here to read more

Apple Independence Mobility offers wide range of products, good service

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

Jeff Apple is the first person to admit he had no clue that in 2011 he’d be sitting in an office overseeing his own company.

“I did not think this would happen,” said Apple, owner of Apple Independence Mobility LLC based in Cookeville.

In fact, Apple believed he’d be a salesman following in the footsteps of his father, Ted. It was 1984 when his dad became a salesman for “Rascal” scooters, which provided mobility for people with disabilities.... click here to read more

Acid reflux is common problem, solution available in this region

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

CROSSVILLE — It could be one of the most common medical problems in the country, and you can get it treated right here in the Upper Cumberland.

“I would say there are vast droves of people,” said Dr. Mark Fox about how many people suffer from chronic acid reflux. The technical term is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Fox, who practices at Cumberland Medical Group in Crossville, is now performing a new surgical procedure which has a 94 percent cure rate... click here to read more

New wedding chapel near Gainesboro offers unique ceremony, quaint setting

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

Because we’re going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married

Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married

Gee, I really love you and we’re gonna get married

Going to the chapel of love

The Chapel of Love

Written by Jeff Barry, El... click here to read more

An alternative approach: chiropractic care, massage

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

It doesn’t take long to tell that Dr. Amanda Vaden and Jennifer Wilson have a great relationship.

Even a spilled soft drink at the end of a long day draws a good laugh as well as some light-hearted ribbing.

The two are partners at Serenity Health, a chiropractic and massage center in Cookeville. The two alternative medical practices work hand in hand and in many cases, patients will see them both on the same visit.

Chiropractic care

Vaden... click here to read more

Just what did legislature do for business?

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

The Tennessee General Assembly completed its work earlier this year, tackling many issues, including those related to business.

The Cumberland Business Journal sent questionnaires to the 13 state representatives and senators who represent at least a portion of the Upper Cumberland region. Two responses were received back, from Rep. Ryan Williams and Rep. Cameron Sexton. Following are their responses.

1. How would you grade the recent legislative sessio... click here to read more

New cardiac service at Cookeville Regional means better treatment for many patients

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

It opened with a lot of fanfare, and for good reason.

The new Electrophysiology Lab at Cookeville Regional Medical Center is now open.

“This is a much-needed service that helps maintain the quality of life,” said Mitch Stonecipher, director of the cath and EP labs at the medical center.

The new lab cost $5 million to construct.

The idea of having such state-of-the-art equipment has been in the works for a long time. In fact, it was 20 years ago when... click here to read more

Capella Healthcare acquires majority ownership of Cannon County Hospital

Monday, Aug 1, 2011

FRANKLIN — Capella Healthcare has announced the completion of its acquisition of 60 percent ownership interest in Cannon County Hospital, LLC (CCH). CCH owns DeKalb Community Hospital (DCH) a 71-bed hospital in Smithville, and Stones River Hospital (SRH) a 60-bed hospital in Woodbury. 

Specifically, the transaction involved a subsidiary that owns a majority interest in Capella’s White County Community Hospital, LLC, (WCCH) in Sparta acquiring the majority interest in ... click here to read more

July 2011

'Good junk cheap' coming to the Upper Cumberland Aug. 4-7

Thursday, Jul 28, 2011

As the sizzle of summer grips the Upper Cumberland, some relief is in sight — for shoppers, at least.

The annual 127 Corridor Sale, also known as the “World’s Longest Yard Sale,” is just around the corner.

The event is scheduled for Aug. 4-7 and will dissect Pickett, Fentress and Cumberland counties in this region. The headquarters for the event are located in Jamestown at the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce.

The concept of having such a lar... click here to read more

Fulmer to headline annual Cookeville Regional golf tourney

Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011

For the third consecutive year, Larco Medical, Inc. is this year’s presenting sponsor for Cookeville Regional Medical Center’s ninth annual Golf Classic and Celebrity Dinner.

Major sponsors are Journey Financial Planning/Charles A. Sewell, CFP and Turner Universal. All three sponsors have been long-time supporters of the tournament. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Foundation at Cookeville Regional including the Cancer Care Fund, the Caring Hands Fund and the ... click here to read more

BB&T Legge Insurance volunteers help out local food pantry

Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011

Volunteers at the Cookeville First United Methodist Church’s God’s Grace Food Pantry teamed up with volunteers from BB&T to provide food and household items for the church’s food pantry.

Employees from BB&T Legge Insurance volunteered approximately 100 hours of their time during June to buy food and household items, unload trucks, stock the pantry and serve the pantry’s clients.

Carol Fuller, Volunteer Director for the food pantry, said, “... click here to read more

New medical device could reduce cost of health care

Wednesday, Jul 20, 2011

CROSSVILLE — Already faced with a massive Medicare debt approaching a whopping $25 trillion tab, a new medical device has been introduced in Crossville that potentially lessons claims, reduces physical pain of caregivers, transforms mobility and brightens patient hope.

Physical relief for individuals and reduced financial rehab costs are on the horizon because of a new, simple, but potentially a far reaching, solution introduced by Crossville inventor Craig Weaver.

Diffi... click here to read more

Mortgage relief now available to more consumers

Wednesday, Jul 20, 2011

NASHVILLE – Consumers hit by income loss or reduction can now apply for mortgage payment relief.

Answering 12 simple questions at www.KeepMyTNHome.org establishes eligibility. Tennessee Housing Development Agency is able to make mortgage payments for eligible homeowners through the U.S. Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund.

“This program is legitimate, backed by the federal government,” said Bill ClenDe... click here to read more

Funding approved for Cordell Hull bridge

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011

State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) and Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) recently welcomed Governor Bill Haslam to the Cordell Hull bridge to announce that funding for the bridge was included this year in the Governor’s budget. The budget took effect on July 1.

The Cordell Hull Bridge, which is located on Old State Route 25 over the Cumberland River in Smith County, was deemed by the Department of Transportation’s Structures Division as deficient. Since ... click here to read more

New airport shuttle service now in operaton

Wednesday, Jul 6, 2011

New airport shuttle

service in operation

COOKEVILLE — McMillan’s Airport Shuttle service is now in operation.

Owner Kim McMillan said for the past 18 months, there has been no shuttle service in this area and “I had so many people approach me about missing the service that I previously worked for that I decided to start small and start my own shuttle service.”

Presently, the service is to the Nashville ... click here to read more

Clay County honors those who helped with Three Star certification

Wednesday, Jul 6, 2011

CELINA — For the third year in a row, Clay County has been recognized as a Three Star community in Tennessee.

Because of that honor, a luncheon was held on Wednesday, June 29, at Clay County High School as the Clay County Chamber honored local businesses for being a part of the program.

“This is in appreciation of everybody who has helped us in so many ways,” said Ray Norris, executive director of the chamber.

Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan also delive... click here to read more

Company expanding to Pickett County, jobs to be created

Friday, Jul 1, 2011

Some great news has been delivered to Pickett County just in time for the holiday weekend.

Officials from the state of Tennessee have announced plans by a Crossville-based company to expand into Byrdstown.

Fitzgerald Truck Parts & Sales announced on Thursday its plans for expansion. The announcement was made by officials from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the company.

The company has purchased the former Hutchinson FTS site in P... click here to read more

Cavender’s — Where customers are the top priority

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

For Ernie Cavender, it was an occupation he took up after leaving the Navy. For Kyle Cavender, it was simply a matter of time.

Both are now part of the management team at Cavender’s LLC, The Interior Company in Cookeville.

Ernie came back to Cookeville in 1975 after service in the Navy and went to work at a local carpet store. By 1981, he went into business for himself and opened his first store. After a time, he merged with Fixture World, opening a retail division. But ... click here to read more

Firefly Acres in Sparta offers wide variety of services and great food

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

The marriage of Bambi and Pete Dillingham was certainly a match made in heaven. And from there, things have only gotten better.

“We always wanted to work together.”

That quote came from both Bambi and Pete — in separate interviews. It really shows their devotion to each other and to the business they’ve built in the Upper Cumberland.

The Dillinghams own Firefly Acres — a business which really has four separate specialties.

One part... click here to read more

Jackson Kayak has had tremendous growth even through the recession

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

In the Upper Cumberland region, it would be hard to find a better success story than Jackson Kayak in Sparta.

From meager beginnings of four people in an old laundry building to 100,000 square feet and growing, including up to 125 employees and expanded product lines, the story is compelling. And don’t forget the continued strong growth during the recession.

“It blows my mind,” said Carman Ratliff, customer service manager for the company. “From where w... click here to read more

Amazin’ Acres features interesting corn mazes and much more

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

There is no doubt family farming has changed over the years — much of it for the worse.

Such was the case for Jimmy and Karen McCulley of White County. Jimmy is a third generation farmer who took over the milk cow operation after the death of his father. They also grew tobacco at the farm.

But as time went by, those two commodities went in the wrong direction. Tobacco’s fate is obvious. For milk, it got to the point where they just couldn’t produce the quanti... click here to read more

Much to see in Sparta, White County

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

Sparta and White County are filled with natural sites, historic sites and many other features.

Jody Sliger, tourism and marketing director for the Sparta - White County Chamber of Commerce, encourages everyone to explore the area and take in the sites. You can find detailed information by visiting www.sparta-chamber.net or visit the chamber office at 16 W. Bockman Way.

Here are some of the highlights:

Natural sites

• Bridgestone Firestone ... click here to read more

FLSA whistleblower protection not limited to written complaints

Jeff Jones
Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prohibits an employer from discharging or in any manner discriminating against an employee who has “filed any complaint” about activity allegedly violative of the Act. In Kasten v. Saint-Gobain, – S. Ct. –, 2011 WL 977061 (March 22, 2011), the Supreme Court ruled that this protection extended to oral complaints, not just complaints presented in writing.

Kevin Kasten claimed that he had been discharged because he made... click here to read more

Job One: Finding employment in the Upper Cumberland region

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

Jobs. Jobs. Jobs.

This has been the sounding board of politicians and citizens alike since the bottom fell out of the economy late in 2008.

Yet it seems little has been done as far as progress toward growing the job market. Unemployment still hovers at around 9 percent and some experts say the “real” rate is somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 percent when you consider those who have stopped looking and those who are underemployed.

In the Upper Cumberland, ... click here to read more

Many deserving recipients of the 2011 CBJ Ovation Awards

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

The recipients of the 2011 Ovation Awards from the Cumberland Business Journal have been announced. Following are the categories and award recipients.

Excellence in Tourism Promotion

Jody Sliger, tourism and marketing director, Sparta - White County Chamber of Commerce

White County

Jody Sli... click here to read more

Many lessons learned as White County looks to market new industrial park site

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

Local leaders in Sparta knew they had a problem — but it’s a problem many would like to have.

In 2005, says Wallace Austin, president of the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce, officials realized they did not have enough acreage left at the industrial park.

“We knew we needed more land,” said Austin.

He said Tri-State Distribution and BBT both came to Sparta and began growing and expanding. Neither has stopped. That didn’t leave much ... click here to read more

Ovation Award winners Bobby and Jean Davis have left major mark in betterment of area

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

What began as an on-again, off-again relationship during their high school days in Cookeville has turned into one of the most interesting stories in the history of the city.

Bobby and Jean Davis, who both came to Cookeville before the age of 10, had no idea their relationship in high school would eventually lead to very successful lives both professionally and in public service.

What may be one of the most unique aspects for the couple is the fact both have held the position o... click here to read more

Tub company in Sparta growing, merger means more growth, jobs

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

The year was 1977. A team had been assembled in Colorado with a mission: design a bathtub for nursing homes and hospitals with a side-opening door.

“It was the first one of its kind,” said Jim DeKraker, a member of that team who is now the CEO of Norcom of Tennessee. Norcom produces the Rane Bathing Systems product line, and DeKraker recently made a deal which will allow for even more growth and expansion of the company in Sparta. It will also mean more jobs for the region... click here to read more

Sales tax collections fall in Upper Cumberland

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

Sales tax collections in May fell off in the Upper Cumberland region as reported by the Upper Cumberland Development District.

Total collections in the region were down 1.1 percent over the previous year. Eleven of the 14 counties in the UCDD reported a decline in sales tax collections for May, which are the latest figures available.

The area’s two largest counties, Putnam and Cumberland, showed modest increases in sales tax collections. In Putnam County, collections ros... click here to read more

June 2011

Working together, we can make a difference

Thursday, Jun 30, 2011

This has been a fascinating month for me at the Cumberland Business Journal.

In our July edition, you will find the list of winners of our annual “Ovation Awards.” These awards are given out based on submissions from our readers about who they think best provides everything from great food to community service. This year we had 50 award winners from the many nominees submitted.

What has been so fascinating is being able to find out about all of these people and bus... click here to read more

Men's sexual health to be seminar topic on June 30

Wednesday, Jun 22, 2011

Cookeville Regional Medical Center will be hosting a seminar presented by urologist Dr. Quinton Cancel about Men’s Sexual Health on Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s Education Center.

Dr. Cancel will discuss and answer questions related to health conditions and possible treatments that may affect and improve sexual health in men.

Sexual health is a source of concern for many men. Oftentimes, problems with sexual performance are caused by medical conditi... click here to read more

New business provides airport service in Upper Cumberland

Wednesday, Jun 22, 2011

COOKEVILLE — McMillan’s Airport Shuttle service is now in operation.

Owner Kim McMillan said for the past 18 months, there has been no shuttle service in this area and “I had so many people approach me about missing the service that I previously worked for that I decided to start small and start my own shuttle service.”

Presently, the service is to the Nashville airport, in both directions, and hotels in the airport area or downtown Nashville. McMillan ... click here to read more

Dr. Sullivan Smith recipient of Roberson Award

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2011

Sullivan Smith, M.D. was presented with the twenty-third annual Fred H. Roberson Award recently at Cookeville Regional Medical Center’s annual service awards banquet. CRMC CEO Dr. Menachem Langer made the presentation, citing Smith’s commitment and loyalty to the hospital, the betterment of healthcare in the community and his many years of providing medical services in the Upper Cumberland.

Respected by physicians, hospital staff, the community, patients and their families... click here to read more

J&S Construction receives three top honors

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2011

J&S Construction Company, Inc., a Cookeville-based, pre-engineered manufacturer was recently awarded three separate honors by A&S Building Systems at a recent luncheon held at Freedom Plaza, J&S Construction’s corporate headquarters.

A&S Building Systems is a leading pre-engineered building systems manufacturer and division of NCi, one of the largest suppliers of metal building products in the industry. J&S’s accolades included the Outstanding Customer ... click here to read more

Carwile Mechanical celebrates 50 years in business

Wednesday, Jun 8, 2011

COOKEVILLE — Carwile Mechanical Contractors Inc. recently celebrated 50 years in business with a company cookout and picnic at Cane Creek Park. During the event, Gary Carwile, president and owner, spoke briefly about the company’s success and recognized Lucille Carwile, the first bookkeeper and wife of company founder Ezra Carwile, along with 33 of their longtime employees.

The company began in 1961 when Ezra Carwile teamed up with Woodrow Jackson to form Jackson & Car... click here to read more

Cumby Construction tapped for Nashville Greyhound bus station

Wednesday, Jun 8, 2011

COOKEVILLE — Cookeville-based J. Cumby Construction, along with Ceco Building Systems, is furnishing and erecting the pre-engineered steel for the new Greyhound bus station in Nashville. The 715 5^th Ave. South location replaces the Greyhound station that was on the corner of Demonbreun Street and Eighth Avenue South until it was torn down to make way for the city’s new convention center.

J. Cumby Construction is also installing energy-efficient wall and roof pan... click here to read more

UPDATE: Fish hatchery in Celina to remain in business

Thursday, Jun 2, 2011

CELINA — The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery will remain open for at least 16 more months and all eight employees will keep their jobs.

That was the word given today (Thursday, June 2) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Arlington, Va.

“The Service pledges to keep its mitigation hatcheries in the Southeast open and operating in fiscal year 2012 if it doesn’t receive full mitigation funding, but this approach is not sustainable in fiscal year 2... click here to read more

Cedar Lake Camp set to start on June 12

Wednesday, Jun 1, 2011

LIVINGSTON – Cedar Lake Camp, which has helped children and young people experience the traditional joys of summer camp since the early 1940s, begins its summer season on June 12.

Cedar Lake offers week-long resident camps, day camps and a canoe camp during June and July. Cedar Lake also offers backpacking, nature and worship camps at other times during the year, and plays host to groups that use the beautiful100-acre facility for retreats and picnics. The camp is located three ... click here to read more

Cookeville firm hired for York Institute reuse plan

Wednesday, Jun 1, 2011

JAMESTOWN — Maffett-Bouton & Associates, an architectural and engineering firm in Cookeville, has been selected to create an adaptive reuse plan for the 1920s-era York Institute building in Jamestown.

“We are excited about the opportunity to be a part of bringing another historical building back to life, and in doing so honoring a World War I hero,” said architect Bill Maffett. “It is projects like these that make our jobs as architects worthwhile.”click here to read more

Are rural Americans becoming endangered species?

Friday, May 27, 2011

We all know about endangered species. Whether it’s a fish in Montana or a bird in Georgia, the designations have been made.

But is there another endangered species which has not yet been declared?

It appears rural Americans could be endangered species given recent actions by the state and federal governments. Certainly, the jury is still out on this assessment, but the early warning signs are not good.

There are two issues outlined in this edition which highlight... click here to read more

BizBuzz

Friday, May 27, 2011

Reynolds joins team at First Volunteer Bank

COOKEVILLE — First Volunteer Bank has announced Deborah Reynolds has joined First Volunteer Bank as vice president and market leader for the Cookeville market for the bank.

“I am excited to make this announcement,” said Patti W. Steele, President and CEO for First Volunteer. “Debbie brings more than 22 years of banking experience to her new role. She is a great addition to our... click here to read more

Say, what is that elephant doing down at Ollie’s Place?

Friday, May 27, 2011

What do you get when you combine Marilyn Monroe and elephants?

Ollie’s Place, of course.

“All I had was $354,” said Ollie Page about how he opened this quaint restaurant in Celina, just a few minutes’ drive from Dale Hollow Lake in Clay County. “I just started turning it back into a business.”

Page was born in Celina in 1954. As a young boy, he helped out his dad who cooked at a restaurant which is just down the street from where he ... click here to read more

The Galley at Edgar Evins Marina has a whole new look, great menu

Friday, May 27, 2011

You just can’t ignore the fact Sheri Cairns believes she’s landed where she belongs.

“I’m so happy I could jump up and down,” said Cairns, general manager of The Galley at Edgar Evins Marina on Center Hill Lake, which is located west of Silver Point in northern DeKalb County.

The Galley, as a restaurant, has been in business for around 20 years. However, the changes which have taken place in the last few months have transformed the place — f... click here to read more

Sales tax collections continue to rise

Friday, May 27, 2011

Sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland continue to be on the rise, according to the latest statistics released from the Upper Cumberland Development District.

The most current figures available are from April of this year.

Probably the most positive sign related to the new information is the fact the top five counties for sales tax collections in the region all saw major increases over the previous year.

Putnam County saw a sharp increase of 10.3 percent with co... click here to read more

High Caliber Services — an exciting new process

Friday, May 27, 2011

To say the automobile industry has been in a tumultuous state in the past several years might be an understatement.

It’s something Mike Fitzpatrick, president of High Caliber Services in Cookeville, knows all too well. However, that doesn’t mean things aren’t looking better these days, especially with the rollout of a new data system he says is going to change the way things are done in the industry.

“We had a concept but the technology wasn’t the... click here to read more

Punisher Lures in Celina is an all-America success story

Friday, May 27, 2011

The story of Punisher Lures in Celina is right out of the American dream. A man about to lose his livelihood turns to his lifelong love of fishing and a company is born.

“Thank goodness for my wife Lynette,” said Stephen Headrick, who he said encouraged him to take a gamble on a new business.

It was 2001 and the writing was on the wall for OshKosh B’Gosh, a national garment company that was a staple in Clay County but one which was about to pull out and devas... click here to read more

Dr. Freedom Ikedionwu, a ‘k-i-d-n-e-y’ expert

Friday, May 27, 2011

It would be an interesting word on the Scrabble board: Ikedionwu.

“I love to play Scrabble,” said Dr. Freedom Ikedionwu, who recently joined the staff at Physician Associates of Cookeville Regional.

Dr. Ikedionwu (pronounced eh-kay-dee-on)) is a specialist in nephrology, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the kidney. He had a private practice in nephrology and internal medicine in Oklahoma for over 16 years before coming t... click here to read more

Economic impacts feared if fish hatchery in Celina is closed

Friday, May 27, 2011

A controversial issue surrounding the future of fish hatcheries in the southeast United States is hitting home in the Upper Cumberland.

“I think they are looking at this with blinders on,” said Stephen Headrick, owner of Punisher Lures in Celina and someone who will be directly impacted financially if the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery is not funded.

At issue is hatchery funding, or lack thereof. The current budget proposal on the table will defund six of the n... click here to read more

There are many steps when it comes to ‘getting competitive’

Friday, May 27, 2011

It might sound peculiar to relate NASCAR racing to “get competitive” and “lean thinking,” but it might be the ultimate example.

It was 1963 when famed team owners the Wood Brothers decided to choreograph pits stops at the Daytona 500, meaning driver Tiny Lund would spend less time on pit road than the other competitors. He went on to win the race. Most historians credit this with the birth of the modern pit stop in NASCAR.

Matt Daugherty, vice president... click here to read more

Decision on state planners sends local officials scurrying for answers

Friday, May 27, 2011

“A method for accomplishing an objective.”

That’s the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition for the word “plan.”

For every resident in the Upper Cumberland, the term “plan” or “planning” has impacted their lives. It may be in ways they don’t even know. Those could include where they installed a septic system or where a stop sign had to be placed. The issues involved with planning are immense.

For nearly 40 yea... click here to read more

Clay County, Celina officials working hard to turn around sluggish economy

Friday, May 27, 2011

What was once a thriving area thanks to the garment industry now has to find a new direction.

Clay County, located in the northern part of the Upper Cumberland region, was home to OshKosh B’Gosh and other garment industry businesses before the North American Free Trade Agreement was passed. Almost all of those jobs have since moved to foreign countries, leaving the economy of Clay County on shaky grounds.

But the spirit of Clay County is higher than it has been since the... click here to read more

Small space means big difference for Chamber office in Crossville

Friday, May 27, 2011

It might only be 1,500 square feet, but for Beth Alexander it’s much bigger.

“Ever since I’ve been here,” said Alexander, president and CEO of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, about how long she’s wanted to expand their building.

The expansion of the new building will add some office space, a conference room and new restrooms, but the most important aspect of the project has nothing to do with space. It has everything to do wi... click here to read more

May 2011

Time for UC businesses to ‘Get Competitive’

Friday, May 27, 2011

Surviving the “Great Recession” has been anything but easy for businesses. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

But so many have survived, some even thriving. How have they done that and what is the secret?

These questions are key in not only looking back over the past three years, but looking forward in an effort to determine how local businesses can grow and be strong for years to come.

We call it “Get Competitive.”

What that can mean ... click here to read more

Cookeville Chamber golf tourney will be May 27

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament presented by Charter Business tees off Friday, May 27, at White Plains Golf Course located at 4000 Plantation Drive in Cookeville.

“This tournament is a fun, relaxing event, which enables Chamber members to build existing relationships as well as make new ones,” said Jim Woodford, Chamber Golf Tournament chairman. “The tournament also serves the Chamber as a fundraiser to help with it... click here to read more

Averitt associates donate to tornado victims

Wednesday, May 11, 2011
COOKEVILLE – In the wake of recent tornado disasters across the South, the associates of Averitt Express recently made a $20,000 donation to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.

The Red Cross is currently using the funds to provide food and shelter to people who were forced to flee their homes due to the weather-related disasters.

According to Averitt officials, the donation was made from funds collected through the company's associate-giving organization, know... click here to read more

April business licenses: Putnam County

Thursday, May 5, 2011
The following businesses have received a license during April 2011 to operate in Putnam County. The list includes the business name, type, location and owner's name. Submitted by County Clerk Clerk Wayne Nabors.

222 Skateboards, 1471 The Land Road, Cookeville, TN 38506

Affordable Pools, 3307 Burgess Falls Road, Cookeville, TN 38506

All Occasion Cakes, 1363 Rock Springs Road, Buffalo Valley, TN 38548

Arena Leat... click here to read more

April business licenses: Macon County

Thursday, May 5, 2011
The following businesses have received a license during December 2011 to operate in Macon County. The list includes the business name, type, location and owner's name. Submitted by County Clerk James Ralph Howser.

Painting Dimensions, 2584 Dry Branch Rd., Dixon Springs, TN 37057

Top Gear Construction, 504 Coleytown Rd., Lafayette, TN 37083

Tolly & Lowe Inc., 1067 N. 1^st St., Milan, TN 38358

Ca... click here to read more

April business licenses: Smith County

Thursday, May 5, 2011
Here are new business licenses issued in Smith County for the month of April. The list includes the business name, type, location and owner's name.

ABC Weatherization, 216B Leeville Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087

ALA Concepts, 164 Flat Rock Road, Lebanon, TN 37090

Allstate Plastering, 96 Confederate Drive, Franklin, TN 37064

Angel’s Bridal & Photography, 20 Dixon Springs Hwy., Carthage, TN 37... click here to read more

April business licenses: Macon County

Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Here are new business listings from Macon County (courtesy County Clerk James Howser):

Sledgehammer Construction, 4998 Galen Road, Lafayette, TN 37083

Civil Constructors Inc., 425 Downs Blvd., Franklin, TN 37064

Gate Precast Company, One Bluegrass Drive, Ashland City, TN 37015

Pruitt’s Collision, 400 B Highway 52 Bypass East, Lafayette, TN 37083

Taqueria Laesperanza, 906... click here to read more

Dr. John Turnbull: From sports to surgery

Monday, May 2, 2011
When you think about it, going from the athletic field to being an orthopedic surgeon isn’t that big of a stretch. In essence, one sort of leads to the other.

For Dr. John Turnbull, he knew that transition was natural earlier than most.

“It was that moment,” said Turnbull about when he knew that was his goal in life.

The moment came during his sophomore year at Livingston Academy. After an injury, his football coach took him to see an orthopedic surgeon. Tha... click here to read more

A da Vinci that would make Leonardo proud

Monday, May 2, 2011
As Lady Antebellum plays just loud enough in the background, in the foreground is some of the highest technology medicine has to offer. It’s just another round of surgery at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

And for a couple of doctors at Cookeville Regional, the advent of robotic surgery came to them in very different ways. One was a little skeptical about the concept while the other was raised with video games and it just came natural.

Inside the surgery room on the day Lad... click here to read more

The Outdoor Experience offers recreationalists many choices

Monday, May 2, 2011
There’s no question the Upper Cumberland region is a magnet for those who love the outdoors.

And for Heather Sallee, owner of The Outdoor Experience in Cookeville, that translates into not only business for her store, but long-lasting friendships and sharing of great experiences.

“I’m very lucky to do what I do,” said Sallee, who has been at the business since 1998.

A psychology major at Tennessee Tech, Sallee and her then-husband were both working in ... click here to read more

Just what are the implications of the recession and recovery?

Monday, May 2, 2011
Hopefully, the cover of this edition got your attention in a big way.

One reason, of course, is because it’s our goal each month to grab your attention. It’s the nature of the beast. Second, however, and most important, we hope to send out a message regarding the current state of the economy as it relates to the Upper Cumberland and the nation as a whole.

We all know what happened in the fall of 2008. The financial markets nearly collapsed, the automotive industry was on ... click here to read more

Though it wobbled, area home market seems to have survived economic storm

Monday, May 2, 2011
Unless you’ve lived under a rock since late 2008, you are probably aware of what’s happened in the real estate market across America.

When the “Great Recession” engulfed the country, it also engulfed the real estate market — probably even more than most markets. Terms like “underwater” and “owe more than it’s worth” have been common throughout the tough economic times.

Horror stories originate from places like Las Vegas and ... click here to read more

Fuel prices continue to rise with impacts reaching almost everyone

Monday, May 2, 2011
Not only do higher gas prices mean everything from the cost of food to the cost of shipping is on the rise, it has many other implications, as well.

According to AAA Auto Club South, which includes the Middle Tennessee region, the price of fuel continues to climb with more unrest in the Middle East as well as a low value level internationally for the U.S. dollar.

As of mid-April, gas prices nationally were at $3.83 for a gallon of unleaded, up 20 cents in less than two weeks. In Tenn... click here to read more

Sales tax collections are strong in Upper Cumberland

Monday, May 2, 2011
After a slow February, sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland have roared back in March, which are the latest figures available from the Upper Cumberland Development District.

One of the most obvious bright spots is the fact the area’s six largest counties all showed major increases during the month.

In Putnam, collections were up 10.3 percent over the previous year. In March 2011, collections were $8,125,643, up from $7,551,827 the previous year. Cumberland County had a... click here to read more

Cumberland Caverns offers great adventures - down under!

Monday, May 2, 2011
Teddy Jones couldn’t help but smile when asked if he had taken any college courses for his job.

“I never thought (about being in his current position),” says Jones, “but I am sure glad I am.”

Since 2008, Jones has been the general manager of Cumberland Caverns, one of the busiest tourist attractions in the Upper Cumberland. The caverns are located near McMinnville.

Born and raised in the area, Jones was working as a marketing director for a compa... click here to read more

Center Hill Sports Marine is family business which focuses on customers

Monday, May 2, 2011
It only seemed like a natural fit for Travis McBride.

“I get to go to the lake several times a week,” said McBride, owner of Center Hill Sports Marine, Inc., which is located in DeKalb County near Center Hill Lake.

The business has been in operation for more than 40 years, he said. But it was in 2005 when it went up for sale. McBride and his dad discussed the matter in-depth. They were already in the car business and during that time, both had always enjoyed working on bo... click here to read more

Falcon Rest Mansion restoration has been difficult but rewarding

Monday, May 2, 2011
George McGlothin describes himself as a visionary

That vision got him in very big trouble once with his wife, Charlien.

“Dad said don’t tell her you are going to the auction,” admits McGlothin. “I bought it without my wife ever knowing … I knew I was in trouble.”

“It” wasn’t something like a painting or a set of golf clubs or even a car. It was a 10,000 square foot mansion — in total disrepair. That was 22 years ago... click here to read more

Center Hill Lake offers massive amount of recreation opportunities

Monday, May 2, 2011
There’s just something about being out on a lake.

Whether it’s the feeling of “getting away,” the sheer remoteness or the smell of fresh air, there’s just something.

For people in the Upper Cumberland region, there’s certainly several options when it comes to getting away at a lake. One of those options is Center Hill Lake, located mostly in DeKalb County but also covering parts of Putnam, White and Warren counties.

Center Hill Dam and Lake... click here to read more

Dale Hollow Lake is crucial economic driver for this area

Monday, May 2, 2011
It is certainly one of the most well known lakes in the southeastern United States — and is known throughout the country, for that matter.

Dale Hollow Lake is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Upper Cumberland region.

This massive lake stretches from the Gainesboro area in the west to the Byrdstown area in the east, making Pickett County in the Upper Cumberland a main tourist destination for visitors. To the north, the lake stretches well into Kentucky. There ... click here to read more

Unemployment numbers show slight improvement

Monday, May 2, 2011
Even though unemployment remains higher in Tennessee than the rest of the nation, the most recent numbers from the Upper Cumberland show slight decreases in unemployment rates.

The latest numbers are from February, as released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Nationally, the unemployment rate stood at 8.9 percent, the lowest in more than two years. Tennessee’s rate was 9.6 percent.

In Putnam County, the rate at the end of January stood at ... click here to read more

Local company specializes in manufacturing cajon drums

Friday, Apr 29, 2011
Brothers Adam and Patrick Richey founded Richey Drum Company in May 2009, but they only recently entered the e-commerce arena.

The company announced on Jan. 21 that it would start taking online orders for its handcrafted cajon drums at www.richeydrums.com.

“I want to use the website as a discussion forum to help people understand the drum,” Adam Richey said. He plans to add videos to the website to provide online lessons.

The cajon drum originated in Peru in the l... click here to read more

Local bakery offers very "Sweet" eats

Friday, Apr 29, 2011
After assuming ownership of Sweet Sallie’s Bakery and Café in January, Stephanie Clark is comfortably familiar with her job.

“The timing was very serendipitous,” Clark said, referring to Sweet Sallie’s ownership. “Beth [McWilliams, previous owner] was ready for a change, and I was ready to step into a role as business owner.”

Clark has been baking since the age of 14, and that hobby followed her to Tennessee Tech, where she studied food and ... click here to read more

Agritourism turns state’s top two industries into business

Friday, Apr 29, 2011
Tennessee Tech University intends to foster students’ interest in agritourism — the marriage of agriculture and tourism — by being the first university in the state to offer it as a degree concentration.

The program, approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents in August 2010, is part of the current bachelor of science in agriculture degree. The first class offered within the concentration, Introduction to Agritourism, began January 2011. The coursework intends to reinforce t... click here to read more

BizBuzz

Friday, Apr 29, 2011
Monk joins team at Cookeville Communications

COOKEVLLE — Cookeville Communications has announced the addition of Jonathan Monk as its new operations manager.

Cookeville Communications is the operator of six-time CMA & ACM Station of the Year 94.7 The Country Giant (WGSQ-FM), CHR Magic 98.5 (WGIC-FM), News Talk 1400 The Hub (WHUB-AM), Classic Country 780 (WPTN-AM) and Channel 7.

Monk comes to the company from 92.5 The Bear in Atlanta... click here to read more

April 2011

Upper Cumberland region offers wide variety of activities and fun

Friday, Apr 29, 2011
When it comes to tourism in the Upper Cumberland, nobody has more enthusiasm and passion than Ruth Dyal.

Dyal is the executive director of the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association (UCTA), which means she should have passion about that subject. But her passion runs much deeper. She believes tourism growth in the Upper Cumberland is critical when it comes to the economy and making this an even better place to live.

“It just amazes me,” said Dyal. “When I go talk to pe... click here to read more

Area communications cooperative still gives you that personal touch

Friday, Apr 29, 2011
It’s a sure bet that 60 years ago when some members of the Alexandria Lions Club and other concerned residents got together, they weren’t discussing cell phones and text messaging.

Yet those discussions would eventually lead to that cutting-edge technology now offered to residents served by DTC Communications.

“We are constantly recreating ourselves,” said Gary Hancock, COO of the company, which is still based in Alexandria in extreme western DeKalb County.click here to read more

Two local realtors offer new code system to benefit clients

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011
We’ve all seen it. You take something to the counter of almost any store and the item is scanned in using a bar code system and the price appears on the cash register screen. It’s as common today as full-service gas was 40 years ago.

This same principle applies to QR codes, which means “Quick Response.” It’s a system invented in Japan in 1994 and used for many applications.

QR codes can store a large amount of digital data including URL links, personal o... click here to read more

Free event set May 7 at Sgt. York Historic Park in Pall Mall

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011
Art, music, food and history are all part of the Sgt. York Cultural Arts and Heritage Celebration, a free event on May 7 at the Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall.

Sponsored by the non-profit Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation (SYPF) and funded in part by an Arts Build Communities grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, the event features craftsmen and artisans demonstrating skills that would have been commonly engaged in throughout the Wolf River Valley and Cumberland Pla... click here to read more

Tennessee business news for week of 04-25-11

Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011
Click on this link to find various stories from around the state of Tennessee. Each week we will provide links to various business-related stories from the state. Many times, business news from other parts of the state will have an impact on what happens right here in the Upper Cumberland.

It is our hope you will find these stories useful and if you have suggestions about topics or anything else you'd like to see related ... click here to read more

National business news for week of 04-25-11

Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011
Click on this link to find various business stories from around America. Businesses throughout the nation are part of major developments almost on a weekly basis. We are providing you with news we think is relevant and timely, and could even have an impact on our region. From trucking information to national technology firms, the business decisions made by company leaders have wide-ranging results.

Please let us know what kind of news links you would like to see in this section ... click here to read more

Menachem Langer named CEO at Cookeville Regional

Thursday, Apr 21, 2011
The interim CEO at Cookeville Regional Medical Center is now in that position permanently.

Dr. Menachem Langer was appointed interim CEO in March of this year after it was announced that Bernie Mattingly, who was CEO for 12 years, had requested a leave of absence. Mattingly cited personal reasons for his request.

In a press release dated April 21, officials from Cookeville Regional announced that Mattingly had notified the board of directors of his intention to retire, effective May ... click here to read more

New welcome center gets approval in Pickett County

Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011
A new welcome center and museum will be constructed this year on Highway 111 in Pickett County.

After nearly nine years of discussions and concepts, the new facility was finally given the stamp of approval in April.

“We’re hoping that this will be a big draw to tourists,” said Lana Rossi, a member of the Pickett County Commissioner’s Court.

The new building, which is approximately 3,000 square feet, will be constructed at Highway 111 and West Main Stre... click here to read more

Home Show winners are announced

Wednesday, Apr 20, 2011
Awards were handed out at the Upper Cumberland Home & Garden Show which took place recently in Cookeville. Four winners were announced. Click on this link to see who the winners were.
... click here to read more

Cookeville to H.O.G. the show is 2012

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011

Cookeville and Putnam County will go “HOG Wild” in 2012.

Representatives from the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau with support from Boswell’s Harley Davidson and the Upper Cumberland Harley Owners Group (H.O.G) Chapter made a winning presentation in Nashville at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in front of dealers and local chapters from across the state Sunday at the Tennessee Annual Harley Owners Group meeting.click here to read more

Blue Plate Grille being opened by Puleo’s group

Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011
Editor’s note: The following information was received in the form of a press release from the company. No mention was made of former employees other than managers. We hope to bring you more information about this restaurant once it is open.

Knoxville-based Puleo’s Grille will introduce a new restaurant called Blue Plate Grill in Cookeville in late April, company officials announced this week.

Blue Plate Grill will feature a diverse menu representing class... click here to read more

Stay & Play expo slated for April 16 in Cookeville

Wednesday, Apr 6, 2011
The Tennessee Upper Cumberland region offers an array of destinations for tourists, but it’s also the perfect place for “daycations” and “staycations.”

On April 16 the public is invited to a free event showcasing the 14-county region’s offerings. Between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. visitors to the Leslie Town Centre in Cookeville will gather information about the region’s diverse offerings.

“Stay & Play in the UC is designed to educate people in... click here to read more

Grant to help Putnam, Overton school districts

Wednesday, Apr 6, 2011
The United States Department of Agriculture awarded a grant to Putnam County Schools in January.

The grant, totaling $480,639, was given to encourage educational projects and expand access to health care services in rural areas through the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program.

“We are excited with the new funding to expand capabilities at several new sites including the central office building,” said Kathleen Airhart, Director of Putnam County Schools.

... click here to read more

Some things must change — quickly

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

This old proverb, said to be of French origin, certain applies to this day and age of politics across America.

What’s happening around this country is, to me, a lesson in past failures. The politics of the day is finger-pointing, blaming and getting absolutely nothing accomplished. How many “continuing resolutions” can Congress pass to keep the government running? A bunch, apparently.

But wha... click here to read more

U.S. Supreme Court Broadens Retaliation Claims

Jeff Jones
Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
On Jan. 24, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court held unanimously that an employee who was allegedly fired in retaliation for his fiancee filing a sex discrimination charge could sue his employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In Thompson v. North American Stainless LP, the plaintiff and his fiancee both worked for the same employer. Three weeks after the EEOC notified the employer that Thompson’s fiancee had filed a sex discrimination charge against it, the employer fired Thomps... click here to read more

Chad Crouch stays on the ball in real estate

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
Chad Crouch is a straight shooter — in more ways than one.

It was shooting hoops which landed Crouch on the Tennessee Tech basketball team after a fine high school career in Pickett County (following a move from Ohio.)

And in that same “straight shooter” vein, Crouch entered the real estate business with honesty and openness in the forefront.

For Crouch, going into the real estate business w... click here to read more

Religious-based bookstore offers various options in Jamestown

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
For Robert Arms, it only seemed natural.

After spending years in business, his “retirement” just wasn’t what Arms wanted. It didn’t take long for him to quickly need something else to do.

So last October, he decided to go back into business, this time opening In His Arms, a religious-based bookstore in downtown Jamestown.

“At one time there were three bookstores in Jamestown and all at once, there weren’t any. We saw a need for it,” s... click here to read more

Religious-based bookstore offers various options in Jamestown

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
For Robert Arms, it only seemed natural.

After spending years in business, his “retirement” just wasn’t what Arms wanted. It didn’t take long for him to quickly need something else to do.

So last October, he decided to go back into business, this time opening In His Arms, a religious-based bookstore in downtown Jamestown.

“At one time there were three bookstores in Jamestown and all at once, there weren’t any. We saw a need for it,” s... click here to read more

Current status of HEFT Industries remains unclear

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011

What will become of a proposed electric power plant company which announced it would relocate to Livingston and Byrdstown remains unknown.

“The project has not moved forward,” said Greg McDonald, director of the Livingston and Overton County Chamber of Commerce.

It was almost two years ago when High Energy Flow Through Industries (HEFT) began exploring the possibility of locating in this area, said McDonald. He said it was before he came on board at the chamber, wh... click here to read more

Nominations now sought for annual Ovation Awards

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011

Nominations are being sought for our fourth 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 is Monday, May 2. Nominations may be sent by e-mail to glittle@ucbjournal.com or to Cumberland Business Journal, Attn: Ovation Aw... click here to read more

Many questions remain about future of Puleo's Grille

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
Editor’s note: On Thursday, March 31, the Puleo’s Grille sign was being taken down at the Interstate Drive location. Company officials have been mum about what is happening at the restaurant. It was learned that employment advertisements have been placed for the “Blue Plate Grill” at the same location. We’ll continue to pursue this story and provide updates on the web as we get more details.

Renovations to Puleo’s... click here to read more

Upper Cumberland tourism to be showcased during April show

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
An event showcasing everything to do in the Upper Cumberland region is set for April in Cookeville.

“Stay & Play in the UC” is scheduled for April 16 at the Leslie Town Centre in Cookeville. It is free to all visitors. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The ‘Stay & Play in the UC’ Staycation show in Cookeville informs attendees about all the fabulous destinations, attractions and events in the Upper Cumberland,” said Ruth Dyal, ... click here to read more

Somerset Wood Products announces expansion of facilities in Crossville

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011

A leading manufacturer of hardwood flooring is expanding its Crossville facility.

Somerset Wood Products, based in Somerset, Ky., made the announcement recently during a ceremony in Crossville.

Company president Stephen D. Merrick said his company will expand the Crossville facility in order to meet the growing customer demands of its hardwood flooring products. The flooring product to be manufactured in Crossville has already grown into a significant part of the company&rsquo... click here to read more

Put some junk in your trunk! 127 Sale has big following

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
When it comes to business, the annual 127 Corridor Sale sure brings a lot of it to this region.

Also known as the “World’s Longest Yard Sale,” the event draws thousands and thousands of people along Highway 127, which dissects Pickett, Fentress and Cumberland counties in this region. Trying to measure the economic impact, however, is a different animal.

Leann Smith, tourism and membership director for the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce in Jamestown, says it is ... click here to read more

Charlotte’s Interiors offers multitude of services for wide variety of clients

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011

Charlotte Stevens knew what she wanted to do at a very young age, probably around 8 or 9.

“It was in my blood,” said Stevens, owner of Charlotte’s Interiors in Crossville.

As a child, Stevens said she was always doing something related to design.

“All I did was draw floor plans,” she recalls with a smile.

She said her mother was a home economics major and, coming from a large family, wanted to make sure all of her children were sel... click here to read more

East Fork Stables caters to thousands of equestrian lovers

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011

If you think the opportunity to see true backcountry and wilderness from horseback is disappearing, you haven’t visited East Fork Stables in Fentress County.

Situated south of Jamestown, this massive area caters strictly to horse owners. There are 12,000 acres of private land at East Fork Stables — and you can ride on just about any inch of it you want.

“I think horse owners own horses because of the passion and the hobby,” said Phil Hopson, manager of ... click here to read more

Catering to a need, company offers variety of services, rental properties

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
There’s no getting around the fact many people have purchased property in Fentress County, both as vacation and retirement investments.

The vast majority of those people have done this with one thing in mind — horse trail riding. It’s the most popular form of recreation among equestrian lovers all over America. With its pristine views and hundreds of miles of riding trails, Fentress County is a natural fit for those people.

But what happens with those properties whe... click here to read more

Though tough times have hit builders, Fortune 7 Homes continues forward

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
Paul Wood and Scott McIlravy don’t beat around the bush when it comes to talking about the state of property development and home construction in Fentress County.

“We pulled in the reins,” said Wood, CFO of Fortune 7 Homes in Jamestown.

McIlravy, president of the company, echoed the same sentiments. He said they “lost some good people” because they had to scale back, but are hoping things pick up after coming through such a rough period the past couple o... click here to read more

Micro Metals in Jamestown has long family tradition of service

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
To know the story of Micro Metals Inc., in Jamestown, you have to know its history.

That history began during World War II when Carl Edwards of Kentucky, who had entered the Army at age 16, returned home to the coal mines of the Bluegrass State.

“He got off the train and went straight into the mine,” said his son, Scott Edwards, CEO of Micro Metals.

Edwards said his dad could have received $20 a week for a year as part of the GI Bill, but turned it down, saying he... click here to read more

Carrying on a family legacy is not easy, but having a foundation makes it easier

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
Sometimes, it’s the unforeseen that changes everything.

Other times, it’s what you envision that causes those changes.

For Steve Rains, president and CEO of Progressive Savings Bank based in Jamestown but serving a wide area of the Upper Cumberland region, it’s a combination of both which eventually brought him to his current position.

But Rains is the first to tell you it’s not about him. Far from it. It’s about the people around him, people his... click here to read more

Clayton Homes offers viable alternative with modular, manufactured homes

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
There’s an old saying, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.”

When it comes to modular and manufactured homes, that’s a good thing.

“It’s not like the old days,” said Ed Farmelo, sales manager at Clayton Homes in Crossville.

The “old days” date back to the roots of what were then called “house trailers,” most of them built with the cheapest possible materials. They came onto the scene in the late ... click here to read more

Cookeville restaurant brings frank taste when it comes to U.S. classic

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
Located in the historic West Side district in downtown Cookeville, The Dog House brings Michigan-style food to Tennessee.

Teri Richards moved to Tennessee from California 14 years ago and decided to start a restaurant when she saw a commercial vacancy on North Cedar Avenue in 2000.

“There were no good hot dogs in town,” Richards said. “I like being able to bring something that had never been around here before.

“I had a lot of people tell me that it wo... click here to read more

E.S. Construction uses latest techniques when doing roofing work for your business

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
Eddie Pack says he got into the roofing business by accident.

“The commercial stuff was quite by accident,” said Pack, owner of E.S. Construction in Sparta.

Pack began E.S. Construction in 1996 and focused on remodeling and other construction-related projects.

But as Pack says, he’s always looking to add new techniques and avenues to his business. Pack said he began going to home shows to see what was happening in the world of construction.

At the sa... click here to read more

Swafford and Sons IGA provides quality service, hometown pride

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
It’s been a staple of business in Clarkrange for 24 years — and the plan is to keep it that way.

Swafford and Sons IGA sits along Highway 127 and serves a large region around the town.

It was 1987 when Ray Swafford first opened the IGA store in Clarkrange. For 10 years the store was in a leased building and in 1997, the decision was made to build a new grocery store, said Matt Swafford, who co-manages the store with his brother, Chris. Their father is still involved with ... click here to read more

State catches up with Upper Cumberland on sales taxes

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
It appears the state of Tennessee is catching up with the Upper Cumberland when it comes to sales tax collections.

That’s probably a good thing for the Upper Cumberland, which has shown positive sales tax collection data for the past several months.

The latest numbers are from January of this year which is typically a slower month coming off of the holiday season.

But overall, the Upper Cumberland Development District reports sales tax collections up 4 percent over the ... click here to read more

March 2011

Langer discusses new role as interim CEO at Cookeville Regional

Wednesday, Mar 30, 2011
Just last week, officials at Cookeville Regional Medical Center announced that CEO Bernie Mattingly had requested a leave of absence.

Mattingly submitted the request to the hospital board for a 90-120 day leave, according to a brief press release from Cookeville Regional.

At the same time, it was announced that Dr. Menachem Langer, the current COO, had been named as interim CEO at the hospital.

Langer became the chief operating officer at Cookeville Regional in October of las... click here to read more

All aboard? Study says improved rail service would benefit Upper Cumberland

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011
Transportation.

It’s a word that can mean many things. It might mean your personal car, a flight somewhere or riding a horse.

For a group of officials in the Upper Cumberland, their focus is simple — rail.

“There is a competitive disadvantage in Tennessee,” said Scott Sandman, chairman of the Industrial Development Board of Fentress County.

That disadvantage even spreads into Nashville, he said, which is one of America’s largest cities th... click here to read more

Highlands topic of recent meeting, second phase of project well under way

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011
Business and governmental leaders from across the Highlands region recently met to discuss annual legislative priorities for Overton, Putnam and White counties.

Highlands consultant Dave Cooley of Cooley Public Strategies, representatives from Capitol Strategy Group and Committee Chairman Steve Copeland, Sr. led the group in a discussion that began with an overview of changes in the legislature.

The dialogue continued with key accomplishments in the Highlands over the past year inclu... click here to read more

Bluegrass Underground will go national with broadcasts to be on public television

Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011

Organizers of the acclaimed music event series Bluegrass Underground have announced a partnership to bring this unique “musical adventure” to PBS this fall. Bluegrass Underground is taped in the Volcano Room, 333-feet deep within Cumberland Caverns near McMinnville. The 12-part concert series premieres on PBS this September.

“PBS is constantly seeking fresh ways to engage our audience through nature, culture and the arts,” said John F. Wilson,... click here to read more

Upper Cumberland tourism to be showcased during April show

Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011
An event showcasing everything to do in the Upper Cumberland region is set for April in Cookeville.

“Stay & Play in the UC” is scheduled for April 16 at the Leslie Town Centre in Cookeville. It is free to all visitors. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The ‘Stay & Play in the UC’ Staycation show in Cookeville informs attendees about all the fabulous destinations, attractions and events in the Upper Cumberland,” said Ruth Dyal, ... click here to read more

Sign up now for incubator seminars in Crossville

Wednesday, Mar 9, 2011
Entrepreneurs interested in starting a business, or those who recently started a business, are invited to participate in a new “Jumpstart Your Business” seminar series sponsored by the Cumberland Business Incubator and its partners.

The first workshop will be held March 18, and the five-session series concludes April 15. All sessions will be held in the Community Room at Roane State Community College’s Cumberland County campus, 2567 Cook Road in Crossville.

Admissio... click here to read more

Home show set, construction edition will be in April

Wednesday, Mar 2, 2011
The annual Upper Cumberland Home & Garden show is set for this weekend at the Hyder Burks Pavilion in Cookeville.

The Home and Garden Show (see details at http://ucbjournal.com/news.php?id=253) is set for Friday through Sunday and will have many features this year, including cooking demonstrations. Many booths will also be featured showcasing everything related to the home and garden.

The Cumberland Business Journal will also be in attendance, spons... click here to read more

Biz Buzz

Wednesday, Mar 2, 2011
Billy G. Smith open office to help Social Security Disability applicants

After nearly a half century in public service, Billy G. Smith is putting his expertise to work to help those who are struggling to navigate the Social Security Disability application process.

Helping people is a fiber that has run through Smith's entire career, which began in 1965 at the Cookeville Police Department. In 1968, he left his role as police lieutenant to begin the fi... click here to read more

February 2011

ServiceMaster appoints new CEO

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2011
MEMPHIS — ServiceMaster Company has announced the appointment of Hank Mullany to succeed retiring Chief Executive Officer J. Patrick Spainhour, effective March 31. Mullany and Spainhour will begin working together immediately to implement a smooth transition.

ServiceMaster is the parent company of Terminix, TruGreen, American Home Shield, Merry Maids, ServiceMaster Clean, Amerispec, FurnitureMedic and TruGreen LandCare.

Mullany is a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of re... click here to read more

West Tennessee solar farm to move forward

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2011
NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam and Commissioner Bill Hagerty of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development have announced the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has completed its environmental review for the West Tennessee Solar Farm in Haywood County and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), which means the project complies with all applicable federal regulation for environmental protection.

The review was conducted under guidelines specifi... click here to read more

Shuttle pilot Wilmore credits TTU education for determination in astronaut corps

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2011
Capt. Barry Wilmore is a down-to-earth kind of guy — with one major exception.

A graduate of Tennessee Tech University, Wilmore has returned to this area many times speaking to a wide-ranging group of people. On Tuesday night, Wilmore was the keynote speaker at the seventh annual Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce membership banquet at the Leslie Town Centre.

Wilmore is a captain in the NASA astronaut corps and piloted STS-129, which was a mission to the International... click here to read more

Home & Garden Show set for early March

Thursday, Feb 17, 2011
With an economy that looks to be inching in the right direction, you should mark your calendars now for the annual Upper Cumberland Home & Garden Show.

The event is set for March 4-6 at the Hyder Burks Pavilion in Cookeville.

A long list of exhibitors will be featured at the show, which has drawn upwards of 6,000 people during past events.

“Everybody thinks this will be a better year,” said Melanie Chadwell of the Home Builders Association of the Upper Cumberl... click here to read more

Cookeville Chamber recruiting retirees to area

Thursday, Feb 17, 2011
The Retire Tennessee program worked their second Live South Real Estate Trade show in January in the Valley Forge area right outside of Philadelphia.

Over 400 attendees came from over two feet of snow on the ground to learn about favorite retirement locations.

"When 12,00 boomers are retiring daily through 2015, now is a good time to let them know that Cookeville-Putnam County is worth a look and a visit," said Laura Canada, vice president of communications and programs for the Chamb... click here to read more

Company donates computers to Sparta senior center

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2011
Senior citizens in White County now have much better access to technology.

“We wanted to show our respect and thanks to the community,” said Charles Bell, owner of Compugeeks in Sparta.

The company recently donated three Dell computers, with all accessories, to the Senior Citizens Center of Sparta. All are new computers and include networking as well as printer sharing. Total value is around $3,000.

Bell said since opening in 2008, the company has worked closely w... click here to read more

Astronaut Wilmore to be featured at chamber banquet

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2011
The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce will hold the 7th Annual Chamber Membership meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 22 with NASA Astronaut Capt. Barry Wilmore as the keynote speaker.

The event will be at the Leslie Town Centre beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and $600 for a table. Seating is limited, so reserve your ticket as soon as possible.

Contact Dia... click here to read more

Verizon now offering iPhone to area customers

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2011
Verizon Wireless stores across the country added the iPhone 4 to its shelves this week, expanding its availability to approximately 94 million Verizon customers.

Verizon stores, particularly the main dealership on West Jackson Street in Cookeville, had additional security staff when its doors opened at 7 a.m. Thursday to customers eager to upgrade to the iPhone.

Fourth in the generation of the original model launched by Apple in 2007, the iPhone was available by pre-order on verizonw... click here to read more

Livingston couple purchases nursery, very well received in the community

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
It’s hard to imagine going from war-torn Iraq to beautifying property in Overton County, but that’s exactly what Ryan Burchfield is doing.

“It is a risk,” said Burchfield who, with his wife, April, opened Evergreen Nursery & Gifts in Livingston in October of last year.

A member of the Tennessee National Guard, Burchfield has seen two tours of duty in Iraq. At the end of 2005, after returning from the first deployment, Burchfield joined with a friend and op... click here to read more

Sales tax collections on rise in Upper Cumberland

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
As sports lovers know, sometimes statistics can be deceiving.

But in the case of the latest sales tax figures for the Upper Cumberland region, the numbers don’t lie — and that is a good thing.

“It was a good month,” said Henry Bowman of the Upper Cumberland Development District, which tracks the numbers in the 14-county region.

The most recent numbers released are for November 2010 and some of the increases over the previous year are impressive. But wh... click here to read more

January business licenses

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
The following businesses have received a license during January 2011. Listed are the business name, type of business, address and owner's name.

PUTNAM COUNTY (from the office of County Clerk Wayne Nabors)

American Vinyl Siding & Windows, 2603 Deck Mountain Road, Cookeville, TN 38501

Blue Coast Burrito, 1010 S. Jefferson, Suite. B, Cookeville, TN 38501

Blue House Pie Co. & B... click here to read more

Unemployment rates up slightly in region

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
Unemployment in the Upper Cumberland reversed recent trends and rose slightly during the most recent reporting period.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s latest figures, from November 2010, show a rise in unemployment over the previous month in all but two of the 15 counties in the region.

Only Jackson County (which was unchanged at 10.3 percent) and Macon County (which dropped just slightly from 9.7 percent to 9.6 percent) were spared from a rising r... click here to read more

Livingston Chevy dealer makes bold move during recession

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
It’s a long way from west Texas to middle Tennessee.

But for Casey Shokoui, that long journey has been worth the effort.

“We have been received very well in this area,” said Shokoui, owner of Casey’s Frontier Chevrolet in Livingston.

Shokoui’s beginnings in the automobile business date back to his high school days when he landed a job at a dealership in Abeline, Texas. It just happened that’s where he found a job that summer because he wasn... click here to read more

To the good people of Overton County …

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
“Come with me, we’re going to do this a little different,” said Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes as he whisked me out of his office and into a waiting vehicle. That was just after he’d answered a question from a newspaper reporter concerning the city’s rock salt supply.

Overton County Mayor Ron Cyrus, prior to his interview, was trying to figure out how he could carve out some time to deliver meals on wheels to the elderly in the county while also scheduling an aft... click here to read more

Woman sues employer over gun policy

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
During June of 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court expanded gun rights in a ruling that requires states to respect the federal right under the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms, but it did not say specifically how broadly the right extends.

As a result, gun-rights groups are preparing to file suits in states with restrictive laws dealing with the carrying of guns. In addition, some states have gun laws that protect the rights of persons or employees to carry guns. Georgia, for example, has a l... click here to read more

Flexial acquisition secures company’s position in community

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
For 91 people in Cookeville — and most likely more in the future — some good news has been announced.

Flexial Welded Bellows has announced the company has been sold to BOA Group, a global provider of flexible mechanical elements.

Richard Larsen, president of the local company, says this is welcome news.

“It most definitely will,” said Larsen when asked if more people will be added to the existing workforce of 91 employees.

How quickly that will... click here to read more

Fentress gets good news about Highway 127

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
State Senator Ken Yager has announced the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) 2011 budget includes funds to begin the process of widening US127 from Lowe Road in Cumberland County to State Route 62 in Clarkrange. Yager said funding for acquisition is a major step forward to help boost economic development in the area and create jobs.

“This project was one of my top legislative priorities as it will greatly enhance our job creation efforts,” said Senator Yag... click here to read more

Livingston restaurant salutes Vols, offers many homemade delicacies

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
Editor’s note: Watch our website (www.ucbjournal.com) for the WCTE-TV schedule of “CBJ Spotlight,” a regular weekly feature. The following business will be featured on an upcoming episode. For more photos from Tennessee Barbecue, click here.

The orange room is a dead giveaway.

So is th... click here to read more

Overton County looks ahead for good future growth

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
Even through a very tough recession, the resilience in Overton County is strong — and a positive future is forecast.

“I think the future is bright,” said Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes, who is serving in his second term.

“We are on a roll,” said Overton County Mayor Ron Cyrus, who is serving his first term in that position.

“We are all working toward the same goal,” said Rita Reagan, director of marketing and tourism for the Livingston... click here to read more

A new kind of lettuce facility operates in Livingston

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
Anyone who has driven north on Highway 111 toward Livingston has seen it. It’s hard to miss those huge greenhouses which sit just off the east side of the highway.

But what is it and what happens inside? (For many more photos from inside the facility, click here.)

There’s a simple answer: lettuce.

But it’s no simple task when it ... click here to read more

High school sweethearts have success operating 5th Street Diner in Crossville

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
It may have been fate.

When a couple of high school students decided they would make pizza on their first date, something must have been in the cards.

That was 1983.

In 2011, Karen and Jay Edmunds are still cooking — only now it’s how they make a living.

“My husband and I have always loved to cook,” said Karen, who along with Jay, owns the 5^th Street Diner in Crossville.

That love of cooking goes way back for both of them. Fo... click here to read more

Potter’s Home Centers spread wings to provide service throughout area

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
What started with humble beginnings many years ago in Jamestown has turned into a great success story in the Upper Cumberland.

“People are our number one asset,” said Brandon Smith, vice president of operations for Potter’s Home Centers.

The company, which features Ace Hardware brand products as well as others, has locations throughout the region and into southern Kentucky.

In 1946, however, thoughts of such expansion where probably not even imagined. Elmer ... click here to read more

ValuePetSupplies.com is modern business with old-fashioned touch

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011

Not that long ago, Tom and Cheri Piech were working from a table in the upstairs of their Overton County home.

Today, their startup business is now a company which has 23 employees and ships pet supplies all over North America. (To go to the company's website, click here.)

It is truly an “American dream” story that unfolded in Livingston.

“We have been blessed to end up in Overton County, Tennessee,&rdquo... click here to read more

J&S awarded contract for biomass facility

Tuesday, Feb 1, 2011
J&S Construction Company of Cookeville has announced a contract signing with Genera Biomass, LLC, to construct the Biomass Innovation Park, located in Vonore.

Tennessee’s Biomass Innovation Park, operated by Genera Energy, is a 22-acre, one-of-a-kind campus which will integrate and optimize the entire biomass supply chain. Using the design-build approach to construction, J&S Construction has worked closely with Genera in helping them design the facilities, site plans and helpin... click here to read more

Business news from around the nation for week of 01-31-11

Wednesday, Jan 26, 2011
Click on this link to find various business stories from around America. Businesses throughout the nation are part of major developments almost on a weekly basis. We are providing you with news we think is relevant and timely, and could even have an impact on our region. From trucking information to national technology firms, the business decisions made by company leaders have wide-ranging results.

Please let us know what kind of news links you would like to see in this section and we... click here to read more

January 2011

Technology: Moving your business to the cloud

Don Viar
Wednesday, Feb 1, 2012

Have you moved your business into the “cloud” yet? You might be sitting there saying “I’ve heard about the ‘cloud’ but I really don’t really understand it.” Is it even right for my business?

Well first off, don’t feel bad if you don’t fully understand it. It seems like every technology company in the world has added the word “cloud” into their marketing to capitalize on the buzz. When people talk about “the ... click here to read more

Dr. Brad Seitzinger understands the changing face of medicine

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
Dr. Brad Seitzinger is realistic when it comes to the fact that the business of health care is changing.

Dr. Seitzinger, who practices Internal Medicine and has been in a solo medical practice for the past 10 years, will soon join several other doctors at 128 North Whitney – a team of doctors known as The Physician Associates of Cookeville Regional.

As member of the Cookeville Regional hospital quality committee, Dr. Seitzinger says he is well aware of why changes in medicine a... click here to read more

Dr. Jeff Gleason - the apple does not fall far from the tree

Wednesday, Feb 2, 2011
"The apple does not fall far from the tree.” This saying certainly proved true for Dr. Jeff Gleason. As a growing young man, Dr. Gleason had a natural mentor, his father. Raised in an atmosphere of medical service, medicine was a natural choice for his brother and for him. He stepped into the same shoes that his father enjoyed for over 35 years by caring for women in the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology.

Gleason attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine and was selecte... click here to read more

‘REDI for Action’ theme of recent meeting

Wednesday, Jan 26, 2011
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development partnered with Tennessee Tech University to host a regional economic development strategic planning summit entitled "REDI for Action in 2011" recently in Cookeville.

The event brought together community officials from 13 counties in the Upper Cumberland region with more than 25 partner agencies including ECD's Three-Star, Main Street, Tennessee Downtowns, Energy Policy, Business Enterprise Resource Office and Business Development... click here to read more

Fastsigns opens store in Cookeville

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2011
Area resident Mike Grosklaus held a grand opening of his FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics center, the first one in Cookeville, on Monday, Jan. 10.

Located at 770-B S. Jefferson, the center provides a full range of sign and graphics solutions to area businesses, organizations and events, including banners, site and architectural signs, window and floor graphics, point-of-purchase signs, safety and identification signage, trade show displays, exterior signage and vehicle wraps.

&ld... click here to read more

Rick Henry named VP, manager of Mid-State Commercial & Industrial Division

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2011

Rick Henry of Mid-State Construction has been promoted to the position of vice president and manager of the company's Commercial & Industrial Division. He will replace Tony McCracken, who is retiring after a long track record of successful building projects with Mid-State.

Henry will continue and build upon McCracken's tradition of promoting excellence through teamwork to create award-winning projects throughout the region.

“The strength of our company is teamwork,&r... click here to read more

Hagerty named to head state's economic arm

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2011
Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Haslam has announced Nashville business executive Bill Hagerty as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Hagerty has extensive business experience and brings a depth and breadth of knowledge to business recruitment in Tennessee that is critical to Gov.-elect Haslam’s goal of making the state the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.

"Having someone of Bill Hagerty’s caliber at the helm... click here to read more

Dollar General adding stores, thousands of jobs

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2011
Retailer Dollar General, based in Tennessee, has announced plans to create 6,000 new jobs across the country.

The news was announced recently by the company. Part of those plans are to construct 625 new stores.

For more information about this story, click here.

... click here to read more

It’s a rough job, but someone has to do it!

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
It’s always interesting when you move to a new place.

For me, it may be more interesting than for most because a big part of my job is exploring new places and meeting new people. I mean really, who could complain about getting paid to go to interesting places, talk to people and then relay their stories to the general public?

Not me, that’s for sure.

For the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time in several locations around the Upper Cumberl... click here to read more

Old Feed Store Antique Mall is down-home Woodbury business

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
It’s on the website. It’s on the T-shirts. There’s a sign hanging prominently in the store.

“We really do sell feed.”

And it’s true.

The Old Feed Store Antique Mall in Woodbury does sell feed — and just about anything else “you didn’t know you wanted,” according to Mike Vaughn, who owns the business along with his wife, Debbie.

They purchased the store in 2005 “knowing we wanted to be involved in busine... click here to read more

Randel Wallace: Glad he calls Cookeville home

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
Some might think “crunching numbers” is just a mundane job which somebody has to get done.

Not Randel Wallace, owner of Progressive Business Services in Cookeville.

“I say bring it on,” said Wallace of tax season, which is now under way.

He said tax season is the bread and butter for his accounting business, with nearly 50 percent of the year’s revenue coming in the first three months of the year. So what’s not to like?

Wallace is a... click here to read more

Eat at Joe’s! Woodbury staple is central part of history, lives in Cannon County

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
We’ve all heard and seen the old phrase, “Eat at Joe’s,” in movies, cartoons and just about every medium.

But in the city of Woodbury, that phrase goes to a whole different level.

“The history,” said Randy Barrett, owner of Joe’s Place, a restaurant known literally around the world, about one of the reasons he decided to purchase the business four years ago.

Barrett had worked in the steel business for 27 years. But “downsizing,... click here to read more

Elizondo brings skills, humor to orthopedic practice

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
Dr. Philip Elizondo is an orthopedic surgeon, and a top-notch one at that.

But he’s also a skilled woodworker, photographer and eater. Not to mention being a “food critic,” as he likes to say.

Elizondo recently moved to Cookeville to work at Upper Cumberland Orthopedics and at Cookeville Regional Medical Center where orthopedic surgery has been ranked in the top 5 percent in the nation by Healthgrades. In fact, surgeries performed by the group have received a 5-star... click here to read more

Unique Boutique: Jamestown business offers different kind of clothes, food for wide variety of tastes

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
You might not think trying to make a go of a specialty store and tearoom in Jamestown would calm somebody’s nerves.

But for Allison Barta, owner of The Boutique in this Fentress County city, it did just that.

“This is actually a stress reliever,” said Barta, who has owned the business for nearly two years.

Barta said she was in a “high-paced environment” in Arizona, working in the construction business. But she grew up in Fentress County and knew... click here to read more

Investment made in planned Cannon County distillery

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
A $1 million investment has been made for a planned spirits manufacturing facility in Cannon County near Woodbury.

Short Mountain Distillery is the planned facility and its developers, brothers Billy and David Kaufman, have made a $1 million commitment toward capital investment.

The announcement was made on Dec. 10, about a month after voters in Cannon County approved a referendum allowing the project to move forward. The vote passed 1,962 to 1,663, with all precincts in Cannon Count... click here to read more

Biz Buzz

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
Bredesen appoints locals to various state boards

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, who leaves office this month after eight years, has appointed several area residents to state boards and commissions.

McKenzie C. “Ken” Roberts of McMinnville has been appointed to the Board for Licensing Alarm System Contractors.

Joseph T. Erdeljac and Walter S. Fitzpatrick III, both of Cookeville, have been named to ... click here to read more

Fewer gains shown in UC unemployment rate

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
After trending down for several months, unemployment crept up in several counties in the Upper Cumberland, according to state statistics.

The numbers are for October 2010, the latest available from the state.

Even with a slight setback, all counties in the Upper Cumberland region have shown major gains over the previous year, which was the height of the recession.

In Smith County, the unemployment rate has fallen a dramatic 5.1 percent in the past year. Even in the latest rep... click here to read more

Cannon County, Woodbury offer rural way of life, a real sense of community

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
It could be a postcard.

Rolling hills, winding roads, a Mayberry-esque town nestled tightly in the valley where good ‘ole boys tell tall tales at the local diner. Get a haircut and you get the local gossip as a bonus. Five bucks will get you a great lunch (drink included) and if you want to see the mayor or county executive, just stop by the office - the door is open. You can even take in a movie at the drive-in during the warm months.

Cannon County and its county seat, Woodbur... click here to read more

Readyville Mill offers unique glimpse into the past

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
For nearly 200 years, a grain mill has been located at Readyville in eastern Cannon County.

In fact, the mill was first constructed 50 years before President Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address.

But for 30 years, the mill in Readyville (pronounced Reed-e-ville) sat abandoned.

“It was ready to fall in,” said Carolyn Motley of the Woodbury-Cannon County Chamber of Commerce.

Yet one day, on his quest to find a grinding stone, Tomm Brady came across th... click here to read more

Officials hoping to save lighting plant in Sparta

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
Editor’s note: Information for this story was gathered from community leaders and other officials in Sparta and White County. We will continue to update this story as information becomes available.

In recent years, news of plant closings has become all too familiar in the Upper Cumberland. In that respect, the Nov. 12 announcement that the Philips Lighting plant (known locally by its original name of “Thomas Industries”) in Sparta planned to move the manufacture of... click here to read more

CBJ, WCTE partner to feature business in this area

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
The Cumberland Business Journal and WCTE-TV have entered into a new partnership to showcase businesses from all across the Upper Cumberland region.

Called “CBJ Spotlight,” the segments will air during the “Business Profiles” show which will be broadcast weekly on WCTE-TV starting in February.

“We are truly pleased to be able to enter into this partnership,” said Jay Albrecht, publisher of the Cumberland Business Journal.

Th... click here to read more

StonePeak Ceramics produces quality products, more growth is anticipated

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
Editor's note: For many more photos from StonePeak Ceramics, click here.

You can’t miss it when driving along Interstate 40 in Crossville. The huge blue and white building dominates the skyline.

Anyone who’s been by there has seen the name, “StonePeak.”

But what happens inside this mega-structure dominating the Upp... click here to read more

Jobs to be created at Gordonsville plant

Monday, Jan 3, 2011
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has joined with ETI Precision Corp. officials to announce the company will locate a 58,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Gordonsville.

The plant will be located in the former Dura Building on Spicer Drive in the Smith County Industrial Park and represents a $2.1 million investment and the creation of eight full-time production positions and four full-time management positions.

&ldqu... click here to read more

December 2010

Health care law has wrench, however, nothing has changed

Jeff Jones
Monday, Jan 3, 2011

The ongoing fight between the states and the federal government over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) ratcheted up a notch on Dec. 13, when a federal trial court in Virginia held the central provision of the law unconstitutional. The court ruled that the “individual mandate,” which requires all Americans to obtain health insurance by 2014 or pay a penalty tax, exceeds Congress’s Constitutional authority. 

Al... click here to read more

Breaking news: Officials in Sparta hoping to save plant

Friday, Dec 31, 2010
Editor’s note: Information for this story was gathered from community leaders and other officials in Sparta and White County. We will have more information about this situation early next week.

In recent years, news of plant closings has become all too familiar in the Upper Cumberland. In that respect, the Nov. 12 announcement that the Philips Lighting plant (known locally by its original name of “Thomas Industries”) in Sparta planned to move the manufactur... click here to read more

Sales tax revenues climbing in most of this region

Thursday, Dec 30, 2010
Sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland rose significantly in November 2010, another positive sign for the region as a whole.

The Upper Cumberland, which consists of 14 counties, continues to outpace the rest of Tennessee on sales tax collections. In fact, during November, the region saw an overall increase of 7.3 percent in sales tax collections, compared to 4.4 percent throughout the state.

The figures were released recently by officials from the Upper Cumberland Development ... click here to read more

Sales tax revenues show big gains in area

Wednesday, Dec 29, 2010
Sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland rose significantly in November 2010, another positive sign for the region as a whole.

The Upper Cumberland, which consists of 14 counties, continues to outpace the rest of Tennessee on sales tax collections. In fact, during November, the region saw an overall increase of 7.3 percent in sales tax collections, compared to 4.4 percent throughout the state.

The figures were released recently by officials from the Upper Cumberland Development ... click here to read more

The Boutique to be featured in January edition

Wednesday, Dec 29, 2010
From the front window, you can clearly see the Fentress County Courthouse as well as the old jail building, which now houses the chamber of commerce. It’s downtown Jamestown, a postcard-like setting in the Upper Cumberland region.

Beyond that front window, though, is something not typical of the Upper Cumberland. In fact, owner Allison Barta knew she was taking a risk in opening such a business. But it was a risk she felt worth taking.

“Overall, I have had very positive r... click here to read more

Good health leads to new TV for Averitt associate

Wednesday, Dec 29, 2010
For many people who undergo medical screenings, the most they’ll come home with afterward is a band-aid and a lollipop. But Averitt associate Gary Lee was lucky enough to win a high-definition television during one of the transportation provider’s recent on-site health screenings.

Lee, who lives in Cookeville and is a member of Averitt’s corporate team, was one of hundreds of area associates who participated in the health screenings. His name was selected by a random drawin... click here to read more

Cannon County to be featured in January edition

Tuesday, Dec 21, 2010
Have you been to Woodbury and Cannon County lately?

If not, you should plan a trip and discover the many treasures this area has to offer. The January edition of the Cumberland Business Journal will feature Cannon County.

One of those treasures in Cannon County is the Readyville Mill, which has been fully restored and is now open to the public on Saturday mornings. They also host weddings, receptions, family reunions and other gatherings.

The original mill was built 50 years ... click here to read more

Local chamber committee focuses on helping industry

Tuesday, Dec 21, 2010
Did you know there’s a committee of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce working behind the scenes to address issues of concern and areas of opportunity for existing industry?

The Existing Industry Committee, chaired by Steve Copeland, Jr. of Cumberland Insurance, is one of the Chamber’s vital programs of work aimed at addressing the needs of our local industries. One of the major roles of the committee is to be an advocate for existing industry in Putnam County.

... click here to read more

BlueCross Bowl deemed big success for area

Friday, Dec 10, 2010
All indications are positive when it comes to the BlueCross Bowl state high school championship football games held in Cookeville this past weekend, Dec. 2-4.

Eight championship games were played at Tucker Stadium on the campus of Tennessee Tech University starting Thursday and ending Saturday night with the Class 6A title game.

For businesses in Cookeville and Putnam County, everything seemed very positive.

“Very pleased,” said Laura Canada, convention and visito... click here to read more

New company bringing jobs to Smith County

Friday, Dec 10, 2010
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has joined with ETI Precision Corp. officials to announce the company will locate a 58,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Gordonsville.

The plant will be located in the former Dura Building on Spicer Drive in the Smith County Industrial Park and represents a $2.1 million investment and the creation of eight full-time production positions and four full-time management positions.

&ldqu... click here to read more

ART a la carte has Dec. 11 event in Cookeville

Friday, Dec 10, 2010
The Holiday Open House and Sale at ART a la carte takes place on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is offering art, events, entertainment, discounts and a chance to win prizes.

The day opens with a book signing from 10 a.m. to noon. The Hitchhikers, by Ralph Bowden, is the book and author featured. If you like “saucy” reading that gets to the meat of the matter or if you're old enough to have liked Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone" episodes on TV, this book's f... click here to read more

Applicants being accepted for energy efficiency loans

Friday, Dec 10, 2010
Pathway Lending has announced it received more than $25 million in applications from Tennessee businesses to its Energy Efficiency Loan Program.

In August, the $50 million program was launched to help Tennessee companies finance investments in energy efficient technology, energy retrofits and renewable energy systems to reduce operating costs and spur growth.

The first application round closed in November and Pathway Lending will open a second round Jan. 4, 2011. The second rou... click here to read more

Web exclusive: Fairfield Glade is truly golf central, major player

Thursday, Dec 2, 2010
When it comes to golf in the Upper Cumberland, it’s hard to match Fairfield Glade.

With 90 holes of golf spread over five courses, this resort and retirement community leads the way and anchors why Cumberland County is the “Golf Capital of Tennessee.”

“We are unique. We have built-in clientele,” said Steve Kraft, director of golf operations at Fairfield Glade. “We feel fortunate.”

Kraft is referring to the fact Fairfield Glade has a v... click here to read more

Despite recession, retiree growth continues in Cumberland County

Thursday, Dec 2, 2010
To say that retirees have made a huge impact in Cumberland County might be the understatement of the decade — or several decades, for that matter.

“We’ve been recruiting practically from the beginning of time,” said Don Alexander of the Crossville Housing Authority and chairman of the Retiree Recruitment Task Force.

“They are a very vital part of the community,” said Ashley Kesterson, who represents the chamber on the same committee. “They co... click here to read more

The secret is out. Some mustard with that vinegar, please!

Thursday, Dec 2, 2010
It may be one of the best kept “secrets” in the Upper Cumberland.

As you leave Interstate 40 on exit 320 in Crossville, most people are familiar with the outlet mall. But just down Interstate Drive past the mall is that “secret.”

Inside Mizkan Americas, Inc., two of the most familiar products in the world are manufactured — vinegar and mustard.

Mizkan plant manager Mike Nuss has headed up the facility for two years and he’s very proud of wh... click here to read more

Plateau Partners hopes to attract industry to Cumberland County

Thursday, Dec 2, 2010
In every venture, there are inherent risks.

That could be said for Plateau Partnership Park, a collaborative effort between three counties and something everyone hopes will drive future industrial development.

The effort began four years ago, according to Brock Hill, the former mayor of Cumberland County who decided not to seek reelection in the last election. He has stayed on with the project through at least the end of the year.

The park is a collective effort of Cumberland... click here to read more

Martin takes interesting journey to Cookeville

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
It’s really not that far from Lexington, Ky., to Cookeville. A little more than three hours, in fact.

But for Dr. Crystal Martin, her journey from the Bluegrass State to the Upper Cumberland was anything but short. In fact, she came to Cookeville through such places as Florida, Memphis, St. Martin and England, to name a few.

“This is a perfect fit for me,” said Martin, who is a family practice doctor at The Physician Associates of Cookeville Regional. Martin has bee... click here to read more

Newmans offer interesting perspective

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
For Richard and Kassandra Newman, the business of insurance is certainly in their family genes.

For Richard, that is absolutely the case as he was still in diapers when first introduced to the business at the Chuck Newman agency which started in the 1950s. After they were married in the 1980s, Kassandra joined the business and they have been working at it ever since.

They are both at The Swallows Newman Agency in Cookeville, which is a branch of the Swallows Agency based in Livingsto... click here to read more

Cannons show spirit with toy store venture

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
You feel it just walking in the place.

If you are a kid, the feeling must be overwhelming. If you are an adult, the feeling is overwhelming because you are transformed back into childhood.

At Discovery Depot in Cookeville, everyone is a kid again, and owner Andy Cannon would have it no other way.

Sure, Cannon says he has to be a boss, a businessman and all of that stuff related to owning two toy stores. But when he’s out on the big parking lot at the newly open... click here to read more

November business licenses

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
MACON COUNTY (from the office of County Clerk James Howser)

Williamson Construction, 7860 E. Gum Road, Murfreesboro, TN 37127

Johnny Murray Backhoe Service, 8686 Old Highway 52, Westmorland, TN 37136

Escondido Auto Clinic, 436 Gaulden Hollow R., Lafayette, TN 37083

Gentry Tires, 112 Mountain View Drive, Red Boiling Springs, TN 37150

Midgett Farm Deli & Mar... click here to read more

Sales tax revenues climbing

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
Sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland region soared in October, climbing close to 10 percent more than the same period a year ago.

Only two counties in the Upper Cumberland Development District — Smith and Jackson — saw a drop in sales tax collections. All of the other counties saw increases, including major spikes in the most populous counties.

In Putnam County, where sales tax collections are th... click here to read more

Unemployment figures improve

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
In all but three counties, unemployment rates in Upper Cumberland counties fell in September, the latest data available from the state of Tennessee.

The highest percentage drop was in Smith County, where the rate fell from 9.2 percent in August to 8.5 percent in September, or a drop of 4.3 percent.

In Putnam County, which has the largest workforce in the region, the unemployment rate stood at 8.4 percent, down from 8... click here to read more

Biz Buzz

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
Country Giant takes top station award

COOKEVILLE — Cookeville’s Country Giant 94.7, WGSQ, was a winner during the recent Country Music Association awards show in Nashville.

WGSQ was awarded the “Small Market Station of the Year” by the country music association.

It beat out stations in Columbia, Mo., Greely, Colo., Waynesboro, Pa., and WUSY in Chattanooga.

Following the announcement, many people from Middle Tennessee gave vario... click here to read more

The fascinating phenomenon of Cumberland County

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
During the past few weeks, I have spent quite a lot of time in Crossville and Cumberland County. We are focusing on Cumberland County this month, thus my extended time in that area.

To say I’ve learned a lot about Cumberland County would be an understatement. I have learned more than I thought possible.

I now know the reason why Cumberland County desires to attract retirees. Though I’m not a golfer (ask anyone who has seen those feeble attempts), I learned a heck of a lot... click here to read more

CRMC receives new patient lifts

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
Patients at Cookeville Regional Medical Center will now benefit from a new patient lift system that is being used to provide safer handling of patients throughout the facility.

Many times during a hospital stay, patients who are immobile and not able to move by themselves are lifted by hospital staff for various reasons - whether it is to move the patient from one bed to another, from the bed to a chair, or even to shift the patient’s position in the bed.

“Our number one ... click here to read more

Fragrant Mushroom in Sparta offers unique service, artwork

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
You can tell it’s different, and inviting, from the outside. Once inside, you know it is different and inviting. And that’s by design.

“It’s a good, positive feel,” says Cherrie McNeil of the Fragrant Mushroom in Sparta.

The distinct purple and blue colors are certainly soothing, but the meat and potatoes of the store is art. All kinds of art, from pottery and jewelry to woodworking and glass.

It was in 1999 when Cherrie and her husband, Thor McN... click here to read more

Cumberland County works hard to remain golfing capital of the state

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
Almost everyone in the Upper Cumberland knows about “The Golf Capital of Tennessee” in Cumberland County. Many people across the state know about it as do many around the Upper Midwest and even across the nation and beyond.

But how did this all come about, what is the state of golf right now in Cumberland County and where is it going in the future?

“Golf is a religion here,” says Sonny Poland, assistant pro at Lake Tansi, a course consistently voted as one of ... click here to read more

Customer service key to success at Mayberry's

Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010
There are certain necessities in life.

One of those is furniture and in Crossville, one name has been synonymous with those products since the 1930s.

Mayberry’s has been a central part of the Upper Cumberland community since that time. It was in 1936 when W.E. “Eston” Mayberry Sr., and Walton “Buck” Stewart formed a partnership known as Ideal Furniture Company. The Mayberry name has been in the furniture business since.

“Treat people right,... click here to read more

November 2010

Discover Cumberland County in December’s Business Journal

Tuesday, Nov 23, 2010
Most people know that golf and retirees have provided a huge economic boost to Cumberland County and the entire Upper Cumberland region, for that matter.

But do you know why?

Those are just two of the issues which will be featured in December’s edition of the Cumberland Business Journal, due to be out next week in the area.

At one point in time, and not really that long ago, there was one golf course in Cumberland County — and it was just nine holes and within the... click here to read more

Cumberland County marking Civil War anniversary

Monday, Nov 22, 2010
The year 2011 will mark the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Tennessee's Sesquicentennial Signature Event: “The Coming of the Civil War” was held recently in Nashville.

This inaugural Sesquicentennial event featured several prominent Nashville attractions and events. Included was the “Tennessee Civil War Trails” community recognition event.

Cumberland County has two “Civil War Trail” markers: one commemorating the “Affair at ... click here to read more

Cumberland Medical Center announces new staff alignment

Monday, Nov 22, 2010
CROSSVILLE — Cumberland Medical Center has unveiled a new senior management team that brings a combined 167 years of healthcare experience to the organization, officials announced. 

This announcement is part of a series of transitions under way at the hospital under the new leadership of Dr. Barry Wagner, Chief Executive Officer. The transitions are part of an effort to position CMC for a strong future in light of the changing dynamics within the healthcare industry.

&ldqu... click here to read more

Cumberland County has very unique history

Monday, Nov 22, 2010
In history, colorful characters are always part of the story.

Barbara Buchanan Parsons, historian in Cumberland County, is a colorful character herself. A Florida transplant (from the 1960s) who married a local “mountain man,” Parsons has immersed herself in learning and telling the history of Cumberland County. And as she realizes, that history has played a major role in how the county has evolved, especially regarding its economic climate.

“It’s a plus and m... click here to read more

BlueCross Bowl just around corner for Cookeville

Thursday, Nov 18, 2010
In just a couple of weeks, thousands of people will be descending upon Cookeville to take in the Tennessee state football championship games — and local officials are hoping for an even bigger and better event this year.

Last year was the initial BlueCross Bowl and the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) has extended the contract for the games to be held here at least through 2012.

“The exposure Cookeville and Tennessee Tech received from hosting thes... click here to read more

Putnam earns highest Three-Star rating

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2010
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber applauded Putnam County for achieving the highest certification, Benchmark III, under the state’s Three-Star program for excellence in economic development.

“The Three-Star designation is the result of a great deal of hard work, and for Putnam County to achieve the highest honor of a Benchmark III certification is truly an outstanding accomplishment,” Kisber said. “Three-Star communiti... click here to read more

Local company offers installation of customized Christmas lights

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2010
It’s a Christmas tradition as old as, well, electricity.

Lighting up their house or business for the holidays is something many people in the Upper Cumberland do each year.

Now, a local company can help you meet those lighting needs — and they take care of everything, including storage until next year.

“It really does look nice when it’s put in place,” said Chip Woodiel, owner of Uncommon Grounds, LLC in Cookeville.

Woodiel’s landsc... click here to read more

Area officials hopeful of positive Christmas shopping season

Tuesday, Nov 2, 2010
Editor’s note: We will continue to update this story as we gather more information.

 There’s little doubt the nation’s shaky economy over the past couple of years has had an impact on retail sales everywhere, but what is the outlook for the 2010 Christmas season?

“We are optimistic,” said Frances Carson of Downtown Crossville, Inc. “We are thinking we are increasing sales tax in the downtown area and increasing traffic in the downtown area.&rd... click here to read more

Toys-R-Us Express opens at Crossville Outlet Center

Tuesday, Nov 2, 2010
The most recognized name in toys now has an outlet in the Upper Cumberland.

Toys-R-Us has opened a store in the Crossville Outlet Center just in time for the Christmas shopping season.

The new store is a Toys-R-Us Express, according to Katie Reczek, communications spokesman at corporate headquarters in Wayne, N.J.

“This is the time of year Toys-R-Us is your kind of classic Christmas shopping destination,” said Reczek.

“We are very excited to having a... click here to read more

Health care reform changes inevitable, local experts say about new law in America

Monday, Nov 1, 2010
It is clearly controversial.

It was a debate that consumed the national dialogue for months.

It is an issue which has been discussed for generations in America.

And now, health care reform in America is the law.

So what does it mean?

For many, it will mean little until 2014 when the bulk of the legislation becomes the law of the land.

But in late September, some of the legislation did become law and its impact is being felt by insurance companies, medi... click here to read more

Parents are key to reducing childhood obesity, as are strict diet and exercise routines

Monday, Nov 1, 2010
It’s a fact children in America are getting more obese. It’s also a fact Tennesseans are some of the most obese people in the nation.

That combination is something which certainly weighs heavily on the minds of local experts who are trying to combat the problem of childhood obesity.

When trying to analyze the issue and the problem, several common things come to the forefront — parents, lack of exercise, large food portions, unhealthy diets.

“Paren... click here to read more

LASIK eye surgery becoming more common

Monday, Nov 1, 2010
Good vision is something everyone desires. For years, glasses and contact lenses were the way to correct vision.

But in the mid-1990s, all of that changed. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery was invented around that time and it has changed the way many people see — literally.

Dr. Dennis Cosgrove of Cookeville Eye Specialists and Dr. Alissa Hudson of Middle Tennessee Eye Associates both say LASIK surgery has changed the way people live their lives. Bo... click here to read more

Unemployment improving in UC

Sunday, Oct 31, 2010
Though unemployment still remains high in the Upper Cumberland region, there’s no doubt the picture is much improved from a year ago.

The state rate, too, has shown improvement.

The latest available county figures from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development are from August.

What those numbers reveal is that unemployment has dropped in every county in the Upper Cumberland.

The largest percentage drop in the region is in Smith County. The late... click here to read more

J&S receives first in state certification

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
COOKEVILLE -- The General Service Administration’s (GSA) 2010 Census Bureau Field Office was recently awarded the state’s first LEED Platinum Certification (v3) by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).  

USGBC officers from the Middle Tennessee chapter were on site at the Times Square Retail Center, located off of Willow Avenue, to present the plaque to both the GSA staff and the project’s builder, J&S Construction Company.

LEED Platinum certifi... click here to read more

Bizz Buzz

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
Averitt honored with clean diesel award

COOKEVILLE — For the second straight year, Averitt Express earned the Clean Diesel Leadership Award from the Tennessee Trucking Association. The TTA made the announcement at its annual awards ceremony held in Destin, Fla.

According to the TTA, the award is designed to recognize organizations within the transportation industry that have made “significant, measurable improvements in air quality through the development... click here to read more

New business licenses

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
New Business Licenses

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

Macon Magic, 848 Hall Lane, Lafayette, TN 37803

Integrity Auto Sales, 3905 Red Boiling Springs Road, Lafayette, TN 37803

SHIV Discount Tobacco, 200 A. Highway 52 East, Lafayette, TN 37803

Optimech, LLC, 131 Saundersville Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075

Performance Seeds, 900 Scottsville Road, Lafayette, TN 37803

Lewis Automotive, 11000 Hig... click here to read more

HEFT begins interviews for Byrdstown facility

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
HEFT Industries, a start-up electric power plant company out of Colorado, has begun conducting interviews for its planned administrative and production facility in Byrdstown. Community leaders see this development as a positive step toward the materialization of the manufacturer’s stated intentions of beginning production and providing jobs. According to the terms of the facility lease, the company must begin production and have a set number of employees by Dec. 1.

Will Robbins, Byrdst... click here to read more

Overton County earns Three-Star status

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
Overton County has achieved certification under the state’s Three-Star program for excellence in economic development.

The announcement was made recently by Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber.

“Solid community development provides the foundation for successful economic development,” said Kisber.

In order to gain certification, communities are required to meet criteria in planning, leadership, community, busine... click here to read more

Sales tax picture seems to be improving

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
Even with what are likely “distorted” numbers, sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland region have risen over the past year.

The distortion comes from the fact the “Cash for Clunkers” program was in full effect a year ago, according to officials from the Upper Cumberland Development District. That federal program prompted a large increase in the number of car sales within the past year. Because they are big-ticket items, it meant a big jump in sales tax collecti... click here to read more

Tennessee ranks well when it comes to personal, business tax burden

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
Most people in Tennessee probably have complained about sales, property, business and various other taxes at one time or another.

But where does Tennessee rank in tax burden, both personally and for businesses?

Though the facts and figures are extremely complicated, there does seem to be a clear trend — Tennessee residents and businesses are actually some of the least taxed in the nation.

According to the Federation of Tax Administrators, Tennessee does quite well when ... click here to read more

Funding for fifth interchange to come in 2013

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
State officials said recently construction of the proposed fifth interchange on Interstate 40 in Cookeville will likely occur in 2013.

That announcement came during a ceremony held on Oct. 11 in Cookeville.

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) officials said the ground survey of the project should take place later this year in preparation for preliminary plans. Those plans should be completed by spring of next year.

Final right-of-way plans are scheduled to be comple... click here to read more

Cumberland highest in tourism impact in UC region

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
CROSSVILLE — Cumberland County had the highest impact on tourism in the Upper Cumberland Region, according to the 2009 study just released by the Research Department of the U.S. Travel Association for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Cumberland County had a total of $93.30 million in expenditures, and ranks Cumberland County 16^th out of 95 counties in the state.

Cumberland County also had the highest payroll expenditures in the Upper ... click here to read more

MBI offers complete design and engineering services

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
For a Knoxville-based architectural and engineering firm, Cookeville seemed like the logical location to open a new office.

“We feel like Cookeville has a great potential to grow,” said Jay Henderlight of Michael Brady Inc., which recently opened an office in the city. “The people here have a great attitude.”

The company is based in Knoxville but has licenses in all 50 states. They have a satellite office in Orlando, Fla., and now one in Cookeville, located at... click here to read more

How to see the forest and the trees

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
There’s an old saying, “Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.”

That becomes the case for almost everyone when it comes to their surroundings. It is especially true for people who have been in one place for a long period of time.

For better or worse, I’ve been to a lot of places in my career, which means wherever I go, I get a new perspective on the area. That is certainly the case when it comes to the Upper Cumberland and Cookeville in partic... click here to read more

Wathen ‘rocks’ Upper Cumberland with heart specialty

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
Dr. Mark Wathen couldn’t help but chuckle when it was suggested he was a “rock star” in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.

Yet when you look at it closely, he’s certainly a star in this very specialized field which can save lives and cure certain heart problems. He’s traveled the world giving lectures about the subject and has written countless papers and articles about his specialty.

So, indeed, he is sort of a rock star in this particular field of... click here to read more

HBS looks for answers in changing health insurance market

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
There’s little doubt the world of health insurance is anything but clear for most people.

And that’s especially true this day and age with the recent implementation of health care reform in America.

But if you want to find answers, you can turn to Health Benefit Solutions of Cookeville, a company celebrating its 25^th year in bu... click here to read more

Dr. Kenneth Wood finds his place in Cookeville

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
To say that Dr. Kenneth Wood has found his place in Cookeville might be the understatement of the year.

“We love this town,” said Wood. “We will not move.”

His journey to Cookeville wasn’t planned. A native of Tullahoma, Wood figured he would end up practicing medicine in the “big city” of Nashville, the place where his family traveled frequently during his youth.

Wood actually received a degree in physics at Sewanee: The University o... click here to read more

Yothers take financial planning to new heights

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
Everyone hopes when the time comes to leave those working days behind, they will have enough funds to continue a comfortable lifestyle. For Mike and Julie Yother of UBS Financial Services, Inc., in Cookeville, their job is to make sure that happens. According to Mike, “When people think about the future, the number one question for most is whether they’ll have enough money on which to live comfortably during their retirement years. Our whole planning process is designed to help peopl... click here to read more

Eye doctor performs unique surgical procedure

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010
You might not think having to put in eye drops following surgery is that big of a deal. But it can be and one Cookeville eye surgeon has found a solution — one that isn’t done anywhere else in Tennessee.

Dr. Dennis Cosgrove of Cookeville Eye Specialists, a specialist in cataract surgery, said it was three years ago when they realized “how hard a time patients were having getting the drops in.”

Cosgrove said many of his patients are elderly and some suffer from... click here to read more

Dunkin’ Donuts coming to Upper Cumberland

Friday, Oct 22, 2010
Dunkin’ Donuts is coming to the Upper Cumberland.

The announcement was made recently by the corporation, which has been expanding its operating base.

According to Grant Benson, vice-president of franchising and market planning, stores will open in Cookeville and Crossville. He said the first store will open by 2012 and the second by 2014, though he didn’t say which location would open first.

The stores will be operated by James and Athena Skellion, who are new fra... click here to read more

Baxter gets infrastructure grant, other receive funds

Wednesday, Oct 20, 2010
The state of Tennessee announced today several large block grants which will help area communities.

Of significant note is a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to assist in infrastructure improvements in Baxter.

“These grants are essential to the growth and maintenance of the infrastructure that attracts new jobs and other investments that help Tennessee communities thrive,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. &ldqu... click here to read more

Cookeville Regional gets national honors

Wednesday, Oct 20, 2010
COOKEVILLE - Cookeville Regional Medical Center announced it has received a prestigious honor on a national level. The hospital has been ranked the best performing hospital in Tennessee and among the top 10 percent of all hospitals nationwide for coronary interventional procedures from HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. The recognition is based on the Thirteenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study, released today, wh... click here to read more

October 2010

Bids sought for new business park work

Friday, Oct 22, 2010
Officials from the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce announced late Friday, Oct. 22, that bids are now being sought for work at the new industrial park. Below is the press release which was issued by the chamber.

HIGHLANDS BUSINESS PARK INTERIOR ROAD READY FOR BIDDERS

COOKEVILLE – The Highlands Business Park is one step closer to becoming a viable location for business and industry to call home. Construction of the business park’s interior r... click here to read more

Unemployment levels drop

Wednesday, Sep 29, 2010
Though slow, it appears more people are getting back to work in the Upper Cumberland region.In Tennessee, the most recent figures indicate the statewide unemployment rate at 9.6 percent in August, down just slightly from 9.7 percent in July.

In this area, statistics from cities and counties are only available for July. The August numbers will not be released until after press time.

What the numbers reveal is that almost every county in this region is showing a drop in the unemploymen... click here to read more

Professional profiles: Asher Christensen of Caliber Computer

Wednesday, Sep 29, 2010

Asher Christensen

President

Caliber Computer LLC

203 Reagan Street, Suite 1

Cookeville, TN 38501

(931) 261-1199

www.calibercomputerllc.com

Why did you choose your current career path?

I chose my current career path because of a desire to run a successful service-oriented business that offers in-store,... click here to read more

UBS: An experienced team

Wednesday, Sep 29, 2010
Understanding clients. Protecting investments. Planning for the future. These are some of the primary goals of the team at UBS Financial Services in Cookeville, a cohesive group of seven successful investment and advisory professionals and assistants.

The professionals at UBS use a four-step process in their fee-based advisory services to clients. In a nutshell, the process can be described in the four words that constitute the UBS Client Experience: Understand, Propose, Implement and Review... click here to read more

Between the Lines

Wednesday, Sep 29, 2010
To say the past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind for me would be a great understatement.

Just three weeks ago, I was finding boxes at any place possible and packing away a lifetime of “stuff.” Just a week earlier, I had taken a new job with the Cumberland Business Journal. At the time, I was living in a small town in south Texas.

Today, I am living in Cookeville and sitting in my new office ready to introduce myself to the Upper Cumberland region.

My backgrou... click here to read more

CMC files plan of correction, avoids losing provider status

Wednesday, Sep 29, 2010
Allegations that a Cumberland Medical Center employee sexually assaulted a patient briefly jeopardized the hospital’s status as a Medicare, Medicaid and TennCare provider, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Because the incident was reported to a Knoxville news station rather than through the hospital’s internal avenues, officials at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) called into question the facility’s resolution system. Upon the release of the newscast, CM... click here to read more

Bizz Buzz

Wednesday, Sep 29, 2010
Burckhard elected to insurance council

BYRDSTOWN - Andrea V. Burckhard has been elected to New York Life Insurance Company’s Agents Advisory Council (AAC), a prestigious group of 24 New York Life sales representatives elected by peers to present agent viewpoints and issues to the Home Office.

Burckhard, a New York Life agent for three years, was elected to the Agents Advisory Council at a recent awards recognition educational conference in Washington, DC.

... click here to read more

Ambience Modeling finds market for regional talent

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2010
Ambience Modeling and Talent has established itself as a unique asset for providing a variety of services to the emerging talent in Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland, as well as to ordinary folks simply looking to improve their professionalism and corporate image. Director Jana Lind, who began the studio with her mother in Chattanooga almost 30 years ago, is excited about the prospect of providing the Cookeville area with new avenues of performance instruction.

The Ambience studio, a 5,000... click here to read more

Exploring Your Retirement Plan Distribution Alternatives

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2010
Did you know that you may not have to retire to be entitled to receive a distribution from an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), profit sharing or defined benefit plan? You may, for example, be entitled to a distribution if you are leaving your company, if your company is terminating its retirement plan, or if you are the beneficiary of a deceased plan participant.

Since an employer-sponsored retirement plan distribution could represent the largest sum of money you’l... click here to read more

September 2010

Women in business to be focus of seminar

Wednesday, Sep 14, 2011

Autumn Walker of Peachtree Planning will hold a complimentary event: Women, Wealth and a Little Wine Too! Closing The Financial Knowledge Gap One Women at a Time.

It is set for Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Peachtree Planning Office at 10 W. Broad Street Suite 300, Regions Bank Building, where wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Women have a serious gap to close between their earning power and personal financial knowledge. Successful career women can't a... click here to read more

Ben Prine, Owner/Operator of Cookeville Chick-fil-A

Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
For Ben Prine, owner/operator of Cookeville’s Chick-fil-A restaurant, running a successful business is as simple and as complex as making a thousand chicken sandwiches: you need quality ingredients and quality people, but you also need determination. And quite a few pickle slices, too.

And by now, he’s got the hang of it. That’s because he began working for the company at the tender age of 14 at a restaurant near his home in Knoxville. Early on in his career there, he reali... click here to read more

Drs. Vijay Rupan & Hima Kona

Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
In their personal lives, husband-and-wife Drs. Vijay Rupan and Hima Kona are a team in every sense of the word. They raise their two boys together, they enjoy outdoor activities together, and they made the joint decision to pick up their careers and move to Tennessee from New York to continue practicing pulmonology together.

Professionally, Rupan and Kona are also part of a team with Physician Associates at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Specifically, they play important roles as part o... click here to read more

Construction markets show slow, steady improvement

Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
A variety of factors have come together to move the Upper Cumberland housing market in a positive direction, area homebuilders say. Low mortgage rates, stabilizing home values and demographic trends are all contributing to a healthy pattern of growth in residential construction projects, with commercial projects maintaining a similar pattern of improvement.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders, this good news comes in spite of a lull in buyer demand throughout the second qua... click here to read more

UC real estate sales trending in right direction

Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
The real estate market in the Upper Cumberland has seen its share of uncertainty in recent years, but industry professionals in the area believe it is trending in the right direction. The average sold price of single-family residential homes in the region was $126,156 through July of this year, up 17.35 percent over the same month last year. The median sold price comes in at $109,900.

Robbin Reagans, president of the Upper Cumberland Realtors Association, believes these figures are promising... click here to read more

New law governs workers' comp coverage for construction

Fred Baker
Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
The general rule under the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Law is that employers who employ five or more individuals are covered by the workers’ compensation law and must obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. However, all persons or entities engaged in the construction industry are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance on their employees, regardless of whether they employ fewer than five employees.

Recently, there has been he... click here to read more

Economy, J.C. Penney stall Cookeville Mall

Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
The mall property, co-owned by Cookeville businessmen Jack and Johnny Stites and David Crabtree of Nashville-based Brookside Properties, has become almost entirely vacant during the past decade. And the lone holdout, the J.C. Penney store, should carry much of the blame for the facility’s fall into disuse, according to Johnny Stites, CEO of J&S Construction. Crabtree, who serves as the managing owner of Cookeville Mall Partners, has conducted extensive negotiations with the retail stor... click here to read more

Oakley: Luxury taxes would benefit state revenue

Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
Part Two of our continuing series on the state’s tax structure

With education budgets being slashed left and right and the river of stimulus moneys running dry for public works projects, a new source of funding for important civic functions would seem to be a welcome relief. At least one prominent citizen of the Upper Cumberland thinks that Tennessee is cutting itself short in two important areas.

Livingston resident Millard Oakley, a successful businessperson with a ... click here to read more

BlueCross Bowl extends games in Cookeville

Sunday, Sep 19, 2010
After a successful first year, representatives of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s Football Championship game, the BlueCross Bowl, voted to extend their original two-year contract with Tennessee Tech University’s Tucker Stadium by an additional two years.

With the championship games set in Cookeville until 2012, businesses are hoping to see an annual influx of visitors similar to the 100,000 or more fans who attended the games in December 2009.

Laura ... click here to read more

August 2010

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

Jay Albrecht
Friday, Aug 6, 2010

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 UC distributors

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

UC ahead of the curve on state sales tax collections

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010

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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
Local gubernatorial debate planned

COOKEVILLE – A town-hall style gubernatorial debate has been scheduled for Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. 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 challen... click here to read more

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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010

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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010

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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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.

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Monday, Aug 2, 2010
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

Jay Albrecht
Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010

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

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010

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 actual business and industry... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010
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 business owners, Stan and Isaac Zuercher of Crossville’s click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Excellence in Governmental Leadership

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010

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

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010

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. ... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Best Individual/Corporate Citizen (Philanthropy)

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010
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

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010

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 innovation... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Favorite Restaurant

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010
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 restaurant has been causing folks of all stripes ... click here to read more

Ovation Awards: Favorite Retail Establishment

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010

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

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010

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

Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010

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 Medical Center and serves as clinical ... click here to read more

Blue Coast Burrito coming to Cookeville

Friday, Jul 2, 2010
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

Friday, Jul 2, 2010
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

Friday, Jul 2, 2010
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

Friday, Jul 2, 2010
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

Friday, Jul 2, 2010
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

Friday, Jul 2, 2010
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

Friday, Jul 2, 2010

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

Friday, Jul 2, 2010
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 37150

Sewell Towing, 1508 Park... click here to read more

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

Friday, Jul 2, 2010

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

Alexander Automotive group sells dealerships

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Alexander Automotive has sold 15 of its dealerships in Middle Tennessee, including Alexander Nissan, Alexander Hyundai of  Cookeville and Alexander Ford-Lincoln of Cookeville.

The sale took place this week and the group was sold to Automotive Management Services, Inc., of West Palm Beach, Fla.

According to the Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, in a story published May 25, Alexander Automotive officials confirmed the sale of the dealerships.

A voice mail was left... click here to read more

BizBuzz – June

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010

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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

UC businesses see uptick in economy

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010

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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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 UC business owners

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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 2010

Thursday, Jun 3, 2010
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 & Realty, 44 Brattontown Circle, Lafayette, TN 37083

Page Construction, 2397 Willette Road, Red ... click here to read more

May 2010

Health care bill raises questions for businesses

Monday, May 3, 2010
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 UC banks

Monday, May 3, 2010
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’r... click here to read more

Last month for Ovation nominees

Jay Albrecht
Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010

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 my roots,” said Maxwell. “I've spent man... click here to read more

Omega Apparel contract creates 112 jobs in Smithville

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Jay Albrecht
Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

UC Airport Industrial Park moves forward in White

Monday, May 3, 2010

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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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 special six-color, high-resolution printing process.

According to... click here to read more

Suit accuses Monterey Perdue plant of illegal hiring

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010
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

Monday, May 3, 2010

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

April 2010

Stimulus-funded projects change the face of UC transportation

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
Stimulus funds have already made their mark on the Upper Cumberland region, mostly in the form of education- and transportation-related projects.

Funds were dispersed to agencies in the region beginning in July 2009, and according to Phyllis Bennett, executive director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA), projects using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds have created or directly preserved 3,000 to 4,000 jo... click here to read more

UC tourism benefits from ‘down’ economy

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
With rising gas prices and a sluggish economy, will travelers be visiting the Upper Cumberland this summer? According to Ruth Dyal, president of the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association (UCTA), the answer is a resounding yes. The regional tourism industry is on the rise and, from what Dyal can tell, people still want to travel.

Several area tourism destinations reported record attendance in 2009, including Cumberland Caverns in Warren County and Granville’s Heritage Day in Jackson Coun... click here to read more

Norcom expansion creates jobs in Sparta

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
SPARTA – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber, Sparta Mayor Tommy Pedigo and White County Executive Herd Sullivan, along with leadership from the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce, took part in ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrating the grand opening of Norcom of Tennessee’s expanded production facility in Sparta. The expansion represents an investment of $2 million over three years and is expected to create 30 to 50 new jobs.

&... click here to read more

Cummins, UAW reach five-year agreement

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
Cummins Filtration, a division of Cummins Inc., recently announced that it has reached a five-year contract agreement with United Autoworkers Local 1407, which represents employees at the company’s manufacturing facility in Cookeville.

Cookeville UAW members ratified the agreement by a 3-to-1 margin on March 14. The new contract provides wage increases across the life of the contract, and brings the health care coverage for employees at the plant in line with that offered to most U.S. ... click here to read more

BizBuzz – April

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010

Cumberland Medical Center to open clinic in Monterey

CROSSVILLE – Cumberland Medical Center recently announced plans to open a clinic in Monterey in the next few weeks. The Monterey Health Clinic will be located at 305 S. Holly St., Suite A.

“Cumberland Medical Center has a long-standing relationship with the Monterey community going back to the days of Dr. Lawson and Dr. Cravens. We were approached about this opportunity and it was discussed with our Board of Di... click here to read more

Crossville, Cumberland Co. selected for economic development program

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010

The University of Tennessee Extension, the UT Institute for Public Service and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development have included Crossville and Cumberland County among the eight test communities selected for a statewide pilot program – Creating a Rural Entrepreneurial System in Tennessee (CREST). The CREST program will assist rural communities in Tennessee in transforming their local economies through the development of key components required for entrepreneur... click here to read more

Labor market study points to growth opportunities for Highlands

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
A recent study concluded that the Highlands area work force currently meets the needs of its employers and also holds potential for attracting new businesses to the area. The results of the assessment highlighted the region’s particular assets and challenges, made conclusions based on its findings, and provided specific recommendations for action.

The Highlands Workforce Development and Education Committee presented the labor market assessment results as a part of the Highlands Economi... click here to read more

Garry and Diane DeRossitt, owners, Garry’s Upholstery – Surfaces run deep

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
Garry and Diane DeRossitt, owners of Garry’s Upholstery in Cookeville, have built their business’s reputation by breathing new life into time-worn furnishings, improving pieces as much as possible and, above all, satisfying customers beyond their expectations. And they’ve done it as they do just about everything: as a team.

Garry goes about his work with the spirit of a craftsman, still taking the time, energy and expertise to do all the reupholstery tasks himself, includin... click here to read more

Employers increasingly being sued over inflexible leave policies

Jeff Jones
Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
A number of cases are being brought across the country challenging employers’ inflexible leave policies, sometimes known as administrative separation policies, when an employee is terminated for failure to return to work following a maximum period allowed for a leave of absence. Many, if not most, employers have policies that if an employee is absent for leave for more than a set period of time, e.g., three months, six months, 12 months, or 24 months, they are administratively terminated f... click here to read more

Dr. Kevin Purgiel, D.O. – finds big city life with small town charm in Cookeville

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
It may seem cliche, but Dr. Kevin Purgiel summed up his reason for moving from Michigan to Cookeville like this: it’s the best of both worlds.

“I grew up in a small town in Michigan, and we lived about two hours away from the major entertainment centers and college towns,” said Purgiel, an osteopathic doctor and general surgeon. “Cookeville is similar to that set-up. This is a great place with its own benefits, while Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga are short driv... click here to read more

Highlands completes ‘successful’ first four years

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010

HIGHLANDS — It's official – the first four years of the Highlands Initiative have been a resounding success, setting the stage for the launch of the next four-year cycle.

The Highlands Initiative was begun in 2006 as a collaborative, public/private sector program designed to boost economic and community development in the Upper Cumberland region. Federal, state, city and county governments and agencies, along with chambers of commerce, key officials and business leaders th... click here to read more

New Business Licenses – April

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
MACON COUNTY (from the office of County Clerk James Howser)

Avila Drywall

1615 W. Stinson Road

Westmoreland, TN 37186

Dallas Motorsports

1102 Handy Alley

Lafayette, TN 37083

Finishing Touch Drywall

2451 Hartsville Road

Lafayette, TN 37083

Linville Lawn Care

42 Buck Lane

Lafayette, TN 37083

<... click here to read more

WCTE programming brings tourism to Upper Cumberland

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
Covering the Upper Cumberland and presenting its cultural assets to local, regional and national audiences has been the goal of WCTE-TV, the PBS affiliate station of the Upper Cumberland, from its conception in 1978. And through its high-quality broadcasts of two locally produced programs – Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s and Bluegrass Underground – the level of exposure the station has provided the area is hard to overstate. Becky Magura, CEO of WCTE, believes... click here to read more

Trails projects poised to spur UC tourism industry

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
Tourism in the Upper Cumberland may be set to receive an economic boost from the implementation of several trail and corridor initiatives across the region. In addition to awaiting state designation for cultural and natural wealth, the region is in the process of implementing several trail initiatives that are intended to organize and showcase the area’s many tourism destinations. These include the Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail, the state’s official designation for the region, and ... click here to read more

Long Branch Lakes - country living at its best

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
Tucked away on nearly 5,000 acres of magnificent tamed wilderness, Long Branch Lakes, a property development and tourism destination in Van Buren County, provides visitors with a chance to experience all that’s expressed by the community tagline: Lakes, Lariats and Wonderful Living! With on-site amenities that include a 200-acre equestrian center, extensive recreational facilities, and two private Bill Dance Signature Lakes, Long Branch Lakes provides visitors not only secluded country liv... click here to read more

ARC Grants help facilitate tourism in Fentress, Pickett counties

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently awarded the Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation, in conjunction with the Friends of Cordell Hull Birthplace, a $40,000 grant, to be matched by $10,000 of local or in-kind funding, to execute an ambitious and much-needed project creating a tourism trail linking two Tennessee State Parks: Cordell Hull Birthplace and Museum in Byrdstown and the Sergeant York Historic Site near Jamestown.

Hull and York both hailed from the Tennessee hills, in Pic... click here to read more

March 2010

Biz Buzz

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011
Tipps joins team at Farm Credit

McMINNVILLE — Tim Tipps has been named financial services officer for Farm Credit Services (FCS) of Mid-America in McMinnville.

Tipps will service loans and financially related services for a $17 billion financial lending cooperative serving more than 85,000 farmer-producers, agribusinesses and rural residents throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Tipps will service Coffee, DeKalb, Grundy, Van Buren a... click here to read more

Cookeville council OKs liquor rules, financial impact remains unknown

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
To say the issue of package liquor stores in Cookeville has been a hot topic in recent months is most certainly an understatement.

The simple fact it was placed on last November’s ballot was controversial and sparked a heated campaign by local groups imploring voters to turn down the proposal. That proposal was to allow package liquor stores within the city of Cookeville.

But the campaign against liquor was in vain as city voters handily approved the measure. There were 3,767 r... click here to read more

The time is now to address troubling problems

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
There’s no question money is tight all across America. The calls for budget cuts and less government are coming from everywhere.

But what are the guidelines?

I was talking to someone the other day who said less government is what people want. That may be true, but my response was this: “Everybody wants less government until they need a pothole fixed.”

Therein lies the dilemma.

It’s easy to say phrases like “smaller government” and &... click here to read more

The Unemployment Office: What has changed in the last 20 years?

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
You arrive at the old Cumberland Realty Building where you head to the basement. You feel like you are entering a cave as the only window is on the front door. You are directed to pull a number from the dispenser. Later you are escorted back to a gray cubicle where you are asked details of your job loss. Weeks later your first unemployment benefit arrives, but you don’t have any options other than to check the newspaper for job openings.

What’s wrong with this scenario? Well&hell... click here to read more

Mark Hutchins has ‘best’ job on TTU campus

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
Mark Hutchins says he has “the best job” on the campus of Tennessee Tech University.

And he may be right.

“I have the most fun job on campus,” said Hutchins, vice president for university advancement. “People are interested in giving to and supporting the university.”

That title is all encompassing as Hutchins deals with a host of issues, from getting the word out about TTU to working with alumni all around the country in promoting the univ... click here to read more

Planned distillery in Cannon County uses history, environment as message

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
As farmers go, Billy Kaufman is anything but typical. Born in Los Angeles and then returning some 10 years ago to Tennessee roots he barely knew, Kaufman is pretty much atypical.

His drive and determination, too, might be described as not typical. And what he’s accomplished in rural Cannon County is anything but typical.

“There were so many daunting hurdles,” said Kaufman, owner of Short Mountain Distillery, located between Smithville and Woodbury in the rolling hil... click here to read more

Dr. Stacy Brewington … The long journey home

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
Sometimes, timing can be everything.

“I am fortunate to be back home,” said Dr. Stacy David Brewington of Tennessee Heart in Cookeville.

Brewington, a doctor of interventional cardiology, is a Putnam County native from Double Springs and his wife, Sandy, is from Gainesboro.

Yet when embarking on an odyssey in the field of cardiology, it’s never clear where someone might eventually call home. Brewington has lived in Memphis, North Carolina and Michigan. When ... click here to read more

Volkswagen-related company gets closer to reality in Warren County

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
The new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga will mean a boost to one county in the Upper Cumberland.

“They have committed and signed the lease,” said Jeff McCormick, director of the McMinnville-Warren County Industrial Development Board.

He’s speaking of Miniature Precision Components, a company which will be a supplier for the Volkswagen facility.

As it stands, McCormick said the company has leased a 50,000 square foot building in the industrial park and there ... click here to read more

Beth Alexander doesn’t want credit, but it is hard not to give her plenty

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
There’s little doubt Beth Alexander is a pioneer of sorts.

Getting her to admit it, however, is a different story.

“I like staying in the background,” said Alexander, president and CEO of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce.

That may be, but it’s hard to ignore the fact Alexander came to the chamber in 1982 at a time when there were very few women in the field.

It’s also hard to ignore the business and industrial recruitm... click here to read more

Cyclemo’s Motorcycle Museum adds distinct flavor to this area

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
When you step into Cyclemo’s Motorcycle Museum in Red Spoiling Springs, you might say you’re in “Hog Heaven.”

Situated along Main Street in this small Macon County town, Cyclemo’s is everything motorcycles. There’s a retail store, a fantastic museum and a motorcycle restoration shop which has done more business than owner Mike Silvio could have expected.

Just the name of the place is intriguing. You’d figure there’s some historic meanin... click here to read more

Couple takes chance with new kind of restaurant in Lafayette, success measured every day

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
In the classic movie, “The Money Pit,” there’s an ongoing theme where the contractors continue to tell the bewildered homeowners “two weeks.”

And although Gibson’s Cafe in Lafayette is anything but a money pit, the renovation similarities can’t be ignored.

“I told her to give me three months,” says Miles Gibson, who owns the Cafe along with his wife, Ginger. “It took three years.”

Miles says it “took a lo... click here to read more

Lafayette nursing home, assisted living facility aim to meet highest standards

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
Growing old is simply a fact of life, though it’s not so simple.

Being able to help people age with dignity is something the folks at Knollwood Manor and The White House in Lafayette take very seriously.

“We try to make the best of the situation,” said Beverly Walker, co-owner of the two Macon County facilities.

She said “quality of life” is a central focus for all of the 60-plus employees who work at the two facilities. Whether they work in the ... click here to read more

Thomas House offers quality lodging, and you may see a ghost or two, as well!

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
Ivy green walls dominate the entryway to The Thomas House in Red Boiling Springs. A vase of artificial daisies adds color that the winter storms have drained from the outdoor landscaping. And a sign that says, “Dine with the spirits,” hangs beside the front door.

“I love the mystique of the house. There’s no perfection. The windows are not the same; the flooring’s rough in some places. None of the rooms are the same,” said Evelyn Thomas Cole, owner and inn... click here to read more

Business incubator project should be going this year

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
Situated on the campus of the Cumberland County Higher Education Center adjacent to Roane State Community College in Crossville, the Cumberland Business Incubator is near completion.

“It’s 69 percent complete, as of December,” Robby Safdie, director of the CBI, said. He also said the project should be completed in early May of this year.

Funding for the estimated $1.8 million project partially comes from federal and local grants. This includes $250,000 each from the... click here to read more

Unemployment rises slightly, still better for year

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
Though unemployment numbers in the Upper Cumberland continued to rise slightly during December, all 15 counties in the region showed improvement over the previous year.

December’s numbers are the latest available from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Putnam County, which has the largest workforce in the region, saw a slight change for December. The rate in Putnam County was 8.7 percent, up slightly from 8.6 percent the previous month.

In Cumb... click here to read more

Sales tax collections slow down in December but are still improved over the previous year

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011
After big growth in November, sales tax collections for December slowed down in the Upper Cumberland region.

In November, the counties that collect the most taxes in the area — Putnam and Cumberland — showed sales tax collection growth of around 10 percent. But in December, both had growth of 2 percent. The sales tax information is collected by the Upper Cumberland Development District.

In Putnam County, collections for December — the Christmas season — were $... click here to read more

The same priorities today as two decades past – Britt Akers, owner, Martinizing Cookeville

Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010
For some of us, looking back 20 years to see if our priorities are the same today as they were when we were 24 years old might be a little frightening. But for Britt Akers, it confirms his solid priorities were rightly placed.

In a 1991 article in Cookeville's Finest, Akers was quoted as saying that his interests were in "the Lord, Susannah (his wife) and my family, my business and my church."

"Hopefully, I'll have the same attitude 10 or 20 years from now," he continued.

Tod... click here to read more

Medical Profile: Dr. Bernadette Hee, pulmonologist, fulfilling her childhood dream at CRMC

Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010
"I always wanted to be a doctor," said Dr. Bernadette Hee, pulmonologist and one of Cookeville Regional Medical Center's newest additions to its staff of physicians. "I chose pulmonary medicine because often there are immediate results from the treatment. Even if it's not immediate, I feel I am actually helping my patients, like the 21-year-old kid I treated who collapsed at the gym while lifting weights.

"This kid was 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 220 pounds; he was basically all muscles... click here to read more

Motlow's Mechatronics prepares skilled workers

Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010
What do you get when combining the teachings of mechanics and electronics?

According to Motlow State Community College (MSCC), the result is mechatronics, a relatively new discipline that combines aspects of mechanical, computer and electronic engineering.

On Jan. 14, the MSCC campus in McMinnville began offering a certificate of credit in mechatronics. Intended as a way of providing industries with a more technologically integrated and multidisciplinary work force, the program offer... click here to read more

Playhouse continues to add value to the plateau

Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010
Paul Crabtree had no idea when he temporarily moved his family of nine to the Plateau more than 45 years ago that he would live out his days there creating a legacy in rural community theater and contributing both entertainment and economic growth to the region.

By 1963, Crabtree had already amassed a significant resume of Broadway and regional theater acting, directing and writing credits. He and wife Mary moved to Crossville when Paul was between jobs and deciding whether he wanted to retu... click here to read more

UC region posts substantial growth for last quarter

Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010
The Upper Cumberland's economy has turned a corner, according to recently released state sales tax collection data. Showing steady improvements over the year's final quarter, the region's tax earnings outperformed the state as a whole to post substantial gains in the year's final month. State figures also reveal that several counties within the Upper Cumberland Development District showed gains over 2008 revenues both in December and for the last quarter.

Henry Bowman, senior analyst for Upp... click here to read more

Cookeville’s fifth interchange project forges ahead

Jay Albrecht
Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010
Officials have apparently overcome an obstacle to Cookeville’s fifth interchange project by adopting resolutions committing to funding a northern connector road, if it is deemed necessary.

The Cookeville City Council and the Putnam County Commission both passed resolutions in mid-February that agree in principle to partnering with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and funding their respective portions of the project, recently estimated to cost around $11 million.... click here to read more

Jackson evolves from ‘kayak bum’ to successful entrepreneur

Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010
Training, preparation, mental toughness and endurance have sustained Eric Jackson in his countless outings as a professional kayaker. But as owner and co-founder of Jackson Kayak and its subsidiary Sparta Plastics, this thirst for competition has also propelled him through a very different set of challenges.

"I've really enjoyed that whole process as an athlete," he said. "In business, I treat it the same way."

A kayaker of 40 years, Jackson dropped out of engineering school to becom... click here to read more

New Business Licenses

Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010
MACON COUNTY
(from the office of County Clerk James Howser)

J&T Cutlery Co.
104 Church St.
Lafayette, TN 37083

Turn Structural Interior Inc.
171 Factory St.
Gallatin, TN 37066

PUTNAM COUNTY
(from the office of County Clerk Wayne Nabors)

A Tax Solution
440 N. Washington Ave., Suite 7
Cookeville, TN 38501

Affordable Outbuildings
255 Derby Lane
Sparta, TN ... click here to read more

Biz Buzz

Monday, Mar 1, 2010

Bob Luna assumes leadership of Cookeville Chamber board

COOKEVILLE – Outgoing Chairman Tom Lawrence will officially pass the ceremonial chamber gavel to Bob Luna at the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Meeting in April at the Leslie Town Centre.

Luna, who was selected as chair-elect in November of 2008, assumed his new role at the beginning of this year. Lawrence will succe... click here to read more

February 2010

Flexial will likely expand after being purchased by group

Friday, Jan 7, 2011
Flexial Welded Bellows has announced the company has been sold to BOA Group, a global provider of flexible mechanical elements.

Richard Larsen, president of the local company, says this is welcome news.

"It most definitely will," said Larsen when asked if more people will be added to the existing workforce of 91 employees.

How quickly that will happen remains to be determined, but he said having BOA take over the operations will mean they can continue what he calls a "rapid g... click here to read more

     

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Counties	September	Year prior	Percent change	Latest 12 months	Year prior	Percent change
Cannon	$271,021	$270,729	0.1	$3,229,250