BREAKING NEWS: Group aims to put package stores on ballot in Cookeville
Gainesboro and Spencer have had it. Baxter and Gordonsville just got it. Should Cookeville get it?
That’s the question a group of citizens are asking about possibly putting a package liquor store referendum on the November ballot for the city of Cookeville.
“We’re never going to stop people from purchasing their favorite brand of wine or alcohol beyond our city borders,” said Matt Case, spokesperson for the Citizens for Progress in Cookeville. “So the question is whether or not we want to provide it in a sensible, convenient, controlled manner that can generate additional revenue for our city.”
The group says this initiative can ... click here to read more
'Sin tax' structure raises concerns for U.C. distributors
Governments have traditionally been able to sustain their operating funds by collecting additional taxes on those items most folks will just keep on buying regardless of recessions or economic downturns. The state of Tennessee is no exception, and is in some cases setting the bar for just how much controlled substances can be taxed.Tennessee’s manufacturers and distributors of beer, wine and spirits are all subject to an excise tax levied by the state. For beer, the tax is set at 14 cents per gallon, which is tied for the 11th lowest rate in the nation. Wine is subject to a tax of $1.21 per gallon, while spirits are taxed at $4.46 per gallon, a rate among the lowest in ... click here to read more
‘Green’ industry looks to add jobs in Overton
HEFT Industries Inc., a start-up electric power plant company out of Colorado, has given Livingston and Overton County officials a letter of intent announcing their selection of Livingston for the corporate headquarters. The company is currently negotiating the purchase of the Berkline #5 Building in the Livingston Industrial Park, but has not closed on the property as of press time.HEFT is a “new technology" power plant company, according to Greg McDonald of the Overton County Chamber of Commerce. The company plans to build a diverse line of products, including a rechargeable generator suitable for powering residences, businesses and factor... click here to read more
U.C. ahead of the curve on state sales tax collections
The latest retail sales tax collection figures show an upward trend across the Upper Cumberland, albeit a slower rate than in past months. For month-over-month collections in June, the region’s rate of increasing revenues still outpaces retail tax collections from the state as a whole. The region’s collections showed a 3.7 percent increase from June 2009 to June 2010, compared to an increase of only 0.7 percent statewide over the same span.Henry Bowman, senior analyst for the Upper Cumberland Development District, believes the region is on the right track.
“Things seem to be trending in the right direction,” Bowman said.... click here to read more
Roane State receives $2.86 million grant for high-tech job training
Roane State Community College has received a $2.86 million federal grant that will support educating workers in advanced materials technician-level training – a field with strong job growth prospects.Roane State was one of 41 community colleges and organizations nationally, and the only one in Tennessee, to receive a Community Based Job Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor received 323 applications and awarded $125 million in grants. Roane State will receive the $2.86 million over the next three years.
The grant will cover tuition and supplies for participants who are unemployed. Employers will r... click here to read more
Statewide sales tax holiday set for Aug. 6-8
Tennessee’s fifth annual Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 6, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 8. The Department of Revenue is reminding Tennessee shoppers that during these three days of savings, shoppers can save almost 10 percent on tax-free clothing, school and art supplies, and computer purchases.
The holiday begins Aug. 6 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Aug. 8 at 11:59 p.m. During the designated three-day weekend, consumers will not pay state or local sales tax on select clothing with a price of $100 or less per item, school and art supplies with a price of $100 or less per item, and computers with a price of $1,500 or less.
Examples of exempt items inc... click here to read more
Woodbury town square completes renovation project
The courthouse square in Woodbury recently received extensive renovations as part of a Tennessee Department of Transportation enhancement grant. The $800,000 project focused primarily on replacing the site’s original 1936 drainage system, and received 80 percent of funding from TDOT, with the City of Woodbury and Cannon County taking on the remaining cost.The renovations also included installing new sidewalks and paving, underground electric and telephone wiring, new landscaping and lighting, and a new clock. Local contractor Preston Brothers Construction Company completed the project.
A separate stimulus grant worth $100,000 was used to install new energy-efficient window... click here to read more
Van Buren Chamber receives funds for downtown location
The Greater Van Buren County-Spencer Chamber of Commerce was recently named the recipient of a federal investment for the purchase and renovation of a building on the historic courthouse square. The new facility will provide space for chamber operations, visitor information and much-needed meeting space for community organizations.
“This is an investment in Spencer and Van Buren County’s future,” said U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis. “I am proud to support vital projects in our rural communities as long as it is done in a fiscally responsible manner and benefits the community as a whole.”
Chamber President Ann McCormick said the USDA Rural Development... click here to read more
$750k grant moves Airport Industrial Park forward
White County and the Highlands region has just moved another step toward the creation of additional jobs with the recently approved $750,000 PILOT Program Fast Track Infrastructure Program grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Officials hope the grant will enable the Airport Industrial Park to add new jobs in the area.
“We have been working constantly on this project since 2007 and having this grant approved is wonderful news for the people of Sparta and White County,” said Wallace Austin, county commissioner and president of the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce.
The more than 60 acres of land was acquired by White Co... click here to read more
Blue Coast Burrito coming to Cookeville
Mexican food lovers will be salivating about the newest restaurant on its way to Cookeville.Blue Coast Burrito, based in Brentwood, has announced plans to open a new restaurant on the former Pizza Hut property on South Jefferson Avenue in Cookeville. According to officials close to the project, the restaurant is scheduled to be open by early fall. Within 12 months, the company plans to open a second location near Tennessee Tech and Cookeville Regional Medical Center.
Tony Oliphant of Cookeville will be the owner/manager.
Blue Coast Burrito offers a uniqu... click here to read more
VW supplier invests in Warren County
Warren County’s Mountain View Industrial Park will soon be home to a new distribution center for a Volkswagen supplier, bringing 118 jobs and a $7.5 million investment to the county.Miniature Precision Components is a leading supplier of thermoplastic injection molded, extrusion and blow-molded products for the automotive, lawn and garden, and commercial industries, and the company’s customers include the Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations. The announcement came on May 27, with Gov. Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber on hand with leaders of MPC and ... click here to read more
U.C. economy shows dramatic improvement in April
The economic wellbeing of counties across the Upper Cumberland are seeing signs of significant improvement, according to recently released sales tax revenue collection data. Collections for the region as a whole increased by 7.2 percent from March to April, the most significant jump in recent memory. DeKalb County posted the region’s largest increase, hoisting its revenues up by 16.7 percent, with Cannon County’s increasing by 14.8 percent, Clay County by 10.6 percent, and Putnam by 9.9 percent. Only two counties, Smith and Van Buren, posted a decrease in sales tax collections in April.Henry Bowman, senior analyst at the Upper Cumberland Develo... click here to read more
MJF Media expands, adds jobs in Algood
MJF Media, a Putnam County-based media distribution company, recently relocated a second distribution facility from Ontario, Canada to Algood, immediately providing 25 jobs. The newly relocated business will distribute videos for the company.Marty Toombs, vice president of operations at MJF, believes that the distribution facility’s relocation to Algood will provide tangible benefits to the local economy. In addition to its immediate job creation, Toombs anticipates that the facility will enable the formation of another 25 jobs in the coming years. Toombs sees this as a part of the benefits MJF provides the local community.
&ldq... click here to read more
U.C. real estate, construction contracts show recent gains
Sales in the real estate and construction sectors across the region have grown by leaps and bounds in recent months, suggesting the beginning of an upward trend for the economy as a whole.Robbin Reagans, CEO of the Upper Cumberland Association of Realtors, reports that the region’s annual residential home sales through May 31 have increased 31.25 percent over sales recorded during the same span last year. Additionally, the average sales price for single-family homes has increased from $116,781 in 2009 to $118,930 currently.
Reagans attributes these significant increases to a number of factors, including a large increase in cash sales. The... click here to read more
Workers’ comp policies to undergo changes
Employers across the Upper Cumberland should be aware of several changes made to workers’ compensation policies in the state legislature. Included among these changes are modifications to existing policies on an employer’s right to medical information, at-work recreational injuries, and provisions for gradually occurring injuries.Coverage requirements have changed for certain construction companies. Under Senate Bill 3591, passed in June, qualified construction companies will be allowed limited exemption from obtaining workers’ compensation insurance. Under the new law, sole proprietors, partners, officers of corporations and members of limited liability companies enga... click here to read more
Hospital officials set to tackle challenges in reform bill
Every aspect of health coverage in America has come under intense scrutiny since the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in March. In addition to its obvious effects on businesses and individuals with its insurance coverage mandates, the bill also calls for hospitals to confront widespread changes in the way they will operate in the future. And if you ask Michael Meadows, CEO of Livingston Regional Hospital, the debate about the reform bill has just gotten started.“I just think there are going to be so many changes over the next couple of years that what you’ll see then is not even going to be clo... click here to read more
U.C. businesses see uptick in economy
Based on recent trends of increased business, expansion and job creation, many businesses across the Upper Cumberland appear to be indicating the region’s turn toward positive economic growth. A number of businesses in the construction sector, as well as area manufacturers, have shown improvements in each of these areas.Van De Voorde Electric, a Cookeville-based electrical services company, has seen the economy improve to the point that it recently rehired 11 employees who had been laid off in November 2008. According to owner Steve Van De Voorde, the rehiring could be a sign of the region’s economic recovery.
“We can&r... click here to read more
Cumberland Kia comes under new ownership
The auto dealership formerly known as Cookeville Kia came under new ownership in April and is now Cumberland Kia, joining Cumberland Auto Group under owner Lanny Dunn. The dealership received approval from Kia in May and has already begun increasing its new vehicle inventory.Cumberland Auto Group, which currently employs over 100 workers, will increase its work force by 25 with the addition of the Kia dealership. Dunn expects to hire an additional five to 15 employees in the near future.
“Between the sales tax dollars generated and the jobs that we offer, I think that offers quite a bit to the economy,” Dunn said.
Morrison Bridgestone plant celebrates milestone, learning pavilion
Bridgestone-Firestone’s Morrison facility, part of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, marked a milestone on May 12 as it celebrated its 20th 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 with environmental education on outdoor nature trails and in an advanced, hands-on classroom since last year. The students learn important lessons about recycling, conservation and the shared responsi... click here to read more
Flooding dampens commerce for Upper Cumberland retailers
The recent outbreak of storms and severe flooding has brought many businesses in the Upper Cumberland to a standstill, leaving owners and employees to pick up the pieces. Flooding in Clay, DeKalb, Jackson, Macon, Smith and Trousdale counties has been met with a degree of federal aid, but many businesses remain uncertain of their own eligibility for Small Business Association loans and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.One business owner who has experienced the flood’s damaging power is Sheryle Bruno, owner of Pappy’s Pickett Fence, an antique shop in downtown Gainesboro. She reports that the facility’s restroom, antique wood flooring, r... click here to read more
Floods, insurance policies cover many U.C. business owners
Record-breaking floods across the state of Tennessee have put a severe economic strain on many residents and businesses of the Upper Cumberland. But for many affected by flood damage, the reality echoes Bob Dylan’s warning, that if you go down in the flood it’s going to be your own fault. Flood insurance coverage, available exclusively through the National Flood Insurance Program, is available to everyone regardless of location or risk level.The NFIP reports that 26 percent of homes in America will experience a flood within the 30-year mortgage term. In spite of such risks many neglect to purchase flood insurance. Mike Swallow... click here to read more
Linde RSS named regional medical gas distributor
Linde RSS, a medical gas warehouse in Livingston, was recently selected to be a regional distribution center for LifeGas locations nationwide and held a ribbon cutting to celebrate on May 6. LifeGas, owned by the Linde Group out of Munich, Germany, operates 48 locations and is the world’s second largest supplier of medical gasses.The Livingston distribution center will help the company’s expansion into high complexity health care and their new focus on ventilated patients. Maintenance for this equipment w... click here to read more
Crossville downtown welcomes two new businesses
Visitors to Crossville’s downtown area will notice two new retail businesses: The Screen Door and Perks Too. Both stores opened their doors recently, giving many hope that their unique offerings will attract visitors to the downtown area and help foster the economic and community development of Crossville’s downtown.According to owner Carla French, The Screen Door offers its patrons a unique variety of one-of-a-kind items, ranging from home accessories and decor, linens, apparel, jewelry, original art, European and American antiques, light fixtures and vintage “repurposed” items for home decor use. The shop’s focus, according to French, is primarily on prov... click here to read more
Fast Lane Fun Park opens first phase of recreation
The Fast Lane Fun Park has completed its first phase of construction and opened daily to the public on May 15. An additional phase of construction and development is also underway, according to park business operations manager Christy Norton.The park’s first phase of construction consists of an 18-hole mini golf course; an 827-foot go-kart track; a rock-climbing wall; four giant bounce houses; the Monkey Jump, an attraction made of four trampolines with fiberglass arms that propels guests 18 feet into the air; Water Wars; and a recreational paint ball field.
Businesses are also encouraged to schedule meetings and team-building ... click here to read more
Health care bill raises questions for businesses
With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in March, businesses across the Upper Cumberland have been forced to reexamine the health coverage provisions offered to their employees. Because of the size and scope of the reform bill, its effects on area businesses vary considerably, depending largely on the size and current practices of the company.One of the most significant short-term changes to the health care system involves a tax credit already available to many small businesses. The credit provides up to 35 percent of premiums for businesses with 10 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees earning less than $25,000 a year on average.
Many area small bus... click here to read more
Prepaid FDIC assessments challenge U.C. banks
Bank of Putnam County president David Williamson compares it to a group of tourists standing around a Las Vegas craps table. A couple of them step up to play but the rest just sit back and watch.“Some of them rolled the dice,” he said, “and when they lost, the house said, ‘Hey, stop. Hold on just a second. It’s OK, these other people still have their money because they didn’t gamble. They’re going to bail you out.’”
Because of a new requirement introduced by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), community-based banks in the Upper Cumberl... click here to read more
Last month for Ovation nominees
Nominations are being submitted in record numbers for the third annual Ovation Awards, to be published in July.The Ovation Awards honor businesses, organizations and individuals in the Upper Cumberland region for excellence in several categories, from manufacturing and retail to individual philanthropists and governmental officials.
Deadline for submitting nominations has been extended to Monday, May 17. Nominations may be sent by e-mail to news@ucbjournal.com or by mail to Cumberland Business Journal, Attn: Ovation Awards, 705 North Dixie Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501.
When submitting nominations, please be specific which category... click here to read more
Omega Apparel contract creates 112 jobs in Smithville
A new contract recently awarded to Omega Apparel, a military uniform manufacturer in Smithville, will provide the area with 112 additional jobs and a payroll boost estimated at $1.5 million for the first year. The contract, worth $34 million over five years, was awarded by the Defense Logistics Agency for the production of U.S. Army dress pants. Production began April 15.Over the life of the new contract, awarded in late February, Omega will manufacture 336,000 medium blue Army dress pants in a new design that imitates the style of pants worn by soldiers in the 19th century.
Omega Apparel president Dick Chase believes that the added jobs and payroll from the new contr... click here to read more
STEM Center looks to boost area education, industry
The Millard Oakley STEM Center, housed in Tennessee Tech University’s newly completed Ray Morris Hall, will celebrate its grand opening on May 7. The center, whose focus combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is designed to improve student engagement with these disciplines, as well as provide teachers with a space to experiment and test out new, research-based learning methodologies. The $7.4 million facility is located at the south end of Tennessee Tech’s campus at 7th Street and Stadium Avenue in Cookeville.The 26,000-square-foot facility is divided into three ... click here to read more
Fentress County manufacturer reopens, adds 30 jobs to area work force
Camel Manufacturing, a producer of tents for the U.S. military, reopened its Jamestown manufacturing facility in February, adding 30 new jobs to the area. The reopening came six months after the plant halted operation in July 2009, a closure that resulted in the loss of 68 jobs.A new contract with the Department of Defense enabled the plant to reopen and rehire 30 of its previous employees. Plant manager Penny Leffew believes that the reopen will benefit the community.
“Any kind of job in the county right now would be a plus with the economy the way it is,” she said.
A five-year, $218 million contract with the... click here to read more
Highlands prepares for next phase of regional strategy
As reported in last month’s CBJ, Phase I of the Highlands Initiative was deemed a “resounding” success by officials in Overton, Putnam and White counties.Now Phase II, spanning years 2010-2013, has already begun with a fundraising campaign to provide capital for implementing the four main strategies set out in the program of work adopted by Highlands leaders. The theme for the next four years of work is “Better Together.”
Retired businessman Joe Albrecht has been chosen as the general campaign chairman for Phase II of the Highlands Initiative.
The four main strategies are... click here to read more
Cookeville Baymont makes eco-friendly imprint on Upper Cumberland
Baymont Inn and Suites of Cookeville is in the process of “going green,” having introduced a number of environmentally friendly practices as part of its daily operations and long-term goals. The changes have come as a result of new brand standards under its parent corporation, Wyndham Worldwide, as well as through independent initiatives.In April, the Cookeville location participated in an innovative approach to recycling by providing staff with new uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles. According to Jo Ward, sales manager at the Cookeville hotel, the new uniforms are as... click here to read more
Putnam’s December restaurant revenues higher than expected
Recent revenue reports broken down by industry present more signs that the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association football championships were a boon for Putnam County.According to one estimate, Putnam County’s December 2009 revenues for eating and drinking establishments exceeded typical revenues for the same month by $1.3 million. The figure has led to speculation that the boost came as a result of the city hosting the TSSAA games, which local leaders had hoped would bring an additional $1 million to the local economy over two years.
The county’s December revenues from eating and drinking establishments – considered... click here to read more
U.C. Airport Industrial Park moves forward in White
With an eye toward the future, White County Commissioners vote to continue their investment into the Upper Cumberland Airport Industrial Park at their April meeting of the county legislative body and will begin construction on a road into the Industrial Park.
“Essentially this vote moves White County job growth forward in a very positive way,” said Herd Sullivan, White County Executive. “With our central location and access to Interstate 40 and Highway 111, we look for the Airport Industrial Park to be the first of many growth patterns in the county.”
Sullivan explained that several doors have opened recently leading to the need for aggressive actio... click here to read more
Regional resort project proceeds after $25 million bond authorization
CELINA – The Celina/Clay County Joint Industrial Development Board was authorized by the State of Tennessee through Commissioner Matthew Kisber, Department of Economic and Community Development, to issue $25 million in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds to assist in the financing of the La Gardena Resort development. Since Clay, Fentress, Overton and Pickett Counties will benefit from the construction and eventual employment of many of their residents, this will be a four-county regional project. An economic impact study conducted by Tennessee Valley Authority concluded that the resort located in Clay County, when fully completed, will create 1,970 new jobs and generate $52.6 million annuall... click here to read moreSparta chamber building receives high-resolution facelift
By Kevin Burmeister
CBJ Staff
As part of a remodeling project begun in February, officials at the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce recently enhanced the building’s visual appeal by installing a large, floor-to-ceiling mural on an interior office wall. Designed and created by EGRX Graphics, the mural was custom-made for the chamber building using the company’s special six-color, high-resolution printing process.
According to Jody Sliger, tourism and marketing director for the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce, the design of the mural allows visitor... click here to read more
Suit accuses Monterey Perdue plant of illegal hiring
A class action lawsuit named the Monterey Perdue Farms Inc. processing facility in its allegation that 16 Perdue plants across the nation have knowingly hired more than 500 illegal immigrants since 2006. The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. District Court in Alabama, alleges that Perdue’s corporate office implemented the hiring scheme in an effort to save millions of dollars in labor costs. Perdue officials deny the accusations and argue that the company’s hiring practices ensure that only documented U.S. citizens are employed.The suit accuses 15 employees of violating the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. It claims th... click here to read more
Stimulus-funded projects change the face of U.C. transportation
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 jobs across the region.
According to the available region-specific data for the state, the Upper Cumberland region received $45.5 million for education and $41.1 million for transportation projects, which, in a... click here to read more
Baxter referendum shakes up several city economies
Since the passage of a referendum to allow the sale of liquor in the city limits of Baxter, local tax revenues have flourished, while the city of Gainesboro’s coffers have begun to dry up. The city of Spencer, also home to a package liquor store, has experienced a much smaller decrease in sales revenues. Since the referendum’s passage in November 2008, two package stores have opened their doors in Baxter, creating something of a sea change for city economies across the Upper Cumberland whose tax revenues had benefited from Cookeville area liquor sales.According to Baxter city council member Robert Vinson, 90 percent of tax revenues from the city’s two package stores go... click here to read more
Norcom expansion creates jobs in Sparta
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.“A central component of Tennessee’s economic development strategy is collaboration at the state and local level to expand our existing businesses, which generate nearly 80 percent of new jo... click here to read more
Cummins, UAW reach five-year agreement
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. Cummins employees.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our UAW members on a new contract that will allow Cummins Filtration to remain a leader in the increasingly competiti... click here to read more
Crossville, Cumberland Co. selected for economic development program
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 entrepreneurship and small business development.
While the U.S. continues to battle high unemployment rates and a recession, many community leaders are looking for innovative ways to create jobs and econo... click here to read more
Labor market study points to growth opportunities for Highlands
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 Economic Development Summit held Feb. 25 at the Leslie Town Centre in Cookeville. The study, conducted by Wadley-Donovan GrowthTech LLC, focused on quantifying the region’s potential for retaining exis... click here to read more
Highlands completes ‘successful’ first four years
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 throughout the region, played key roles in the program's development.
The initiative consisted of four main strategies targeted to attract "best-fit" industries and compani... click here to read more
Motlow's Mechatronics prepares skilled workers
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 offers level-one and level-two certification.
The project began when 11 members of a manufacturing roundtable for the McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce asked Mary Lou Apple, president o... click here to read more
U.C. region posts substantial growth for last quarter
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 Upper Cumberland Development District, believes that the increase in tax revenues signal an upward trend for the area.
"It's definitely the direction you want to see the numbers moving," he said.... click here to read more
Cookeville’s fifth interchange project forges ahead
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. The northern connector road, which would link Interstate 40 to U.S. Highway 70, became an issue when TDOT sent a letter in mid-January to city and county officials indicating the Federal Highway Admi... click here to read more
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