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CELL SITE ACTIVATED NEAR WESTMORELAND
WESTMORELAND, Tenn., July 22, 2010 - As part of its continuing network investment to support the growing demand for mobile devices and services, AT&T today announced the activation of a new cell.
This new cell site is 20 miles east of Franklin, Kentucky and is located just north of Westmoreland near the Kentucky border. It provides connecting coverage between Westmoreland and Scottsville, Kentucky along Highway 31E.
The new cell site is one part of AT&T’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation and extend its mobile network. It is also part of AT&T’s ongoing investment to build the networks that will fuel economic growth and create jobs, and enable AT&T's customers to quickly access the content, applications and services that matter most to them.
“Expanding our communication infrastructure is critical to this area,” said Sen. Diane Black. “Consumers and businesses alike need and demand greater connectivity, and it sets the stage for more job creation.”
AT&T unveiled its Tennessee wireless network plans for 2010 earlier this year, which include the addition of 20 new cell sites and the upgrade of approximately 525 additional cell sites to 3G throughout the state.
“Local residents and businesses across the country are depending on mobile communications more than ever before,” said Rep. Mike McDonald. “Fast and reliable service is important. So, this expansion in Sumner County is good news for us all.”
“Our goal is pretty simple: we want you to have an extraordinary experience when you make a call, check e-mail, download a song or video, or surf the Internet on your AT&T device,” said Lanie Johnson, regional manager, external affairs, AT&T Tennessee. “As part of the Sumner County community, we’re always looking for new opportunities to provide enhanced coverage and our investment in the local wireless network is just one way to accomplish this.”
AT&T’s mobile network is based on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) standard, the most open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T offers data roaming in more than 190 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 220 countries.
“Our community is well served by our legislative leaders like Senator Diane Black and Representative Mike McDonald,” said Jimmy Johnston, president of Forward Sumner. “They understand the public policy environment that is necessary to attract investment and telecommunications expansion.”
“We continue to work aggressively to improve our network infrastructure throughout Tennessee to improve the quality of our services,” said Jim Thorpe, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in Kentucky and Tennessee. “We’re working to make this possible by adding new wireless coverage and offering exciting products to help our customers stay connected with their world, at home and on the go.”
For more information about AT&T’s coverage in Sumner County or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visitbwireless.att.com/coverageviewer. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
AT&T CUSTOMERS GET MORE MOBILE BROADBAND
COVERAGE IN SUMNER COUNTY
New Cell Site Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment
in Local Wireless Network
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn., April, 2010 — As part of its continuing network investment to support the growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of a new 3G cell site 11 miles northeast of Nashville in Sumner County that will enhance coverage for Hendersonville area residents and businesses. The new site adds 3G coverage near Old Hickory Lake and boosts coverage to the peninsula south of Hendersonville for those who enjoy boating and recreation in the area.
AT&T recently unveiled its Tennessee wireless network plans for 2010, which includes the addition of 20 new cell sites and the upgrade of approximately 525 additional cell sites to 3G throughout the state. The Tennessee planned wireless network enhancement strategy is part of AT&T’s 2010 wireline and wireless national capital investment, which is expected to be in the $18 billion to $19 billion range, an increase of between 5 and 10 percent over 2009. This plan includes an increase of about $2 billion in capital expenditures for wireless and backhaul related to AT&T’s wireless network.
“Continued expansion of our telecommunications infrastructure is necessary for the ongoing economic development of our community,” said Sen. Diane Black. “Better connectivity means better service for businesses and consumers alike.”
The new cell site is one part of AT&T’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation and extend its 3G wireless network – the fastest in the nation, according to independent testing. It is also part of AT&T’s ongoing investment to build the broadband networks that will fuel economic growth and create jobs, and enable its customers to quickly access the content, applications and services that matter most to them.
“Our goal is pretty simple: we want you to have an extraordinary experience when you make a call, check e-mail, download a song or video, or surf the Internet on your AT&T device,” said Gregg Morton, president, AT&T Tennessee. “As part of the Sumner County community, we’re always looking for new opportunities to provide enhanced coverage and our investment in the local wireless network is just one way to accomplish this."
“High-speed broadband wireless connections are critical to our efforts to grow the economy,” said Rep. Debra Maggart. “This technology provides us with the tools to attract more and better jobs.”
AT&T recently completed a software upgrade at 3G cell sites nationwide that prepares the nation’s fastest 3G network for even faster speeds. The deployment of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is the first of multiple initiatives in AT&T’s network enhancement strategy designed to provide customers with and enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and well into the future. Faster 3G speeds are scheduled to become available in 2010 and 2011 on a market by market basis as AT&T combines the new technology with its second initiative to dramatically increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, primarily with fiber-optic connections, adding capacity from cell sites to the AT&T backbone network.
“We continue to work aggressively to improve our network infrastructure throughout Sumner County to improve the quality of our services,” said Jim Thorpe, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in Kentucky and Tennessee. “We’re working to make this possible by adding new wireless coverage and offering exciting products to help our customers stay connected with their world, at home and on the go.”
”We are fortunate to have leaders like Sen. Black and Rep. Maggart, whose understanding of technology policy has contributed to a business environment that attracts investment and infrastructure upgrades,” said Jimmy Johnston, president, Forward Sumner.
AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T offers 3G data roaming in more than 115 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 220 countries.
MaxShred Joins Forward Sumner
March 3, 2010
MaxShred, “The Touchless On-Site Shredding Company” provides secure on-site document shredding and materials destruction services throughout Middle Tennessee. MaxShred is a locally owned company that operates with U.S. patented state-of-the-art equipment and cutting edge on-site shredding technology. MaxShred’s mobile trucks perform the most secure on-site shredding and destruction service. Their process and superior service has become the preferred method for several Sumner County businesses that make it a top priority in protecting the privacy of their customers, employees and other sensitive information.
MaxShred is committed to promoting environmental recycling responsibilities. All shredded paper particles are chemically washed (ink removed) and recycled into paper products. MaxShred welcomes storage and warehouse projects, as well as solutions for media destruction, computer hardware, processing tapes, disks, etc.
“The Touchless On-Site Shredding Company”
- Protection for businesses against identity theft and consumer fraud
- Solutions for HIPAA, FACTA & GLB privacy laws
- Most Secure and First Class Service
- A proud GREEN COMPANY
- Locally owned and operated
Thomas Bruff, Jr., Owner
615-692-9682 direct
Smith Travel Research CEO Awarded
Lifetime Achievement Award
Randell A. Smith, CEO and co-founder of Smith Travel Research, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Americans Lodging Investment Summit on January 26 in San Diego, California. Smith was recognized for his legacy in pioneering global hotel benchmarking, which is what STR is founded on.
“We have had the privilege of working with all of the major brands in the industry, and I am constantly impressed by their talent and knowledge,” said Smith. He thanked the hotel industry for entrusting STR with the data needed to measure the industry’s performance levels.
Smith cited his mentor, the late John Lesure, as being instrumental in the launching of STR. He also thanked the American Hotel and Lodging Association, STR employees, his former colleagues at Laventhol & Horwath where he began his career, STR president Mark Lomanno, and his wife Carolyn Smith who co-founded STR with him. “Together we created and built the company that enabled me to win this award today,” he said.
STR provides clients, including hotel operators, developers, financiers, analysts and suppliers to the hotel industry access to hotel research with regular and custom reports covering North America, Mexico and Caribbean. It provides a single source of global hotel data covering daily and monthly performance data, forecasts, annual profitability, pipeline and census information.
Littlejohn Engineering Associates
Acquires Three Divisions of Mid-South Firm
Littlejohn Engineering Associates, a Nashville-based engineering firm, recently acquired the environmental, engineering and health and safety divisions of E.R. Alley and Associates. This transaction will significantly strengthen Littlejohn’s environmental and engineering capabilities, in addition to giving it a presence in three new markets.
“This has been a strategic goal for our firm, to diversify services, markets and regions and is an exciting milestone,” Jim Littlejohn, president of Littlejohn Engineering said. “The two firms enjoy a similar culture and philosophy and we anticipate a smooth transition. This will enable us to provide more comprehensive services to our clients.”
The divisions involved in this acquisition are located in Tri-Cities, Tenn., Decatur, Ala. and Chattanooga, Tenn. The transaction will bring together an additional 24 professionals and support staff and includes expertise in environmental, Phase I, Phase II studies, risk assessments, remediation, and water and wastewater treatment. The firm also has civil and municipal engineering, Industrial Hygiene and Health and Safety professionals, among others.
The Tri-Cities office will bring the vibrant upper east Tennessee region with its industrial base and multiple municipal clients, which have been a cornerstone of the Alley firm for years. Littlejohn’s entry to the region broadens and strengthens the capabilities for the combined services the firm will now offer.
The merged operations will bring the expertise of 34 professionals and the total staff strength to 68 individuals. The current operations will continue operating under the Alley name until approximately March. At that time the name will transition over to Littlejohn and Tom Davis, PE, senior project manager, will oversee operations of the new divisions.
To assure continuity of service and maintain relationships with current clients Bob Alley, PE, and Rob Alley, PE, have arranged to stay on as special consultants with Littlejohn.
“I am excited about the opportunity of joining our personnel in a way that we can offer better and broader environmental engineering and health and safety services to our clients,” Bob Alley said. “The experience, reputation and work quality of our combined staffs will ensure unsurpassed service to our existing and new clients for years to come.”
Goals of the joined operations will be to increase involvement in the local communities, bring increased environmental capabilities to the firm’s clients including land development, planning, landscape architecture and transportation engineering to the Northern Alabama and East Tennessee regions.
Goodlettsville begins branding itself to lure more people to the small town
By Jennifer Brooks
THE TENNESSEAN
In boom times, there were so many people relocating to Middle Tennessee, the biggest problem communities faced was building enough schools and roads to keep pace. It didn't really matter if a business or a family chose your town or the town next door, because there were always more moving vans rolling this way.
But then the recession hit. People couldn't relocate because they couldn't sell their homes, and by this time last year, American mobility was at its lowest point in 60 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Suddenly, attracting new residents and businesses to fill half-empty developments and prop up sagging tax bases became a priority. But how does a Goodlettsville set itself apart from a Gallatin or a Greenbrier?
For the city of Goodlettsville, it started with a modest advertising budget and a catchy slogan.
"Wow, that's good. … No, that's Goodlettsville," read the ads that began running in national specialty magazines this year.
Branding used to be something that only big cities had to worry about. Nashville has a $10 million budget for marketing and promotions. The new Smashville ad campaign, inviting people to Lower Broad to watch the Predators play, was a glitzy prime-time ad campaign.
But more and more small towns are stepping up with plans to brand themselves as memorable destinations. Thompson's Station formed a marketing and branding committee to help the town create an identity separate from its larger neighbor, Spring Hill.
Williamson County invited residents to create their own tourism promotion videos, featuring themes like "I Love My Franklin." White Bluff unveiled a new city logo and Web site designed to draw newcomers: "History, Family, Community: Tennesseans love to live, work and play in White Bluff."
The worse the economy gets, the more creative community marketing efforts have become, said Ben Stewart, director of economic and community development for the Greater Nashville Regional Council.
"It's an increasingly popular way for communities to market themselves," he said. "I think everyone's trying to think outside the box right now."
Putting city on the map...
Goodlettsville increased its efforts at community branding this month with 30-second commercial spots that began airing on local Fox television stations. It's also grabbing a bit of name recognition with radio spots and by sponsoring weather and traffic reports: "The Tennessee morning weather report is brought to you by the city of Goodlettsville."
The community has spent $10,000 to $15,000 on self-promotion in the past year, said Tom Tucker, Goodlettsville's director of economic development.
"We scripted our commercial so it's not coming across like we're better than anyone else," Tucker said. "But we kept hearing from people, 'I know about Goodlettsville, but I don't know how to get there.' "
Follow Interstate 65 north from downtown Nashville for about 15 minutes and you'll find Goodlettsville, straddling the Davidson-Sumner county line.
"We want to get Goodlettsville on the radar," Tucker said, ticking off his list of qualities he most wants to promote about this town of 16,000.
"We're a small town with a rich Southern tradition. … We have an abundance of eateries, shopping, churches to worship. … A lot of thought went into all of this."
The television spots feature a young couple and a toddler strolling past historic Mansker's Station and through the city sights — over an old bridge, past a church and into a restaurant for ice cream before finally reaching a shady subdivision.
"Wow, that's good. No, that's Goodlettsville," the ad begins. "It's the people that make this city a great place to raise a family and own a business. Goodlettsville is a community rich in Southern hospitality with many community groups, places to work and cultural activities."
Gallatin Square Renovations Completed
November, 2009
The renovations of the Gallatin square have been completed. The improvements were recently featured on News Channel 5’s “Talk of the Town.”
The Gallatin square now has wider sidewalks, new seating for visitors, more greenery, and many businesses like Larrivierre’s Restaurant, Amber Leaf, Deliberately Chic, and more. Owners of these businesses have noticed an increase in guests to the community.
“It’s an added reason to come down and enjoy downtown Gallatin,” said one restaurant owner, Rene Larrivierre.
Mayor Jo Ann Graves is also pleased and excited about the new square.
“I think what the revitalization did was bring the charm of Gallatin to life. I think everyone can come down here and see what a historic square we have and what types of businesses we have. Come and take advantage of it,” she said.
Union University Offers
Doctor of Education Degree
November 18, 2009
Union University of Hendersonville announced the expansion of the school’s graduate offering to include the doctor of education degree, effective February 2010. Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lea, made the announcement Wednesday, Nov. 18 at the Hendersonville City Hall, along with Dr. Tom Rosebrough, Dean of the Jackson, Tenn. campus.
It is the highest professional degree in education and will involve 60 semester hours. It will have two concentrations, one in school administration and the other in higher education.
The Hendersonville campus, located in the Weekley Building of Hendersonville First Baptist Church, currently has 72 graduate students enrolled and offers an education specialist degree as well as a master’s degree in Christian studies.
According to The Tennessean’s website (http://www.tennessean.com), Rosebrough said he expects the doctoral-level degree in school administration to garner the most interest locally between the two.
“Obviously an announcement of this magnitude will help Union University grow this campus,” said Don Long, who is also Hendersonville’s Director of Economic and Community Development. “I think it’s going to be a great benefit to Sumner County.”
Puryear Farms Receives Award
for Chetola Estates
November 2009
Puryear Farms Nursery and Landscaping, of Gallatin, was awarded a Grand Award for its “Chetola Estates” project in the 40th Annual Environmental Improvement awards program by the Professional Landcare network.
The project was selected along with 12 companies nationwide in the residential landscaping category. Puryear Farms was the only company from Tennessee to receive the award.
According to Puryear Farms’s blog, “The elegant swimming pool, with an infinity edge wall, serves as the centerpiece for this outdoor living space including a covered kitchen, decorative arbor, fire pit, dining areas, and an impressive outdoor fireplace. A man made stream with cascades and waterfalls weaves through the setting and provides a sense of peace and tranquility. The outdoor lighting creates another dimension to the landscape at night and connects the exterior to the interior of the home.”
“I was honored to have received such an award from our national industry organization and I am very proud of the team of dedicated professionals in my company who worked together to make this project such a success. Their tremendous attention to quality and detail resulted in a creation which we are very proud of, along with the satisfaction in knowing that we helped to improve our environment,” said John Puryear.
Portland Receives Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG)
October 29, 2009
A $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was approved for Portland by Governor Phil Bredesen and Matthew Kisber, Commissioner of Economic and Community Development. It will assist in infrastructure improvements.
According to The News Examiner’s website (http://www.gallatinnewsexaminer.com), “The funds will be used for improvements to the Portland sewer system. Funding for the $562,080 project will include $62,080 in local funds. The grant dollars were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.”
The grant was approved following an application by the city of Portland with the support of Mayor Ken Wilber, Senator Diane Black and Representative Michael McDonald. U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, U.S. Senator Bob Corker and Congressman Bart Gordon aided in securing the funds.
Allocation of funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The CDBG program is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development.
Hendersonville Medical Center will begin
greener practices
The Hospital Corporation of America, HCA, has joined Practice Greenhealth to promote environmentally friendly practices. Hendersonville Medical Center is a HCA hospital and will begin to practice a green way of working.
“It will take some time in this program to really gauge the full effect, but we're looking for decreased waste of energy, decreased waste materials and greener practices,” said Shawna Zody, director of marketing and public relations at HMC. “Some studies also say that when a hospital adopts and hardwires more eco-friendly practices, it leads to decreased lengths of stay for patients, improved performance among workers and decreased costs.”
Each HCA hospital will appoint a sustainability coordinator to lead the effort. Paul Hickman has been named HMC’s sustainability coordinator, said Zody. Hickman will look for ways to run the hospital in a more eco-friendly way. He will also network with the sustainability coordinators at other HCA facilities to share what is working throughout other organizations. Hickman is currently on staff as Plant Operations Manager.
Americans are beginning to see the benefits of “going green,” and it seems to be a trend. Zody said that the reason this program is being implemented is because, “HCA is committed to the care and improvement of human life. Caring for the planet and adopting more green practices just fits in our mission.”
Practice Greenhealth is a non-profit organization that promotes environmental stewardship and best practices by health care organizations. Members include hospitals, healthcare systems, businesses and other stakeholders engaged in the greening of healthcare to improve the health of patients, staff and the environment.
Gallatin's Mayor Graves Leads Mayors' Caucus
August 31, 2009
Gallatin Mayor JoAnn Graves was recently named chairwoman of the Middle Tennessee Mayors’ Caucus. According to The Gallatin Newspaper, Graves was unanimously appointed to the position.
“I didn’t know the appointment would be this quick. It is a wonderful opportunity, and I think it is great exposure for our city,” said Graves.
She will be able to speak with the other mayors in the caucus on a regular basis. This will provide the opportunity to stay informed about Gallatin’s surrounding cities and see how they are dealing with some of the same situations.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean recently convened a regional meeting of mayors of Middle Tennessee. From this meeting, the caucus was established as an organization where elected leaders would work together to come up with solutions to problems shared by communities across the region. It will work by consensus, giving each mayor an equal voice regardless the size of the community.
“If we don’t have a regional attitude, then it is going to be difficult to come up with common solutions for all of us,” said Graves.
One of the major issues the caucus will be addressing is mass transit and the impact it will have on Middle Tennessee’s future.
“When people are deciding where they're going to live and raise a family, they want a place with a high quality of life, and many issues that affect quality of life — whether it's traffic, air pollution or water quality — don't stop at the county line," Dean said. "The leaders in Nashville and our surrounding counties have to work together on these issues, regional transportation being one of the most urgent.''
The Mayors’ Caucus will begin meeting every other month. Graves did say that there is an executive committee under consideration which would meet more often.
Governor Phil Bredesen to Lead Trade Mission to China
July 28, 2009
Governor Phil Bredesen and Matt Kisber, economic development commissioner, will head a group traveling to Tokyo and China in October. They will visit Japan for the 32nd annual Southeast U.S./Japan trade meeting Oct. 17-19, followed by a nine-day trade mission to China that will include Beijing, Xian, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong.
Tennessee has been laying the groundwork for economic development, with Bredesen establishing the Tennessee-China Development Center in Beijing, leaders in China have become familiar with Tennessee leaders. This trip has been long in the making. China is interested in what Tennessee has to offer in health care, especially in rural-health care needs.
Canada and Mexico are still the largest trading partners for Tennessee. Last year, China and Japan each bought more than $1 billion in goods and services from Tennessee businesses. Bredesen is expanding Tennessee’s global reach by leading this mission. Tennessee leaders are continuing the same quest for economic progress that has existed for years. Asia is emerging on the world economic stage which broadens the type of initiatives the Bredesen administration has been pursing in recent months domestically.
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Three- Star Retiree Committee creates new website
July 13, 2009
The Three-Star Retiree Committee recently created a new website. The website is designed for retirees in the community and those who are looking to relocate.
The site includes links to local Chambers of Commerce, tourism opportunities and a calendar listing local events.
The website is a great tool for people wanting to know more about Sumner County. Each city is represented, as well as the natural beauty of Sumner County that has drawn so many to the community.
For more information, visit www.retiremiddletennessee.com.
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COMPASS hosts breakfast with United States Senator
July 4, 2009
In July 2004, the Community Outreach Making Partnerships for Sumner Schools (COMPASS) began as a program of a large Nashville-based nonprofit, PENCIL Foundation, and eventually gained enough support and program perspective to become independent in July 2005.
Its main objective is to form lasting, authentic partnerships between Sumner County public schools and businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals. Its mission is to promote student success by developing partnerships between the business community and schools.
Over the past eight years, the Hendersonville Chamber Foundation has donated approximately $117,000 to support teachers through School Improvement Awards. COMPASS supports K-12 schools through monies provided by the foundation. The awards are another venue for COMPASS to involve and assist the private sector in expanding educational opportunities and encourage educational achievement.
On July 2, COMPASS hosted a breakfast with United States Senator Lamar Alexander. Donations were accepted at the event that would benefit COMPASS. Trailblazer Sponsors, those who donated $500 or more, were recognized for their contribution at the event and in the media. Future events will feature Gov. Phil Bredesen, U.S. Senator Bob Corker and more.
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Sumner County Three Star hosts
Bedford County officials
June 9, 2009
During the month of June, representatives from Bedford County visited Sumner County for Community Connections which is a part of the Three Star Program. The Three Star Program helps rural and urban Tennessee communities achieve excellence in community development by emphasizing foundational steps and targeting community strengths to improve quality of life and grow jobs.
The Bedford County representatives joined those of Sumner County for an all day tour of the county. They began their trip at Moss Wright Park and Mansker’s Station in Goodlettsville. Moving on to Hendersonville, they viewed Hendersonville Medical Center and Merrol Hyde Magnet School and the Streets of Indian Lake. A stop at Thompson Plaza, located at the Shoppes of Indian Lake and named after the late Hank Thompson, and a driving tour of the new Saundersville Road which includes the new Hendersonville Library and the new 20 acre park rounded out the visit to Hendersonville.
The next stop was Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin where they spoke with representatives from the school. A gathering of all the local communities and guests was hosted by the City of Gallatin Economic Development Agency at Fairvue Plantation.
Community Connections are a requirement for Three Star Community status. The program sets high standards and incentives like no other state-run program in the nation. It helps communities focus on their strengths and address areas of concern to better prepare their area for economic growth. For more information on the Three Star Program visit www.tennessee.gov.
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Hardaway Construction Wins Awards for Work in Sumner County
For immediate release: July 29, 2009
Sumner County, TN: Hardaway Construction Corp. recently was honored for its work on the Sumner Station Healthplex and Medical Office Building in Gallatin, and the First Baptist Church Family Ministry Center in Hendersonville. The Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. awards program uses an out-of-state panel of professionals to judge project entries on quality control, safety record, scheduling, and value engineering being on or under budget and unique challenges faced in completing a project.
The Sumner Station Healthlex and Medical Office Building project received the Merit award in the healthcare category. The $19.8M, eighteen-month job was completed in April 2008, and is a multi-functional health facility that offers diagnostic and wellness services away from the traditional hospital enviornment. The project offered many challenges that included design changes required by State Fire Marshall's office, and working with multiple utility providers to locate the services and building technology needs that required dual feeds. The complex is located on the Vietnam Veterans bypass and Big Station Camp Boulevard and is a landmark for Gallatin and Sumner County.
The First Baptist Church Family Life Center received the Eagle award for the institutional category. The $16.6M, nineteen-month job was completed in April 2008, and is a 86,000 square foot, 3-story building which houses education classes, youth assembly areas, office space, a library, a food court, cafe, kitchen, indoor playground, a full size gym complete with workout areas, and an indoor walking track, multipurpose rooms, and a lovely terrace. One of the unique aspects of the project is a geothermal field for heating and cooling consisting of 154 wells drilled 300 feet deep. The Church and Family Life center is located at 106 Bluegrass Commons Boulevard in Hendersonville and is a very significant part of Hendersonville and Sumner County's spiritual community.
Stan Hardaway, President of Hardaway Construction, believes it is their employees' integrity, honesty, pursuit of excellence, and teamwork with the owners and architects that makes each project rewarding during the process and that make the awards possible.
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Hendersonville named one of Top Ten cities for families
July 1, 2009
Family Circle announced the results of its survey to determine the best towns and cities across the country for families on June 30. The communities featured combine affordable housing, good neighbors, green spaces, and A+ public school systems. The results will be featured in the August 2009 issue of Family Circle, on stands July 8.
“The recognition is phenomenal and will come as no surprise to our 50,000 residents who proudly call Hendersonville home,” said Mayor Scott Foster. “The award confirms what we already know – that Hendersonville is a great place to live, work, and play. We are proud to be nationally ranked and singled out as a “Top Town for Families” in Family Circle’s August edition. It’s official: Hendersonville is a winner!”
Hendersonville is actually celebrating its 40th Anniversary as an incorporated city. “It is an honor to be recognized nationally for what we have been saying locally for quite some time, Hendersonville is a great place to call home. The quality of life in Hendersonville is second to none; our families have recognized this for years. There is a neighborly affection in Hendersonville where we all look out for one another, we work for the common good, and take tremendous pride in the city we all love,” said Don Long, mayoral assistant and director of economic/community development in Hendersonville.
According to the magazine’s survey, the top 10 cities in alphabetical order are:
· Edina, MN
· Evans, GA
· Hendersonville, TN
· Indian Trail, NC
· Kenmore, WA
· Noblesville, IN
· Perrysburg, OH
· Rockwell, TX
· Sherwood, OR
· Sun Prairie, WI
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Forward Sumner Announces New Board Members
January 28, 2009
On Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Forward Sumner Economic Council had its annual membership and Board of Directors’ meeting. It was held at the Hampton Inn in Gallatin.
Board members present were Danny Hale, David “Ace” Harrington, Bob Goodall, Regina Bartlett, Milton Curtis, J.D. Elliott, Steve Gregory, Stan Hardaway, Anthony Holt, Steve Jackson, Charlie Lowe, Chris Wicke, and Jimmy Johnston. Sustaining members and other guests were present along with staff member Lori Ragland.
Kara Arnold, Executive Director of COMPASS, was a guest speaker who gave a brief presentation on the goals and responsibilities of COMPASS as well as an overview of the Educate and Grow Program.
Anthony Holt also addressed the group concerning Sumner County in 2009 saying that economic development, infrastructure and quality of life are critical. His “wish list” included items like the animal control facility and consolidating the dispatch and the EMS headquarters. He also encouraged the group to shop in Sumner County to keep tax revenues at home.
Chairman Goodall called on the Board of Directors to confirm the 2009 officers as follows: Danny Hale, Chairman; David “Ace” Harrington, Chairman Elect; Bob Goodall, Past Chairman; Jimmy Johnston, President and CEO; and Ronnie Fox, Secretary and Treasurer.
Chairman Goodall introduced four Sustaining Board Members who will begin serving January 28 as follows: Jim Hodges, Hodges Group; Paula DeBerry, Commerce Union Bank; Matt Newbill, Pomeroy and Newbill; and Kevin McCutcheon, Flight Solutions.
Chairman Goodall went on to announce new investors with Forward Sumner including AT&T, Lanie Johnson; Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club, Paul Belcher; Mudd Properties, Reggie Mudd, and more.
Goodall made his outgoing comments saying that Forward Sumner finished 2008 on a strong note with the inaugural Leadership Forum on Economic Development. He finished with a brief recap of 2008.
Danny Hale, 2009 Chairman, then made his comments recognizing Goodall’s leadership in 2008. He encouraged Forward Sumner to stay the course and keep the vision in mind.
AT&T joins Forward Sumner Economic Council
January 28, 2009
AT&T has made a significant investment in the economic development initiatives within Sumner County.
“Forward Sumner Economic Council is the perfect vehicle for us to bring our message of competition and new services to business, not for profit, and public sector communities,” said Lanie Johnson, Regional Manager.
AT&T’s mission is to provide a valuable customer experience. Its goal is to treat every customer as if they were the only customer. Its focus is: connecting people with their world, everywhere they live and work, driving innovation in wireless, entertainment and other communication services, consistently demonstrating a passionate commitment to customer care, and listening to customers and responding to their needs.
AT&T has been recognized as one of the leading worldwide provides of IP-based communication services to businesses. It also has the nation’s fastest 3G network and the largest international coverage of any U.S. wireless carrier, offering the most phones that work in the most countries. It also has the largest Wi-Fi network in the United States.
There is no one-size-fits-all communication solution to run a business. AT&T has packaged their services in flexible, competitively priced bundles to meet communication needs. It also provides safety and security solutions to protect small business assets. AT&T offers solutions in key areas such as voice, broadband Internet, messaging, wireless and advertising, as well as expertise to assist small businesses.
Union University expands its campus
to Hendersonville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fall 2008
Sumner County, TN: Union University added a new campus located at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville. The campus was finished in time for the Fall 2008 semester.
The university was founded in 1823 and is the oldest institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conventions. The main campus is located in Jackson. There is also a campus in Germantown with an enrollment of 10,000 students.
Originally the satellite campus was going to be in Brentwood, but Dr. Charles Lea, executive director of the Hendersonville campus, said “The northern Nashville area had more need.”
The first degrees offered will be on the graduate level, with a Master of Christian Studies, a two-year program and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. Students may enroll for the eight-week classes for the MCS degree.
“This really is a unique degree. It is not a Master of Divinity,” said Dr. Lea. “It’s a graduate level, intense study of basic theology and preaching and practices.” He also stressed that the courses are applicable to any Christian faith.
The Education Specialist degree is a 16-month program for teachers and administrators for the first through twelfth grade. There are two tracks in the program, one for administration and supervision and one for curriculum and supervision. The studies are based on the Judeo-Christian heritage.
A Master’s degree in nursing will be offered with two tracks, an educational administrative emphasis and an advanced practices emphasis. The educational track will be online only. Dr. Lea said that simulators will be used in nursing education because it allows the professors to see how students can handle the process of procedures. “When they are actually in clinicals, they’re more comfortable, more knowledgeable,” said Dr. Lea.
The nursing program is scheduled to be in place by the spring of 2010.
“Long term plans are, as enrollment grows, we’ll look for a dedicated building,” said Dr. Lea. Anyone interested in more information can contact Dr. Lea at 866-583-0442 or email clea@uu.edu. They may also visit the website www.uu.edu/Hendersonville.
Flight Solutions supports expansion of runway
at Sumner County Regional Airport
February 2008
Flight Solutions began in 1991 with only one Hawker Jet. The company eventually grew to include Gulfstreams, Hawkers, Lears, and King Airs, specializing in sales, charter and management.
After 18 years, Flight Solutions has become a premier aircraft sales company with $500 million worth in aircraft sales. Recently, they have added a complete line of Enstrom turbine and piston helicopters to the inventory.
Flight Solutions has sold its first privately owned “Business Aircraft” into Vietnam. Flight Solutions was selected to resource the aircraft for a Vietnamese businessman to use as a corporate aircraft in the country. After analyzing the client’s needs, Flight Solutions chose a Beechcraft King Air 350. Flight Solutions handled every acquisition process including inspections, certificates, export, and relocation process to Vietnam. The sales package also included a spares package and technical training for the flight and mechanic crews.
In February 2008, Flight Solutions president Kevin McCutcheon showed his support to lengthen the runway at Sumner County Regional Airport saying that the longer runway would help his charter business which is based at the airport.
County leaders want to lengthen the runway from 5,000 feet to 6,500 feet which would allow any business jet to fly into Sumner County airport. The airport has received approval to lengthen to runway 1,000 feet and is now asking for another 500 feet. The expansion would realign a portion of Airport Road to make room for more hanger space. Currently, the airport can hold more than 100 planes but hope to be able to store 250 to 300 planes. Gallatin Mayor Jo Ann Graves would also like to add conference space to the airport building to allow businesses to have meetings as well.
For McCutcheon, expansion has been overdue. “This would allow us to accommodate any request,” he said. He also added that the expansion would make Sumner County the most accommodating airport on the north side of Nashville and will help to attract businesses. “[Expansion] would give Sumner County one extra tool where they’re recruiting,” said Don Long, Hendersonville director of economic and community development.
Forward Sumner Hosts Inaugural Economic Development Leadership Forum
For Immediate Release: December 8, 2008
Governor Bredesen to be Guest Speaker
Sumner County, Tenn. – Forward Sumner Economic Council announces that Governor Phil Bredesen will be the guest speaker at the Economic Development Leadership Forum and Luncheon on Wednesday, December 10th at Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club.
The Leadership Forum is designed to hear from the public and private leaders who make and implement economic development policy. “Governor Bredesen and his economic development team are the first amongst equals when it comes to creating a positive and competitive business environment. “The state is our partner in the county’s economic development initiatives, and we are honored and excited to hear from the Governor”, said, Anthony Holt, Sumner County’s newly elected County Executive.
“We want this luncheon to be educational and to show appreciation to our investors and economic development partners”, said Bob Goodall, President of Goodall Home and Communities, and the Chairman of the Forward Sumner Board. “These days it is essential that the business community works together with public officials to create and promote job creation and capital investment”, continued Goodall.
About Forward Sumner Economic Council
Forward Sumner Economic Council based in Sumner County, Tennessee is a not for profit corporation governed by a public/private Board of Directors. Founded in 2002 Forward Sumner provides county wide economic development services in cooperation with the local communities.
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Union to start new campus in Hendersonville
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JACKSON, Tenn. – June 16, 2008 – Union University will launch a new campus this fall in Hendersonville, Tenn., with eventual plans to offer graduate degrees in Christian studies, nursing, education and business there.
The campus will be located at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, and Charles Lea, retired academic vice president at Volunteer State Community College and a deacon at the church, will serve as the executive director of the new campus.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand to Hendersonville our mission of delivering academically excellent, Christ-centered higher education,” Union University President David S. Dockery said. “We are most grateful to Hendersonville Mayor Scott Foster and First Baptist Church for helping to make this possible.”
Dockery expects the Hendersonville location to be similar to Union’s campus in Germantown, Tenn. Launched in 1998, the Germantown campus now has about 900 students and offers undergraduate degrees in nursing and organizational leadership, as well as graduate degrees in nursing, Christian studies, education and nursing. Like Germantown, the emphasis on the Hendersonville campus will primarily be graduate education.
Dockery said the Hendersonville campus is a direct result of Foster’s invitation to Union to establish a campus in the community.
“Hendersonville, and all of Sumner County, recognizes the value of education,” Foster said. “We have many dedicated teachers in our schools, both public and private, who desire the ability to further their own education. Hendersonville is also a very strong faith based community.
“Recognizing the success that Union has had with their Germantown campus, all of this seemed to be a perfect fit for Union to expand in Hendersonville,” he continued. “Knowing the people of our city and county, I felt that Union would be warmly welcomed and would have the opportunity for a great deal of success here.”
The campus will launch this fall by Union relocating its Master of Christian Studies program, currently meeting in Brentwood, to Hendersonville First Baptist Church. Union will begin an Education Specialist degree in Hendersonville in February, and plans to introduce other degree programs on a regular basis.
More information about the Hendersonville campus is available at www.uu.edu/hendersonville. |
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New Study Shows Impact of Commercial
Real Estate In Middle Tennessee
Sumner County's impact on the growth of Middle Tennessee is evident in the findings of the a new study from the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. See their release below and click on the links to see how Sumner County contributes to this important sector of the economy.
CLICK HERE to see the the fact sheet.
CLICK HERE to see the complete study.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2007
DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT OF AREA'S COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY = $1.5 BILLION, STUDY FINDS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. The commercial real estate industry in the 10-county Nashville region had a $1.5 billion direct impact on the area's economy in 2006, according to a recent study commissioned by the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).
This report shows that the industry accounted for $479 million in property taxes in 2006, which is roughly half (47.7 percent) of the total property taxes collected for the region. It also found that commercial real estate directly supports approximately 34,509 jobs.
"We conducted this study to better understand our industry's impact on the regional economy and its importance for our continued growth," said Tom Harwell, a principal with Eakin Partners and a NAIOP board member. "The fact that commercial properties are paying almost half of the total property taxes in these 10 counties clearly shows that our industry is having a substantial positive impact on the community."
The study reports the direct impact of commercial real estate on the economy, and does not attempt to calculate the ancillary benefits to the community.
"We know that our industry has a substantial impact beyond the direct spending on new building construction and maintaining existing inventory," Harwell said. "Some studies suggest that the multiplier effect of commercial real estate value in a community is three to four times its direct impact. For our purposes, however, we have limited our study to the direct impact that we can quantify."
Students from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management collected state and national data to measure the economic impact. The study looked at existing and new office, industrial and retail buildings in the 10-county area, which includes Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties.
It reports that in 2006, new construction of non-governmental office, retail and industrial buildings was approximately 8.181 million square feet of new inventory for the 10-county region. New construction supported 23,853 full-time jobs.
The report also states that there are approximately 277.415 million square feet of commercial real estate in the region, including 53.257 million square feet of office space; 82.712 million square feet of retail space and 141.446 million square feet of industrial space.
The report finds that 10,656 jobs in the region are directly linked to maintaining and servicing that existing inventory.
Of the total $479 million in property taxes from commercial real estate paid regionally in 2006, Davidson County's share totaled $295 million, and accounts for more than half of the total property taxes collected for the entire 10-county area.
"The commercial real estate industry helps define Nashville as a city and is a huge contributor to the tax base," said Mayor Karl Dean. "The property taxes generated by commercial properties make a significant difference for public education and other city services."
ABOUT NAIOP
The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties is the nation's leading trade association for developers, owners, investors and other professionals in industrial, office and mixed-use commercial real estate. Founded in 1967, NAIOP comprises more than 13,000 members in 52 North American chapters and provides networking opportunities, educational programs, research on trends and innovations, and strong legislative representation. The Nashville Chapter of NAIOP strives to enhance business opportunities for our members, provide a forum for continuing education, advance our profession and industry and provide civic leadership as a responsible and valuable asset of our community. For more information, visit www.naiop-nashville.org.
CONTACT:
Hollie Cummings
NAIOP, Nashville Chapter
(615) 500-8193
hollie@naiop-nashville.org
Chantel Gurney
McNeely Pigott & Fox
(615) 259-4000
cgurney@mpf.com
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