Action / briefs - Crossville Chamber

Action / briefs
Official Quarterly Publication of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce • January 2012 • Vol 30 • No. 1
From the Chair
Frank Shipley
Economic
Development
Brad Fox
Retail
Development
Art Gernt
Membership
Development
Dorine Hatler
TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT
Glenn McDonald
Charlie Strayer
Community
Development
Janice Hamby
RETIREE
RECRUITMENT
Don Alexander
Business
Barometer
FOR CROSSVILLE
& CUMBERLAND
COUNTY
MESSAGE from the chair
Progress is a Moving Target...
I want to talk to each of you as a Chamber member about “progress”.
George Bernard Shaw once wrote that “progress is impossible without change,
and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”
That willingness to embrace change is a good thing because it is all around
us. And it is necessary……..because it represents the first step toward a
future that will no doubt involve many steps toward the progress we seek.
Consider this: when most of us were entering the workforce ……..there
were no I-pods, no You Tube, and no text messaging on our phones.
It was a time when Bill Gates, who had dropped out of Harvard, was building
a little company called Microsoft but not many people were paying attention to
it. Another guy named Steve Jobs was making headlines selling the very first
computer for the home. Just a few years ago cell phones wouldn’t fit in your pocket because they were the size
and weight of a masonry brick… and our cars had 8-track tape players, the latest technology.
Henry Steel Commanger (A history professor at Amhurst) once wrote “change does not necessarily assure
progress, but progress implacably requires change. Education is essential to change, for education creates both
new wants and the ability to satisfy them”
Obviously, you have already seen a great many changes in your lifetime - changes in the way we communicate
with each other, changes in the way we transact our business, and general changes in the way we live our
respective lives.
The reason why our nation is so technologically advanced and why our nation continues to set the pace
globally in business and cultural development is because as a society we are the agents of progress because
we embrace change and reject the status quo.
It is true that Progress sometimes defines the person….but I think that it is also true that sometimes the
person defines what Progress will be…….and what it will mean in their particular age and time much like it
has for today’s community leaders.
The key to being successful in business and living a fulfilled life is to never stop scaling mountains – to
always be moving upward – to “progress” forward, and never be satisfied with the last single vantage point.
There is always something farther.
Will Rodgers may have said it best, “Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!”
“Change” the vantage point.
“Progress” to the next highest mountain.
“Discover” a higher vantage point, one where the view is unobstructed and the vision is life altering.
In doing so, you will be defining progress for your business, for your future, and for your community. The
Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce is undergoing change – in the facility as well as the staff
and volunteer structure. You will be hearing details as plans are finalized.
I would like to say Merry Christmas (or Season Greetings) and Best Wishes for a prosperous 2012.
34 South Main Street • Crossville, TN 38555 • 931-484-8444 • Fax 931-484-7511
PAGE 2
economic DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Brad Fox, Chair
CHAMBER HAS ACCESS TO BUXTON
Since its founding in 1994, Buxton has been a leading force in customer analytics. Buxton began as a service to help retailers make
informed location decisions by understanding their customers and precisely determining their markets. Buxton leaders soon realized that
the company’s expertise in location and market analysis could also be leveraged to benefit communities desiring retail expansion. Buxton’s
presence in the public sector was established in 2001 with a simple but powerful mission to provide communities with information and
marketing tools to expand their retail base.
Tennessee Valley Authority has contracted with Buxton to make the program available to communities served by TVA. The CrossvilleCumberland County Chamber of Commerce took advantage of the opportunity and is very excited about this marketing tool to better serve the
area.
STONEPEAK CERAMICS PLANS TO EXPAND
StonePeak Ceramics located their operation in Crossville 10 years ago. Currently, StonePeak Ceramics employs approximately 150
individuals. Company officials have worked with the City, County and Chamber of Commerce to expand their Crossville operations. StonePeak
is planning a $15 million expansion and adding an additional 50 employees.
Economic Developers Forum – SAVE THE DATE
Tennessee Valley Authority will host the 7th Annual Economic Developers Forum on February 16th & 17th in Nashville. This forum is by
invitation only. A representative from the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce will attend.
EXISTING INDUSTRY COMMITTEE
James Perry, Chair
EXECUTIVE MANAGERS GROUP
The Executive Managers Group of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of
Commerce met on Tuesday, December 6th, at the First National Bank of Tennessee. James
Perry, Chairman of the Chamber's Existing Industry communicated his appreciation for the
attendance to all present and welcomed local officials and area business representatives. The
featured speakers were Mike Corley, general counsel for the Middle Tennessee Natural Gas
Utility District, and Bobby Randolph, general manager of the Volunteer Energy Cooperative for
the Crossville service area.
According to Mr. Corley, natural gas prices have decreased and industrial usage has
increased over the last twelve months. He offered a comprehensive description of several
natural gas consumers served by the MTNG Utility, and stated that the MTNG coverage area is
the second largest in the Tennessee. Mr. Corley explained the efficiently of the use of natural
gas, and expressed the utilities desire to serve its customers. Mr. Corley stated the Crossville
Frank Shipley, Chamber Board Chair; Michael area is the largest user of natural gas in the MTNG system.
Corley, MTNG; Beth Alexander, President & CEO- Mr. Randolph explained Volunteer Energy's commitment to assisting customers achieve
Chamber of Commerce; Bobby Randolph, VEC and energy conservation, and how the long term savings will safeguard the area's future supply
James Perry, Existing Industry Committee Chair. of electricity. He outlined VEC's partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority, and discussed
the construction of a new substation that will be located in Cumberland County. Both speakers
stressed their company's commitment to the current and future energy needs of their customers.
After the presentations, Committee Chair Perry expressed his appreciation to all present, and spoke of his gratitude to the executive
managers present for their commitment to the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Crossville and Cumberland County.
LABOR STUDY
The Labor Study is completed with eleven existing firms participating in the study.
The purpose of this study is to provide a labor market profile of Cumberland County. The study is primarily statistical and developed by
analyzing information obtained in questionnaires from Cumberland County manufacturing firms. Additional information for the report was
secured from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community
Development, the U. S. Department of Labor, and the U. S. Census Bureau.
Data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development suggest that since 1990, population growth has exceeded
labor force growth. This is related to the rapid increase in the retirement age population. Annual average data for 2010 showed a labor force
estimated at 22,900. The average number unemployed was estimated to 1,140 in 1990. In 2000 some 1,390 were unemployed, and by 2010
an estimated 2,450 were unemployed. Especially significant have been the rapid rise in the labor force (albeit less than the population growth
rate) and the related, large increase in female participation rates. These factors continue to contribute to excess labor supply in the area.
RETAIL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Page 3
Art Gernt, Chair
SHOP CROSSVILLE FIRST 2011 WAS A SUCCESS
The “Shop Crossville First” campaign
has had another successful year even
with the challenge of this economic
downturn. A special Thank You goes to
the corporate sponsors who made the
program possible this year: Cumberland
County Bank, Crossville Housing Authority,
First National Bank of Tennessee, Highland
Federal Savings & Loan, Progressive
Savings Bank, The Bank of Crossville,
Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union,
Volunteer Energy Cooperative, Walgreens
and Wal-Mart Supercenter.
“Shop Crossville First”, a project of the
Chamber’s Retail Development Division, is
in its 15th year and seeks to encourage
shoppers to buy locally. We are hopeful
that this program helped our local
businesses during the current economic
downturn. As shoppers save time and
money by shopping Crossville first, they
assist in making a brighter future for the
community year round.
“Keeping tax dollars in Crossville, Fairfield
Glade and Cumberland County also
supports local businesses that employ
our friends and neighbors,” explained Art
Gernt who chairs the Chamber’s Retail
Development Division.
Funds from the program were used to
award a total of 20 individuals each a $100
gift certificate to a “Shop Crossville First”
participating merchant. We would like to
thank our media sponsors who helped
make this year’s program a success: The
Crossville Chronicle, Flynn Sign Company, PEG Broadcasting & Roland Advertising, Inc. Your generosity is appreciated!
The winners and businesses where they registered were: Erica Martin, First National Bank of Tennessee – certificate to Gigi’s
Boutique; Jamie Smith, Hill’s; Margaret Potter, Century 21 Realty Group – certificate to The Screen Door; Eleanore Dotson, 3 Stones
Crafts & Consignments; James Nixon, Cumberland Auto Parts; Anita Jones, Crossville Depot Gift Shop; Tora Whitson, Shoe Sensation;
Carolyn Brock, Best One Tire & Service – Certificate to Food City of Crossville; Helen Davis, Mikki’s Frame Shop; Laura Stephens, Farm
Bureau Insurance of Cumberland County – Certificate to Make It Personal! Embroidery & Gift Shop; Joe Profitt, Shoney’s; Linda Willman,
Dave Kirk Automotive; Angela Barringer, Wal-Mart Supercenter; Carla Zimmerman, Little Blessings Quilt Shop and Andy Phipps, The
Place LLC.
Page 4
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Dorine Hatler, Chair
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
ANDERSON PRINTING SOLUTIONS
Mike Rodgers
599 Vickers Place, Suite F
Cookeville, TN 38501
931-528-1561
www.andersonps.com
APS is an established, respected, full-service, commercial
printer and service bureau. Established in 1976.
CHOICE REALTY OF TENNESSEE, LLC
CUMBERLAND EYE CARE
Dan Richardson
57 Fairfield Blvd.
Fairfield Glade, TN 38558
931-484-3344
Dr. Galloway is one of the leading ophthalmologists on the
Cumberland Plateau in refractive cataract surgery.
ENVIRONMENTAL & CIVIL
ENGINEERING SERVICES
Celeste Chism
126 Stonehenge Drive
(New Branch Location)
Fairfield Glade, TN 38558
931-456-4484
www.choicerealtyoftennessee.com
The first “$500 Flat Fee” MLS real estate firm in our area
giving consumers the opportunity to save money when buying
or selling a home.
Pamela Harris
702 Old Jamestown Highway
Crossville, TN 38555
931-484-9321
A full-service multi-disciplined engineering firm for both the
public and private sectors. ECE Services is your total project
solution providing civil, environmental and geotechnical
engineering services!
CROSSVILLE CIGARS & PIPES
PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA
Jerry Byrne
3980 Peavine Road
Crossville, TN 38571
931-456-5950
Offers Cigars, Pipes & Fine Tobacco.
CROSSVILLE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
R.J. Crawford, D.C.
2625 North Main Street, Suite 202
Crossville, TN 38555
931-456-8880
www.crossvillefamilychiropractic.com
Chiropractic, wellness, active rehab & nutritional counseling.
CROSSVILLE MEMORIAL FUNERAL
HOME & CREMATORY INC.
Jaime Grimsley
2653 North Main Street
Crossville, TN 38555
931-456-0047
www.crossvillememorial.com
Burial Insurance, Pre Need Funeral Planning, Bronze Markers
& Monuments, On-site Cremations and Pet Services.
Beth Gaynor
20 The Crossings
Crossville, TN 38555
931-707-1234
www.papajohns.com
Papa John's is committed to quality. Enjoy their superior
menu consisting of pizza, cheese sticks, breadsticks, chicken
strips & roasted wings. They offer carryout or delivery.
WITT FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC
Jordan Witt
93 Hwy 70 East, Suite 201
Crossville, TN 38555
931-484-4911
Tax management, investment management, retirement
strategies, estate conservation, insurance and annuity
products & third party money management services.
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Page 5
Dorine Hatler, Chair
RIBBON CUTTINGS &
GRAND OPENINGS
Choice Realty of Tennessee, LLC
Celeste Chism
126 Stonehenge Drive (New Branch Location)
Fairfield Glade, TN 38558
(931) 456-4484
Crossville Heating & Cooling
Tessi Gilmer
1853 Peavine Road, Suite 101
Crossville, TN 38571
(931) 484-0004
Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity
Melinda Weigle
329 McLarty Lane
Crossville, TN 38557
(931) 484-4565
HOLIDAY BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
To welcome in the holiday season the Chamber’s
Membership Development Division organized a Business After
Hours gathering on December 1, 2011, at the Fairfield Glade
Conference Center. This year’s holiday event was sponsored
by Action Heating & Cooling; Art E. Gernt Insurance Agency,
Inc.; First Realty Company; Flowers Bakery of Crossville, Inc.;
Fairfield Glade Community Club; Progressive Savings Bank;
Regions Bank; The Screen Door and Judge Larry M. Warner; and
assistance provided by Budweiser of Cookeville and Chestnut
Hill Winery. “December’s Holiday Business After Hours” was
very successful and enjoyed by approximately 155 Chamber
member representatives.
The next Business After Hours will be in March 2012 (date
to be announced later). If you haven’t made it a habit of
attending, you are missing out on one of the best uses of your
membership investment. Please take time to plan to attend
and take advantage of the great opportunity of networking
and display your business cards or business/organization
brochures on our display table. Learn how and what made
other businesses successful and meet with business leaders or
potential customers.
If you would like to be a sponsor for the March Business
After Hours or if you are interested in donating a door prize
please contact the Chamber at 931-484-8444.
Dorine Hatler, Chair of the Membership Development Division with
one of many door prize winners – Richard P. Bringenberg, CPA
Page 6
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Glenn McDonald & Charlie Strayer, Co-Chairs
2012 TRAVEL DIREcTORY
The
CrossvilleCumberland Chamber of
Commerce partnered with
Let’s Golf Travel Network to
participate in 10 golf shows.
A travel directory is given
out to attendees at each
show. A new advertisement
for Crossville-Cumberland
County has been designed
for the directory.
WALTON ROAD SCENIC
BYWAY PROJECT
The Walton Road Scenic Byway project is a part of a regional,
ongoing effort to promote, preserve and protect the cultural and
natural resources of the Upper Cumberland and Cumberland
Plateau region, and to develop the area as an eco and heritage
tourism destination. The counties included in the project are
Cumberland, Putnam, Roane, and Smith. The City of Crossville,
Cumberland County and the Crossville-Cumberland Chamber
of Commerce have each committed $2,500.00 to the project
as required by each county.
2012 TACVB CONFERENCE
Chamber representatives will be present at the 6th Annual
Tennessee Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus
Blizzard VI- Charting the Course on February 2nd and 3rd
in Murfreesboro. This annual conference is for Tourism
Professionals. Several known speakers will present valued
information for the industry.
CHAMBER RECEIVES
MATCHING GRANT FOR
TOURISM EFFORTS
The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce approval
of funds from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
for the 2011-2012 Partnership Marketing Program. This grant
will assist in promoting tourism in Crossville and Cumberland
County. The program provides tourism organizations the
opportunity to expand the impact of their marketing message,
increase visitation to their community and increase travel
generated revenues. The impact on the Crossville and
Cumberland County area was $94.37 million in 2010.
2011 CAREER FAIR = SUCCESS!
The 2011 Career Exploration Fair was held on November
4th 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM at the Tennessee Technology Center in
Crossville. Glenn McDonald, Co-Chair of Tourism Development
Division for the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of
Commerce assisted with the booth which displayed information
about hospitality and tourism.
CROSSVILLE KOA NAMED
Woodall’s Publications, publisher of the comprehensive
Woodall’s Campground Directory, has released its list of
North America’s top 100 favorite campgrounds based on the
nationwide voting. Crossville KOA has been named in the Top
100 RV Parks. Congratulations!
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
PAGE 7
Janice Hamby, Chair
LEADERSHIP CUMBERLAND 2011 AND STONEPEAK
CONTRIBUTE TO HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Front, Left to Right: Ashley Kesterson, Leadership
Cumberland 2011; Lori Hedgecoth & Kathy
Wilson, HAFH; Priscilla Cox, StonePeak Ceramics
and Jane Powers, Leadership Cumberland.
Back, Left to Right: Glenn McDonald and
Matt Dukes, Leadership Cumberland 2011 and
Don Alexander, Crossville Housing Authority.
Christmas 2011 was a bit brighter for children who attend the Home
Away From Home (HAFH) Head Start and daycare programs due to donations
from the Leadership Cumberland Class of 2011 and StonePeak Ceramics.
The HAFH program will provide Christmas Assistance to some 83 preschool children
who qualify from low and very low income families. The program got a big boost from a
$2200 donation through the combined efforts of the Leadership Cumberland 2011 and local
manufacturer StonePeak.
Leadership Cumberland is a community development program of the Crossville/
Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce that gives up and coming community leaders
a chance to meet and interact with current community leaders and learn more about what
makes the local area special.
StonePeak Ceramics has been a part of Crossville for 10 years and manufactures quality
ceramic tile.
“Each year’s class selects a worthy project, but I believe the class of 2011 has raised
the bar considerably in generating this substantial amount of money to put toward such
an immediate need in our community,” said Crossville attorney Margaret Jane Powers, a
Leadership Cumberland facilitator. She added, “The class of 2011 is leaving a legacy of
leadership in Cumberland County for all who come behind them.”
RETIREE RECRUITMENT TASK FORCE
Don Alexander, Chair
IDEAL LIVING RETIREMENT AND
RESORT EXPO IN NEW JERSEY
Winter months are ideal to recruit
individuals to Tennessee! The Retire
Tennessee program participates in several
Ideal Living Retirement and Resort shows
across the United States. On January 21st
and 22nd, Whippany, NJ will welcome thousands of attendees as well as
exhibitors to promote areas represented. As a Retire Tennessee community, one
requirement for the program is show participation. So, representatives from
the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce will head north to
do just that; promote Crossville and Cumberland County as a place with a mild
climate, low taxes and excellent quality of life to affluent individuals. In addition,
to promoting Crossville and Cumberland County face-to-face with individuals;
the Chamber will be able to contact individuals to provide more information.
2012 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE
During the AARC Conference, a silent auction was held to
benefit the American Association of Retirement Communities. The
Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce placed a bid
on an advertisement in the 2012 Best Place to Retire and received
the advertisement, which was valued at $2,500.00. The guide is
distributed through RPI Media requestors, Amazon.com and bookstores.
Ohio Magazine to feature Crossville
The Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce
has provided information on retiring in Tennessee and more
specifically Crossville and Cumberland County to Ohio Magazine.
In the February 2012 issue, an article regarding retiring in
Tennessee along with various communities will be featured.
The article states, In Crossville, many locals joke that you never
really retire because everyone has a passion. The extensive volunteer
opportunities in the other ensure that all passions can be pursued.
AARC Conference held in Biloxi
Chartered as a non-profit in 1994, the American Association of Retirement
Communities mission is to help rural destinations use retiree attraction as an economic
development tool. The American Association of Retirement Communities’ (AARC) 2011
annual conference was held November 9-11 in Biloxi, MS. The 2011 conference theme
was Back from the Brink: Building Bridges to New Horizons. Ashley Kesterson of the
Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce attended the conference. Tommy
Lee,Director of Operations at Fairfield Glade Community Club also attended the conference.
Attendees at the conference were welcomed by Gerald Blessey, former Biloxi
Mayor and Diana O'Toole, Hometown MS Retirement Director. Along with general
sessions, tracks were available for Developers and Communities/Cities/Counties.
Dave Robertson, President, RPI Media, presented “What 50+ Buyers Want”. He
said that 10,000 baby boomers are turning 60 daily. Retirees are the largest growing
segment of home buyers and their looking for better weather and a lower cost of living.
For more information about the conference or AARC go to www.the-aarc.org.
Left to Right – Tennessee attendees: Ramay Winchester,
Retire Tennessee program director; Jeff Fleming, Lea
Ann Rasar and Miles Burdine of Kingsport; Beth Pippin
and Rachel Baker of Hardin County; Ashley Kesterson of
Cumberland County and Laura Canada of Putnam County.
CROSSVILLE-CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PAGE 9
Chamber of Commerce
A Reflection of 2011
Board of
Directors
AND OFFICERS:
Amanda Elmore
Brad Fox
Art Gernt
Janice Hamby
Dorine Hatler
Larry Henson
Roy Howard
Tommy Lee
Glenn McDonald
Raj Patel
James Perry
Frank H. Shipley
Charlie Strayer
R.T. Steely
David Sutton
AD Hoc:
Don Alexander
Pepe Perron
Chamber Staff:
Beth Alexander
Ashley Kesterson
Lindsey Brown
Linda Daugherty
EX-OFFICIO:
Jane Powers
Staff Volunteer
BUSINESS BAROMETER CROSSVILLE & CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Population
Census
2000
Cumberland County 46,801
City of Crossville 8,964
Crab Orchard
838
Pleasant Hill
544
Fairfield Glade
4,885
Lake Tansi 2,621
Other Indicators
Electric Meters
Employment
Unemployment
Unemployment Rate
2010
56,053
10,795
752
563
6,989
3,803
Local Option Sales Tax
County/City Name
Cumberland County
Crossville
Pleasant Hill
Crab Orchard
2009 Annual
Net Collections
$2,634,088.21
$ 12,869,796.58
$ 56,973.67
$ 128,407.78
2009
2010 2011 AUG
2011 SEP
32,012
32,215
32,361
32,349
18,61020,45421,090
21,060
2,7102,5102,470
2,460
12.7%
11.0%
10.5%
10.5%
2010 annual
Net Collections $ 2,751,126.60
$ 13,231,831.80
$ 56,117.93
$ 166,461.71
2011 SEP Net Collections
$ 275,753.94
$ 1,148,358.76
$ 7,928.79
$ 11,462.81
Building Permits 2008
City of Crossville - New Homes
63
Lake Tansi - New Homes
54
Fairfield Glade - New Homes
88
2009
38
42
63
2011 OCT
Net Collections
$ 264,253.35
$ 1,089,941.28
$ 5,540.09
$ 21,625.10
2010 2011 YTD
47 156 (NOV)
34 7 (NOV)
64 48 (NOV)
One half of sales tax collected inside the city limits of Crossville, Crab Orchard, and Pleasant Hill is designated by State of Tennessee law to be allocated
to the local school systems(s). In Cumberland County, with only one school system, it gets all of the allocation. Outside of the three cities, Cumberland
County has designated about 90% of the sales tax to the school district and one half (the sales tax increase of 1999) to debt retirement on new school
classroom construction. The remaining portion of the county share of asles tax is about 10%. It goes to the county general fund.