Nashville
No road construction delays for Memorial Day travelers
Road construction won’t slow motorists down as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 24 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.
“Suspending construction-related lane closures during the busy Memorial Day weekend will lessen congestion and delays on Tennessee’s major highways. “We want to do our part to help everyone have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and keep traffic flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible,” said Commissioner John Schroer.
Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions on long term construction projects. Drivers should be aware that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
“If you’re traveling during Memorial Day weekend, be sure and buckle up and avoid driving distracted or impaired. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy this unofficial kickoff to summer and arrive at their destinations safely,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole.
AAA estimates 34.8 million people will travel more than 50 miles this Memorial Day holiday, reflecting a slight nationwide decrease from 2012. Of this number, AAA predicts nine out of ten travelers, or 89%, will travel by car. In Tennessee, AAA projects 640,150 will travel by automobile and 55,759 by air.
Updated travel and construction information can be found on the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5?1?1. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. Smartphone users can download the TDOT SmartWay mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
Tennessee rates as ‘Best Place to Retire’ in USA
Tennessee was named the best place to retire in the entire country. How did the state garner such an honor?
The Volunteer State earned this distinction from Bankrate.com based on several criteria: second lowest cost of living in the U.S.; third lowest tax burden; some of the best access to medical care; and warmer than average weather.
Tennessee beat out other southern states that made it into the top ten including Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, West Virginia and Virginia.
ECD offers the “Retire Tennessee” program, which promotes Tennessee as a great place for retirees to call home. Tennessee communities participating in the program are Cumberland, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Loudon, Maury, Putnam, Roane, Robertson, Sullivan, Warren and White.
Xtend Healthcare announces $550K expansion for Hendersonville facility
Xtend Healthcare Advanced Revenue Solutions representatives will invest $550,000 to expand its Hendersonville, Tenn. facility, creating 48 new, full-time jobs in Sumner County.
“I appreciate Xtend Healthcare recognizing Tennessee’s exceptional business climate and choosing to expand in Sumner County. “Incumbent industries continue to drive job creation throughout the state, and we are focused on doing all we can to position them for growth and success,” Hagerty said.
Xtend Healthcare offers revenue cycle management services to hospitals and doctors, which includes patient admitting, medical record consulting and coding, billing, and collections. The company, located at 500 W. Main Street in Hendersonville, provides support to clients in the healthcare industry nationwide.
“We are very gratified that our business continues to grow in Hendersonville. “Our goal is to have the best trained and qualified workforce that provides our comprehensive array of solutions, including business office, consultation, coding and accelerated recovery services to our customers,” Xtend Healthcare President Howard Kirshner said.
“It is great that the Xtend corporate headquarters continues to expand here in Hendersonville as it provides its services throughout the United States. “We are excited to see another corporate neighbor invest their time, money and efforts in Hendersonville,” Mayor Scott Foster said.
Xtend Healthcare is currently seeking qualified candidates to help expand their Hendersonville call center operations. Interested persons should contact Vickie Harris at vharris@xtendhealthcare.net.
TDOT’s “SmartWay” mobile app hits 100K downloads
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) marks the popularity of its free mobile app for its SmartWay service. More than 100,000 users have downloaded the TDOT SmartWay Mobile App since its launch in December 2012. The App is designed to help drivers navigate Tennessee highways, providing up-to-the-minute customized traffic information. The TDOT SmartWay App is free and available for download in the Apple App Store and Play Store for Android.
“Providing real time traffic information can help motorists avoid delays and in turn, reduce congestion on our roadways. “The Smartway App is easy to navigate, and can be customized to provide only the information the user wants. We’re pleased so many travelers are taking advantage of this free resource,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer.
The home screen for the TDOT SmartWay App is a map which locates your current position. The icons on the left hand side of the map allow users to customize views to show traffic speeds, incidents, cameras, road construction, road conditions, and dynamic message sign displays. The “Near Me” screen allows users to see all roadway events sorted by what is closed to their current location. The “Notifications” screen allows motorists to select counties, roads, or setup routes they typically take. A time range can also be defined to receive notifications of incidents on selected routes.
The TDOT SmartWay App was developed by NIC, the state’s chosen eGovernment portal vendor. NIC will provide user support for the application. The Help Desk can be reached 24 hours a day by calling 615-313-0300 or 1-866-8TN-EGOV.
For more information on how to use the TDOT SmartWay App, please visithttp://www.tdot.state.tn.us/tdotsmartway/mobile.htm.
TDOT asks motorists to use the TDOT SmartWay App responsibly. Drivers should “know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for their destination. Motorists should never text, tweet, or use a mobile device while operating a vehicle.
Tennessee Art League readies for May Art Crawl showings
Welcome to our new home!!
Tennessee Art League has moved! The new location is 219 5th Avenue North in downtown Nashville’s “Avenue of the Arts” (next to the Arts Company). TAL are currently open for business Monday through Saturday from 10 AM – 5 PM in the new gallery, with our ‘grand opening’ planned for July 1. Stay tuned for exciting news of our upcoming planned events, which include expanded outreach to the community and multiple opportunities for public involvement in our programs.
An opening reception for our April shows will be held Saturday, May 4, from 6 – 9 P.M. as part of the Downtown Nashville Partnership’s First Saturday Art Crawl. Refreshments will be served.
Broadway Gallery – Watkins College Senior Show Watkins College of Art, Design & Film presents the BFA senior exhibition “Up, Up and Away,” featuring work by Bachelor of Fine Arts degree candidates Jordan Bickimer, Kellie Bornhoft, Ann Catherine Carter, Kristin Fowler, Rachel Growden and Pam Jolly Haile, on Friday, May 3, from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Tennessee Art League. The show, which is free and open to the public, will also be part of the downtown First Saturday Art Crawl on May 4.
The evening will present thesis exhibition work in photography (Rachel Growden), fine art (Kellie Bornhoft, Ann Catherine Carter, Pam Jolly Haile) and graphic design (Jordan Bickimer, Kristin Fowler), introducing these artists and designers to the community through photography, sculpture, installation, mixed media, painting, and print and multimedia projects in advertising, packaging, web design, branding, digital publishing and illustration.
Adjunct Heather Dryden serves as project advisor on “Up, Up and Away,” with assistance from Dan Brawner, Chair of the Department of Graphic Design and Kristi Hargrove, Chair of Fine Art.
‘Kappa Sentai by Jordan Bickimer
For more information, visit show website UpUpandAwayShow.com or www.Watkins.edu.
Tropical Beauty by Laura Hudson
She has had two of her artworks chosen for the conference theme of the annual Tennessee Disability MegaConference. One was “Tennessee Symbols” depicting those places, objects, animals and persons traditional to Tennessee. The other was “Tree Frog” showing an independent tree frog empowered to live as he chooses in his jungle habitat.
Children’s Gallery – YMCA artEMBRACE Program artEMBRACE is a comprehensive, multi-cultural arts education program implemented in YMCA after-school programs in five counties throughout Middle TN. Currently entering into its 7th year, local professional teaching artists are hired to travel to 100+ after school programs each semester to share their talents ranging in a wide variety of visual and performing arts with hundreds of kids all over Middle Tennessee. The artEMBRACE mission: To use art education to positively affect the lives of students, improving their chances to lead constructive and successful lives by developing creativity, improving learning skills and building self-confidence.
A Soldier’s Child Birthday Foundation announces annual dinner May 8
A Soldier’s Child Birthday Foundation announces its Third Annual Dinner on May 8th. The event will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Liberty Hall in The Factory in Franklin. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.
The night includes dinner by Five Seasons Restaurant, live music and special guests Tennessee VA Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder and Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey as the keynote speaker. All proceeds from this event will benefit A Soldier’s Child Birthday Foundation.
Liberty Hall, The Factory in Franklin is located at 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN. (View Map) Dress for the evening is business casual.
Individual tickets are $50 each. Table Hosts and Event Sponsorship Opportunities are available. Tables seat eight and are $400. You will receive 8 tickets from us by mail for you and your invited guests. Please register your guests with us by simply sending us an email (info@asoldierschild.org) when all your guests are confirmed.
Event sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging $500 to $5,000. Contact Nancy Schott at (615) 653-2764 or email: nancy@asoldierschild.org.
For more info, contact: Michelle Kelley, Program Coordinator at (615) 631-9965, email: michelle@asoldierschild.org; MacKenzie Pritchett, Program Coordinator , email: Mackenzie@asoldierschild.org.
TDOT issues list of bids projects opening May 24
TDOT will open bids on a total of 97 contracts, including 182 projects in 77 counties. TDOT will initiate a number of resurfacing projects and other maintenance projects such as attenuator repair, pavement joint stabilization, and pavement crack sealing.
The May bid letting also includes several construction projects, including the reconstruction of the I-75 interchange at Exit 20 (SR 311) in Bradley County, expansion of the Intelligent Transportation System on I-24 in Rutherford County, interchange improvements on U.S. 11E at U.S. 19E in Sullivan County, and on I-40 at SR 76 in Haywood County.
A number of safety improvement projects, state industrial access projects, and intersection improvement projects across the state are also featured in the May bid letting.
Bids on all projects will be received electronically by 10:00 a.m. CDT on May 24, 2013. TDOT has 30 days to analyze each bid and award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder. Bids may be rejected due to a number of factors.
For a complete list of projects featured in the May 24, 2013 bid letting, please visit: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/construction/2013/Notices/notMay24.pdf.
Omega Plastics expanding its Clinton headquarters
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Omega Plastics officials announced today the company will expand its corporate headquarters in Clinton, Tenn., investing $8.2 million and adding 80 new positions in Anderson County.
“The importance of incumbent industries in Tennessee cannot be understated. “Expansions by companies like Omega Plastics reaffirm the business-friendly climate our state offers and demonstrate our competitiveness in today’s global marketplace. I appreciate Omega Plastics’ continued investment in Anderson County and its quality workforce,” Hagerty said.
“The support we have received from the city of Clinton, Anderson County, TVA, Clinton Utilities Board and the state of Tennessee has been amazing. “All of these entities consistently demonstrate that they want businesses in the community and do everything possible to create a business friendly environment. The quality and availability of a motivated labor force is exceptional. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has been a major factor in our decision to expand in Clinton instead of going elsewhere. They continually strive to help current businesses as well as recruit new businesses to the area,” Stephen J. Redwine, Omega Plastics chief executive officer, said.
A world leader in plastics extrusion molding solutions for prototype and low-volume production, Omega Plastics supplies a global client base in medical, consumer packaging, automotive, and security and safety productions. The Clinton expansion will add an additional 85,000 square feet, more than doubling its current facility in the Carden Farm Industrial Park.
“Omega Plastics has been an asset to our community since they arrived in 1996. “Despite the recent economic downturn, Omega Plastics has remained a strong and successful player in their industry. Once again, this announcement reflects the efforts of our economic development partners that work with our existing industries to create jobs and investment in our city,” said Clinton Mayor Scott Burton.
“Omega Plastics is tangible proof of the power of American manufacturing. Their state-of-the-art facility, their commitment to customer relationships and their continued hard work has enabled them to expand. I am proud and extremely thankful they chose to grow their business in Anderson County with the help of our local workforce. This exciting expansion is also a testament to the commitment by our economic development team to assist existing industries,” Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank added.
“TVA and Clinton Utilities Board congratulate Omega Plastics on their expansion in Clinton. “We are privileged to be partners with the state of Tennessee and the Anderson County Economic Development Association to assist existing industries that provide new investments and quality jobs,” John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development, said.
UWT Logistics to Expand Memphis facilities
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with UWT Logistics announced today plans to expand the company’s facilities on East Holmes Road in Memphis, Tenn. The expansion represents a $4.8 million investment by UWT Logistics and will create 81 new full-time jobs.
“Tennessee’s global transportation systems provide unsurpassed efficiency and proximity to customers throughout the U.S. and around the world. “Companies like UWT Logistics understand the competitive edge that our solid infrastructure and pro-business environment offer. I appreciate the continued investment UWT Logistics is making in Shelby County and its citizens,” Hagerty said.
“At UWT Logistics, we are committed to making a difference in Memphis though our core values of family, excellence and growth. We have a team in place that does the family-thing well, both internally and in our community. We continue to strive for excellence both in service to our customers and in being diligent with our resources. With those values in place, the table is set for growth. “We are focused on expanding our footprint in the city of Memphis by bringing in new customers, offering more services and adding the right people to our family. We are grateful for the state of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the Greater Memphis Chamber, the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County, and other local economic development agencies for their support in reaching our goal,” UWT Chief Financial Officer David Ozier said.
“This is another significant step forward in our efforts to provide jobs and strengthen our local economy,” Memphis Mayor AC Wharton said.
“UWT Logistics personifies what it means to be great corporate citizens. In everything they do, you can see that they have a great passion for Memphis and its people. “The jobs they are creating in some of the poorest neighborhoods of the city are making a real difference in the lives for some of the people in our community that need it most,” Senior Vice President of the Memphis Chamber Mark Herbison said.
UWT Logistics is a world leader in supply chain services, helping manufacturers and retail distributors achieve competitive advantage in the storage, control and transportation flow of product since 1990 when Calvin Ozier purchased the company. Ozier’s three sons manage UWT Logistics along with a staff who strive to achieve excellence and growth through family-oriented relationships. To learn more about UWT Logistics, please visithttp://uwtlogistics.com.
SERVPRO announces expansion for Gallatin headquarters
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with SERVPRO officials announced plans to expand the company’s corporate headquarters on Industrial Blvd. in Gallatin, Tenn. The expansion represents a $6.7 million investment by SERVPRO and will create 90 new, full-time jobs in Sumner County.
“SERVPRO has been a valued corporate citizen of Gallatin for 25 years, and the company illustrates how existing industries provide a solid foundation for all job creation in the state. “Being able to not only adapt, but grow, in today’s uncertain economic environment is a testament to SERVPRO’s operations and speaks highly of Tennessee’s attractive business climate and quality workforce,” Hagerty said.
“SERVPRO has been blessed with ongoing growth during these trying economic times. “Our growth is attributed to an excellent team of employees who are passionate about serving our Franchise Community. I am proud that a significant percent of our employees also live in Sumner County. We appreciate the support we have received over the years from the Gallatin Economic Development Agency. The recent award from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development will help us expand our operations in Sumner County,” said Sue Steen, Chief Executive Officer of Servpro Industries, Inc.
As a leading provider of fire and water damage restoration services, SERVPRO’s Gallatin campus includes the corporate team, national call center, warehouse, manufacturing facility and franchisee training center. SERVPRO’s professional services network consists of more than 1,600 individually owned and operated franchises that respond to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events.
“Gallatin is privileged to have the SERVPRO family and its corporate headquarters in our City. “SERVPRO’s expansion is indicative of the opportunities that exist in Gallatin for businesses to grow and thrive,” said Mayor Jo Ann Graves.
“It’s exciting to watch as SERVPRO announces yet another expansion to their corporate headquarters. “This constant growth reinforces Gallatin’s reputation for its business friendly reputation. SERVPRO returns our support by being a leading corporate citizen in Gallatin. We are extremely thankful they are here,” added James Fenton, Executive Director for the Gallatin Economic Development Agency.
SERVPRO is ranked No. 7 on Entrepreneur’s 2013 Franchise 500 list of America’s top franchise opportunities and No. 5 on Forbes’ Top 20 Franchises for the Buck.
