Comprehensive Growth Plan & Cumberland Region Tormmorow

Here is yet another reference to our Robertson County Growth Plan (“CGP”) OUTSIDE of Robertson County – this article from Cumberland RegionTomorrow (“CRT”).

Many, many thanks to Bridget Jones of CRT for passing this article along to me. Robertson County can look forward to being publicized in a forthcoming newsletter discussing our efforts with the CGP.

Here is a blurb from the article describing Robertson County,

Comprehensive Growth Plan: Being Discussed Throughout Middle Tennessee

These are several articles that I have posted on Facebook, but I wanted to share them here on “From the Blackpatch.”

It certainly seems that our Comprehensive Growth Plan is being discussed throughout Middle Tennessee.

Check out these two articles:

From The Nashville Ledger:

Residents are encouraged to attend Community Workshops to learn about the Comprehensive Growth and Development Plan for Robertson County and the cities of Adams, Coopertown and Cross Plains. The workshops will be led by consultants with Littlejohn Engineering Associates, Inc. The Comprehensive Growth and Development Plan will give officials a roadmap to guide future growth and development, accommodate change, and maintain the unique character of Robertson County.

RC Comprehensive Growth Plan in the Nashville Post

Friends of mine on Facebook undoubtedly saw where I had posted this a couple of weeks ago, but I wanted to share this post here on “From the Blackpatch.”

The Nashville Post covered our Comprehensive Growth Plan in a quick article. It is always great to see Robertson County being showcased for the rest of Middle Tennessee.

MPO: Robertson County is Still Waiting....

You may have seen this story recently – hopefully the MPO (the “Metropolitan Planning Organization”) will make a decision soon as to accepting Robertson County as a member.

I have spoken about the MPO before, but if you need additional information as to just what the MPO is and how this affects Robertson County – more information can be found here.

Welcome to Robertson County, Kyowa!

What an exciting day for our County!

Friday saw the announcement of Kyowa America Corporation opening a new facility in Portland, Tennessee (yes, this is in Robertson County – I will explain below).  This is a $12 million investment that will create 160 jobs….just think on that for a little while.

Here is Governor Haslam’s press release on the announcement.

Here is coverage of the announcement in the Nashville Business Journal.

Here is coverage of the announcement in The Tennesseean.

As an officer and board member of The Robertson County Chamber of Commerce as well as serving as counsel for the Robertson County Industrial Development Board – it is a pleasure to watch these entities work in facilitating these types of projects. The untold number of thankless hours that Robertson County Chamber President & Chief Economic Development Officer Margot Fosnes put into facilitating the communication between the City of Portland, Robertson County and Kyowa should be appreciated and commended. I certainly thank you, Margot!

UPDATED: Folks had asked some of the specifics regarding Kyowa - Kyowa America, an automotive supplier to Toyota, will be bringing their plastic injection molding business to the facility on Fred White Blvd. in Robertson County. They will employ 160+ at this facility at full capacity and production is expected to begin in late summer. Jobs available will include accounting, supervisory and other office related positions as well as production. Kyowa is using Sumner Employment Exchange to handle all job inquiries, www.sumnerexchange.com , 615-325-5161.

Oh – and, I had put this on Facebook when the announcement was unfolding – Many of you inquired how Portland is in Robertson County. Here is an eloquent explanation by none other than Margot Fosnes:

Just to clear up any confusion about this company locating in Portland and whether it is actually in Sumner County, this building sits on the Robertson County side of Hwy 31W in Robertson County. Portland has also recently annexed the TN-KY Industrial Park which sits entirely in Robertson County, further extending the area of the Portland city limits which lies in Robertson County. We are proud to have Portland as the 11th muncipality in our county and we have a great working relationship with their city officials in bringing economic development to our communities.

Economic Development & Regional Mass Transit

Check out this piece by City Commissioner Paul Webb of Brentwood on the importance of regional mass transit.

Robertson County and the City of Springfield continue to step in the right direction with their involvement with the Metro Planning Organization and the Regional Transit Authority.

In several discussions, I know that the various municipalities throughout Robertson County are considering/taking steps to become more proactive. It is good to see Robertson County, and entities within Robertson County, take positive steps towards such a worthwhile endeavor. With our various economic development projects being vetted, discussed and planned – this vision will be crucial.

County Health Rankings

If you are like me, you continued to hear about the county health rankings that were released this week.

But if you were like me, you may not have not known how they were compiled, or just what they meant in detail…

Robertson County’s own Scott Raynes (of NorthCrest Medical Center) has an op-ed in The Tennesseean that helps break these numbers down.

TCCA Executive Director David Connor shares some additional information, and also a link that has a county-by-county break down of the rankings themselves.

For those who are curious, Robertson County ranked 9^th.

Here’s how our neighbor counties fared:

Sumner                   - 2^nd

Wilson                   - 6^th

Montgomery         - 10^th

Davidson              - 13^th

Cheatam              - 21^st

Dickson               - 31^st

A Taste of Robertson County

I thought I would pass this press release for ‘A Taste of Country’ sponsored by the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce.

Though this is generally outside my discussions regarding all things effecting RC government, I thought I would take a second to share this with you. Reason being, well, reasons…I am a member of the RCCoC, and I support their efforts in making this most attractive community in Middle Tennessee. But, more importantly, and to the point I would like to share. Any and all events that can help unify RC are important and should be supported.

As a commissioner, I am committed to overcome the sectionalism and self-interests prevalent throughout RC. This may be a bad example, but I think this presents a perfect example to showcase just how attractive this County is to Middle Tennessee, the State and beyond.

Here is a little more about the event:

We are proud to announce that a committee has been formed and plans are well underway for “A Taste of Country”, a festival designed to showcase all the best of Robertson County. The date has been set for Saturday, June 11, on and around our historic Court House Square in Springfield, and the day’s agenda will include music, food, arts and crafts and the agricultural heritage of which Robertson County is so proud. This date was chosen to coincide with downtown Nashville’s annual CMA Fest. This week-long event attract fans from all over the U.S. and beyond, and hoteliers tell us that many of these visitors are looking for a chance to get out of the city for a spell and experience the small-town, rural atmosphere of Nashville’s surrounding areas.

Check out the entire press release if you have a moment. The County needs more folks interested in these kinds of endeavors, and it needs folks like you.

Electrolux: Tennessee, Memphis & Springfield

If you were like me over the last few weeks, Electrolux has been in the news quite a bit. (See here, here and here.)

It was interesting to see the banter around the move, and the new Memphis site. Like many in Robertson County, it spawned a few questions of what this means for the Springfield facility. It concerned me that if even with the new facility moving to Memphis that they would consolidate facilities in some form or fashion, but I have not seen one story to that effect. Further, I have heard that this will not be the case.

But, just what does it mean for Springfield and Robertson County? That, I could not answer at this point.

One thing, I do know: I agree with Margot Fosnes’s Op-Ed in The Tennesseean.

Memphis deal is a boost

The announcement of the expansion project in Memphis was greeted with smiles here in Springfield because we all knew that this investment is a vote of confidence for the Tennessee business environment, as well as an affirmation that company officials are pleased with the performance and work force at the Springfield operation.

In an environment where there is the constant threat that manufacturing jobs could easily be moved overseas, the Electrolux decision is a triumph for the competitiveness and competence of our local work force and the willingness of city, county and state officials to do what it takes to keep jobs here at home.

Springfield and Robertson County look forward to a long and productive future with Electrolux Home Products here in our community. We stand ready to work together with them to grow their operations here as business plans allow. We count our community fortunate to have Electrolux call Robertson County home.

Congratulations to Roberts & Robertson County

This week the citizens of Robertson and Sumner counties elected a new senator for the 18^th District.

From The Tennessean

March 9, 2011 -- State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) took the oath of office on Wednesday in Nashville to represent the 18th Senatorial District which includes Sumner and Robertson Counties. The oath was administered by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey as the State Senate met in a Wednesday morning floor session.

“I am very honored to have the opportunity to represent the citizens of Sumner and Robertson Counties in the State Senate,” Senator Roberts said. “I will work very hard to represent the people of this district and honor the oath that I have taken today as I fulfill the duties of serving as their voice on Capitol Hill. I look forward to working on the issues we face in Tennessee, including providing more job opportunities for our citizens and improving education.

Senator Roberts won in a landslide victory in a special election on Tuesday, March 8. The election was called after the resignation of Congressman Diane Black who was elected to Congress in November.

Roberts, a small business owner, was joined by his wife, Dianne, who stood with him as he took the oath of office. The Roberts reside in Robertson County.

I have gotten to know Senator Roberts from his time on the trail and can share that we have someone that will share the concerns of Robertson County, and will provide this county with the representation it is owed in Nashville.

Join me in congratulating Senator Roberts.

County Population Estimates

TCCA Executive Director David Connor passes along “U.S. County Population Estimates.”

Gearing up for “Relax & Ride”

Thanks to Margot Fosnes for continuing to get the word out about this program.

In her weekly column with the RCT, Margot discusses the 'Relax & Ride' program that I have discussed here, here and here.

As you may or may not recall, the R&R program begins on January 31st and runs through February 11^th. Here is a little bit more information regarding the actual busses themselves.

This free bus service is operated by Gray Line of Tennessee and is designed to gauge the interest of commuters in Springfield and Joelton. Buses for this route will make a morning trip to Nashville and an afternoon trip to Springfield. The buses for the route are equipped with restrooms and televisions and can accommodate up to 56 passengers. Cost to ride is free; however, it is on a first-come, first-served basis up to the 56 person capacity.

I am personally excited about the 'R&R' program just simply for what information we can derive from it. What do I mean by that? Well, as I discussed in the previously, for the County to be able to evaluate where it is, and where it needs to be so far as growth will be something that leaders need to consistently.
I could almost say that the 'R&R' program, and Highway 431 widening coincide. I think that Margot says it better than I could, though:

As studies continue to be published highlighting the tremendous need for the middle Tennessee region to find new and more efficient ways for our working population to get to and from work in the region without exacerbating the already congested roadways, services such as these commuter express buses will be an important component in any regional transportation plan. The popularity of programs like Relax and Ride will also highlight the need for more study of light rail and bus rapid transit systems to serve our community.

Here are the logistics:

Buses depart from downtown Springfield at 7th Ave. W. and Locust Street at 6:30 a.m., stop at the Springfield Wal-mart at 6:41 a.m., Joelton Family Dollar at 6:58 a.m. and arrive at Music City Central in downtown Nashville at 7:18 a.m.

The buses will then continue towards the Vanderbilt University campus with stops at 10th Avenue and Broadway at 7:25 a.m., 21st Avenue and West End at 7:30 a.m., 21st Avenue and Edgehill at 7:33 a.m. and arrive at 21st Avenue and Children's Way at 7:37 a.m.

The afternoon bus will depart 21st Avenue and West End at 3:48 p.m., stop at 21st Avenue and Edgehill at 3:51 p.m., 21st Avenue and Children's Way at 3:58 p.m., 10th Avenue and Broadway at 4:08 p.m., Bay 7 at Music City Central at 4:15 p.m.

From downtown, it will continue towards Joelton, stop at the Joelton Family Dollar at 4:40 p.m., Springfield Wal-mart at 4:56 p.m. and arrive at the downtown Springfield at 5:12 p.m.

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Check out the website: http://www.rtarelaxandride.com/ or 615.862.5950

On My Mind

From one source or another, I have come across several stories sharing this same message:

Check out this video.

It may just be that this has been on my mind as the RCC moves forward to January 13, 2011 in considering what direction we may be taking related to finances.

In this video, I am not so much focusing on politics or the governor for it is not a matter of casting blame on who got us where as much as it is fixing what is broken….

This story namely focuses on state government, but if you hang around until 11:30/12:00 mark of the video, there is a healthy discussion of what these issues mean for local governments since these governments, in turn, rely on the state governments for significant portions of their budget.

Robertson County does.

But, make no mistake, I do not want this story to sound as though Robertson County is is on the verge of economic collapse, and we are going to be in default in some way…..but, we must shift course from the analysis and decisions made in the past.

Though, Robertson County is deficit spending, and we have been told that there is no other option but to re-structure our debt, and/or raise our taxes…..

Montgomery County: Unemployment Figures

The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle takes a look at local employment/unemployment figures like we did a few days ago.

In taking a peek around to our neighbors, it looks like all our neighbors are backsliding so far as unemployment figures goes over the last couple of months.

Here is a breakdown of the surrounding counties that the article cites:

[Stewart County with 11.4 percent unemployment, up from 10 percent the previous month;

and 10 percent for the two neighboring Kentucky counties of Christian and Trigg — actually down 0.1 percentage point from the month before;

Houston County has 10.5 percent unemployment, up 0.4 from October;

Dickson County is at 9.9 percent, up 0.5;

Cheatham County's rate is 9.1, up 0.5;

Robertson County is at 8.5, also up 0.5.]

It would look as though that Clarksville's slide comes from a direct source or two, which has me somewhat curious regarding where our slide is coming from.

I know of no recent rounds of layoffs or cutbacks from any of our local, larger employers.

Mayor, and now: Chairman

Great to see Mayor Bradley recognized for leadership within and outside the County:

Nashville, Tenn.—Centerstone, a not-for-profit organization providing a wide range of mental health and addiction services, today announced Mayor Howard Bradley of Robertson County has been elected as the new chair of the organization's Advisory Board of Trustees.

Comprised of county mayors throughout Tennessee, the Advisory Board of Trustees advises Centerstone on local issues and concerns, offers recommendations and assists in solutions. Members collaborate on identifying new programs and initiatives relevant to their counties and work to enhance community support for behavioral health issues.

"Our Advisory Board of Trustees is critical in maintaining open and productive two-way communication between Centerstone and the communities we serve," said Bob Vero, Ed.D., CEO of Centerstone of Tennessee. "We are confident that Mayor Bradley, who has been one of our strongest advocates, will provide the insight and guidance necessary for us to better fulfill our mission and help Tennesseans with mental health and addiction disorders lead healthy, full and productive lives."

Mayor Bradley, an Advisory Board of Trustees member since 2002, will replace Mayor Bill Orange of Cheatham County, who has served as chair since 2006.

A Sense for the Census

I came across this story today regarding the census results, and this story particularly skims through the analysis of the results. The story mainly discusses what this means across the country from state-to-state.

I have not seen many stories trickling out that discuss matters at the Tennessee level, much less on our County level.

But, as these numbers become a little more concrete, the RCC will begin its own analysis and consideration.
This was not an issue that was discussed by many folks as I knocked on doors throughout District 10. As memory serves, I do not even think the issue came up at any of the forums or events, either. Yet, it is one that will affect us all at a County level.

The census comes at a very opportune time for Robertson County in that it will give us that much more perspective on the allocation of our resources as we evaluate the needs that come from the growth we are experiencing now, and that which we expect to see in the years ahead.

TCCA Executive Director David Connor shares a link that I found useful, and you may as well.

Mass Transit: HENDERSONVILLE

I came across this article from the Hendersonville Star-News. It looks like our Sumner County neighbors are considering and implementing the same/similar type of project we are considering here in Robertson County on Monday night (at the RCC Regular Meeting of December 20, 2010).

I have discussed mass transit as relates to Robertson County here, here and here.

18th District State Senate Race

A few weeks ago, I posted an update "OUR New Senator." I thought I would follow-up on this with a post this week.

I have been slow (could be this season we are in!) in posting the announcement of Kerry Roberts, of Robertson County, who will be seeking Congressman Diane Black's old senate seat, the 18^th District State Senate seat (encompassing Robertson and Sumner counties).

Since Kerry hails from Robertson County, I thought I would pass this story from the Robertson County Times along.

"I was approached by many after losing to Diane, asking if I'd run for her seat if she won the Congressional race," said Roberts. "My answer then was that I needed time to focus on my family and business before making that decision. After much thought and discussion, I'm now ready to say 'yes' to this opportunity and challenge."

With a background as a certified public accountant, business owner, and small farmer, Roberts says his strong fiscal and social conservatism are both needed commodities in today's blend of politics and economics.

See more of Kerry's thoughts here. Also, his website is here.

Without delving into the politics of this race, and/or the merits of one candidate over the next, my concerns will be who will best represent Robertson County.

I would love to see more from the candidates hailing from Sumner County.

Tennessee Economic Outlook

David Connor, Executive Director of the Tennessee County Commissioner's Association, shares an update on the outlook for our state economy.

Succinct, but informative read.

Of course, this effects our budget....

OUR New Senator

I knew that this was being discussed, but did not readily know that the decision was imminent. The Sumner County Commission has voted, and elected an interim senator for the 18^th district to fill the void left by the election of Diane Black to 6^th Congressional Seat.
Our new State Senator: Ferrelle Haille –

Gallatin pharmacist Ferrell Haile was named interim state senator of the 18th District in a unanimous vote by the Sumner County Commission on Monday.

…

A lifelong Sumner County resident, he is co-owner of Perkins Drugs in Gallatin and a cattle farmer. Haile, who lost his bid for state Senate in 2000 to Jo Ann Graves, has no plans to run for the office in the upcoming special election.

Note I say "our" because lest we forget, this is not all to do with Sumner County. The 18^th district is our seat, as well. I trust that Mr. Haille, and soon to be Senator Haille will show the same time and attention shown by Senator Black in representing her constituents of Robertson County.
The timeline is as follows: the primary election for this seat will be held on January 20, 2011 and the general election is to be held on March 20, 2011.