Good news

Yesterday was another banner day with the announcement that U.S. Solutions Group, Inc., a teleperformance company, will be opening a call center in Bristol.

The announcement represents an investment of over 4 million dollars and the creation of 548 jobs.

The decision of U.S. Solutions underscores what we have always known - that Bristol is a great place to do business.

Thank you U.S. Solutions for your confidence in our community.

Memory lane

Today was another good day with the ribbon cutting ceremony for Memory Lane Cafe, the latest restaurant to open its doors in downtown Bristol.

Located at 616 State Street, Connie and Tom Swadley have restored the old Woolworth's lunch counter back to its glory days of yesteryear.

With glimmering chrome and historic photographs and mementos adorning the walls, the cafe is sure to be a breakfast and lunchtime hit with the shoppers, visitors, and employees that frequent our downtown.

We wish the best of luck to the Swadley's and Memory Lane Cafe - and thanks for your confidence in downtown Bristol.

Helmet throw

145,000.

145,000 fans returned to Bristol Motor Speedway Saturday to see a great race at a great track.

A tweak here and a tuck there this past summer and elements of the old Bristol emerged, much to the delight of the crowd.

22 lead changes, 13 caution flags, and 1 helmet throw - and a few choice driver words along the way.

Congratulations to Denny Hamlin in the No. 11 car for winning an exciting race - and congratulations to the folks at Speedway Motorsports Inc. too for their vision and actions in maintaining BMS as the fans favorite NASCAR track.

Bass Pro

Johnny Morris, owner of Bass Pro Shops, came to town today to throw a little dirt around - in a really good way.

Johnny Morris addresses the
crowd at the Bristol TN groundbreaking

The newest Bass Pro Shop will open in Bristol in a little more than a year - and today was the day to celebrate the occasion.

Bristol - the Birthplace of Country Music, the home of Bristol Motor Speedway, and Bass Pro Shops - now what could be better than that!

No. 88

Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a visit to Tennessee High this afternoon thanks to the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Dale Jr. at Tennessee High School

Dale Jr. and local Tennessee Army National Guard soldiers visited with a select group of high school students who have excelled in academic, athletic and leadership roles.  The entire high school student body was also assembled and participated in a Q&A session during his visit.

We wish the best of success to the No. 88 National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet this weekend at BMS - and thanks for visiting the Stone Castle.

Values

Values - it all comes down to values.

Never lose sight of what's right and what's wrong and keep your moral compass true and intact.

We'll all be better off because of it.

Race week

August race week at Bristol Motor Speedway is right around the corner.

Activity around the world's fastest half-mile is already picking up and has been for some time.

City crews are sprucing up the thoroughfares and other public spaces and everything is nicely coming together for the premier event in NASCAR - the night race at BMS.

What changes to the race will happen on the reconfigured track you ask?    Get your tickets and watch firsthand - we know you won't be disappointed.  

Someday

Some days are better than others - hoping you had a good one too.

Final

My final post - on Mumford & Sons, that is.

What a great weekend - starting with the antique car show on Friday and continuing through Sunday.

Thousands of visitors graced our city and took away something very special - both from the event and the community.

Downtown embraced them with welcoming arms and the cities did their typically fine job in handling the logistics for such a major event.

I had the opportunity to visit with several business owners - "great" and "best day ever" were included in the feedback from both sides of town.  Nice words to hear for sure.

Also had a chance to meet several visitors that made their first trip to Bristol.

Kelly (l) and Alyssa (r) pose under the
Union Jack and GOTR banner on State Street

Alyssa Lage from Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Kelly Carrico from Louisville Kentucky were included in that group who summed it up best:

Bristol is a great place to visit. The city opened its arms and hearts to fans of Mumford & Sons and to the Americana music genre. We came for the music but will come back for the warmth and soul of Bristol.  Bristol did everything right this weekend.  We made new friends and reacquainted with old ones. We can't wait to plan another visit. 

They also were kind enough to pose for an early morning photo before things picked up.  Cheerio

Lilly

Don't have tickets for Mumford tonight?

Not to worry - there's plenty of music before and after the main show.

And does free sound particularly enticing?

Come to the country music mural stage at the Downtown Center starting at 3:00 p.m. and you won't be disappointed.

Headlining the lineup is the Black Lillies at 10:35 p.m.

Another good reason to live in Bristol.

Union Jack

The Union Jack is flying in downtown Bristol so that can only mean one thing - the Mumford & Sons Gentlemen of the Road Stopover is here.

Come to the Birthplace of Country Music this weekend and mingle with 20,000 of your closest friends.

Busy

A wise old man once told me that if you have time to complain about being too busy then you're really not busy at all.

Always try to do more - you'll be surprised how much you can do.

9946

Have you hiked the trails in Steele Creek Park yet?

If not - you should.

13 miles of trails await - ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced.  Bike trails too - sorry equestrians, horses are not permitted.

Spent 2 hours, 3 minutes on Saturday enjoying the Lake Ridge Trail, Overlook Trail, and a short section of Hemlock Hollow Trail - then back to Rooster Front on the Lakeside Trail.

5.1 miles, 1,034 foot elevation gain, and 9,946 steps.

And no - I didn't count them.

Eagle

The Downtown Center was packed last night to enjoy the Eagles tribute band - 7 Bridges.

The overflow crowd required the closing of State Street - not a planned activity but one necessary to enhance safety for the thousands in attendance.

Come enjoy what others have already learned - and its always free.

Power board

The city's Power Board recently approved a new economic development loan program that will provide funds for projects that create or retain jobs; add capital investment; or increase electric, data and telecommunications load in the BTES service area.

The program will provide loans up to $50,000 based on a formula of $5,000 for each job created or retained.  Special emphasis is given to manufacturing, retail trade, and accommodation and food services.

The interest rate is 0% for the first 36 months and prime rate through the remainder of the term of the loan.  The fund will be initially capitalized at $200,000.

The initiation of this loan program advances efforts by the city and its strategic economic development partners to enhance the economic climate of the community and create jobs.

Our thanks go out to BTES for identifying another way to grow and sustain the Bristol economy.