The friendly skies

Another great friend to the region bade farewell this week - Patrick Wilson, Executive Director of the Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

Patrick is assuming new duties at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport in April.

He served the airport with distinction during his many years of service and will be missed.

Assessor

A great friend of the city retired this week - Bobby Icenhour, Sullivan County Assessor.

Bob was an institution in Blountville and his contributions to Bristol and Sullivan County will long be remembered.

Congratulations on a great public service career.

Worth reminding

The concept of public good inherently implies some private loss.

Good work

Networks Sullivan Partnership and the city's economic development staff were recently successful in acquiring a grant from the State of Tennessee that will be used to assist a company move from outside the state to Bristol in the coming months.

Importantly, the grant facilitated a decision by the company that will place into productive use a long vacant manufacturing facility, create 30 jobs, and  result in an investment in new machinery and equipment of nearly  four million dollars.

Thanks to the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, Richard Venable of Networks, and Mike Sparks and Kristi Haulsee for their collective good work.

Share

Last week the city received plans for the new 104,000 square foot Bass Pro Shops that will be opened next year at the Pinnacle at Exit 74.

Over 200 plan sheets were submitted - this is a big deal.

A building permit will be issued in no time - with construction to commence following site preparation that is underway.

And why did I share this?  Because I thought you'd like to know.

City Management 101

It's better to have it and not need it - then need it and not have it.

Candy eggs

Are your between the ages of 2 and 10 (or you know someone who is) and looking for a little fun this Saturday?

If so, head over to Steele Creek Park for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Bring a basket or bag and collect as many of the 10,000 candy or prize-filled eggs as you can. A number of great gifts will be won including bicycles, scooters, movie passes, gift certificates and many, many more.

Sign-up begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Rotary Shelter with the hunt to commence at 2:00 p.m.

And be sure to say hello to the Easter Bunny while you're there.

ED Update

The latest edition of the Strategic Economic Development Plan newsletter went live yesterday.

Didn't see it?  Just click here to view:  http://bit.ly/Xs3aZP.

But do it quick - it will only be available for 29 days and counting.

If you'd like to be added to the mailing list - just drop us a line at strategicplanning@bristoltn.org

Wise

Don't tilt at windmills - expend your energy wisely.

Phoenix

A trip down the parkway brought to my attention a project that started today to raze a dilapidated structure that had seen better days.

It took a little effort of the code enforcement staff and Better Property Board to get there- but the proof is in the pudding.  The building won't be standing much longer.

Hopefully a phoenix will arise from the ashes and the site will become home for a new business - yeah that's the ticket.

Never can have too many of those.

Rain

A rainy Monday afternoon following a beautiful race weekend - not a bad trade off at all.

Support

The end of a long work week is near - but not for city employees.

Our staff will be out in large numbers to support the thousands of fans that have come to Bristol to enjoy the races.

Be it public safety, public works, or administrative employees - all have a role in making a visit to Bristol and BMS so special.

So thank them when you see them - as well as the hundreds of volunteers - who combined desire for nothing less than an outstanding experience for you - our visitors, friends, and fans.

We enjoy doing this twice a year - and thank you for choosing Bristol.  It is an honor and privilege to serve you.

Lucky 10

Oh, by the way - are you in need of a new car?

How about a 2013 Mustang?

Ten lucky fans attending the Food City 500 will win a new Mustang thanks to Bruton’s Big Bristol Giveaway sweepstakes at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday.

And your odds of winning?  Pretty sweet.  50 prize finalists will have a chance to receive one of the ten Mustangs - a 1 in 5 chance to win.

Compare that to these other odds:  finding a pearl in an oyster: 1 in 12,000; being struck by lightning: 1 in 700,000; getting attacked by a shark: 1 in 11,500,000; and winning the Mega Millions lottery jackpot:  1 in 135,145,920.

Sunday March 17th - may the luck of the Irish be with you - at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Race

It's race week in Bristol.  One of the very special times to be here.

Bristol Motor Speedway will be at its best - as it always is.

So don't miss the finest that NASCAR has to offer.

After all - there is only one BMS.

Advanced Placement

A key action for the Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS) in the Strategic Economic Development Plan under the objective to Excel in Post-Secondary College Preparation and Career Readiness was to modify graduation requirements to include a minimum of one Dual Enrollment or Advanced Placement course and require all students choosing an AP course to take the course exam.

To that end, BTCS modified its policy this year to require that students taking AP classes are now required to take the exam for AP credit.

Last night the City Council approved an agreement with BTCS and the Industrial Development Board regarding the payment of AP course examination fees whereby each party will fund 1/3 of the cost over a period of five years to assess the efficacy of the initiative.

The policy change of the BTCS, enhanced by the commitment of the parties to cover the fee, is expected to result in a significant increase in the number of students taking AP exams.  And once the student has confirmation that she/he is capable of handling college-level work by passing the exam, the likelihood of continuing their education past high school increases and an advancement of our goals to make Bristol a center for educational excellence and to strengthen, expand and attract businesses through workforce development and training will be enhanced.

NE State

Bristol received great news yesterday - that Northeast State Community College will be bringing higher education classes to the downtown.

A new teaching site will be housed on the third floor of City Central located at 620 State Street.   The college will lease 16,000 square feet for classrooms and offices with initial enrollment expected at 100-200 students.

Northeast State will offer two-year associate degrees, certificates, Workforce Development training, and GED/Adult Education at the site; and is actively seeking partnerships with other area higher education institutions to broaden class offerings at the site.

Interestingly, college officials are planning to offer an entertainment technology program that will mesh with Bristol’s “Birthplace of Country Music” brand.  The program will focus on equipping students with sound, lighting, and rigging skills, which could be used in performances, hotels, churches, theaters, and other related venues.

Thanks to Dr. Janice Gilliam, building owner and alumnus Allen Hurley, and the Tennessee Board of Regents for working together in making this important project a reality.

Team

The Community Development staff spent the morning doing a little team building.

Top L-R:  Al Bradley, Mindy Bowman , Karl Cooler, Randy Rice, Steve Blankenship, Donnie Branson
Bottom L-R:  Brian Hilderbrand, Jan Detrick, Travis Blevins, Shari Brown, Heather Moore, Sharon Wilfred

Remember, you don't have to be sick to get better.