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.