business images rutherford county, tn 2012

Bicentennial BoomMurfreesboro turns 200 as a

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Corporate AttractionRegion draws headquarters

A Century of ExcellenceMTSU remains an education, economic powerhouse

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ruthErford County, tEnnEssEE2012 Edition, volumE 26

ContEnt dirECtor Bill McMeekin Editorial projECt managEr eMily McMackinproofrEading managEr Raven PettyContEnt Coordinator Jessica WalkeRStaff WritEr kevin litWinCopy Editor Jill WyattContributing WritErS John fulleR, M.v. gReene, Joe MoRRis, Jessica WalkeR, Betsy WilliaMsSEnior graphiC dESignErS lauRa gallagheR, Janine MaRyland, kRis sexton, vikki WilliaMsgraphiC dESignErS Rachael geRRingeR, tayloR nunleySEnior photographErS Jeff adkins, BRian MccoRdStaff photographErS todd Bennett, antony BoshieRColor imaging tEChniCian alison hunteRintEgratEd mEdia managEr BRandy Maddox

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Chairman gReg thuRManprESidEnt/publiShEr BoB schWaRtzManExECutivE viCE prESidEnt Ray langenSEnior v.p./SalES todd PotteRSEnior v.p./opErationS casey hesteRSEnior v.p./CliEnt dEvElopmEnt Jeff heefneRSEnior v.p./buSinESS dEvElopmEnt scott teMPletonSEnior v.p./agribuSinESS publiShing kiM holMBeRgv.p./buSinESS dEvElopmEnt chaRles fitzgiBBonv.p./ExtErnal CommuniCationS teRee caRutheRsv.p./viSual ContEnt MaRk foResteRv.p./ContEnt opErationS natasha loRensv.p./travEl publiShing susan chaPPellv.p./SalES heRB haRPeR, JaRek sWekoskyControllEr chRis dudleySEnior aCCountant lisa oWensaCCountS payablE Coordinator MaRia McfaRlandaCCountS rECEivablE Coordinator diana guzManSalES Support Coordinator alex MaRksSalES Support projECt managEr saRa quintSyStEm adminiStrator daniel cantRelldatabaSE managEr/it Support chandRa BRadshaWWEb CrEativE dirECtor allison davisWEb ContEnt managEr John hoodWEb projECt managEr noy fongnalyWEb dESignEr ii RichaRd stevensWEb dEvElopmEnt lEad yaMel hallWEb dEvElopEr i nels noseWoRthyphotography dirECtor JeffRey s. ottoCrEativE SErviCES dirECtor chRistina caRdenCrEativE tEChnology analySt Becca aRyaudiEnCE dEvElopmEnt dirECtor deanna nelsonmarkEting CrEativE dirECtor keith haRRisdiStribution dirECtor gaRy sMithExECutivE SECrEtary kRisty duncanhuman rESourCES managEr Peggy BlakerECEptioniSt linda BishoP

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WorkstyleA Century of Excellence 14Mtsu remains an education, economic powerhouse

Bicentennial Boom 20Murfreesboro turns 200 as a center of commerce and culture

Corporate Attraction 24headquarters set up shop

lots of Big ideas 28Rutherford county entrepreneurs thrive on creativity, customer focus

insightoverview 7

Almanac 8

Business Climate 12

innovation/technology 32

transportation 36

health 38

Education 42

livability 44

Economic profile 48

through the lens 49

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Bicentennial BoomMurfreesboro turns 200 as a

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Corporate AttractionRegion draws headquarters

A Century of ExcellenceMTSU remains an education, economic powerhouse

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Overview

rutherford County sets the pace for growth, investment

Rutherford county continues to set the pace for growth in tennessee.

the county’s 2010 population stood at more than 262,000 and it ranked no. 2 among tennessee counties for its rate of growth.

With its vibrant and diverse economy, quality schools, cultural and recreational options, and affordable housing choices, it’s easy to see why Rutherford county is thriving.

in a ranking by the tennessee center for Policy Research, Rutherford county placed three cities in the top 20 for business friendliness: no. 6 la vergne, no. 17 smyrna and no. 20 Murfreesboro.

in Murfreesboro, the population has eclipsed 108,000, placing it at no. 12 on the fastest-growing u.s. cities list compiled by Msn.com. Money magazine ranked Murfreesboro 20th in the most affordable homes category on its 2010 Best Places to live list for the nation’s small cities.

Rutherford county remains a clear destination of choice for investment, expansion and corporate headquarters location. household names with deep roots in the county include nissan, ingram, verizon and state farm.

amazon.com selected Rutherford county as one of two sites in tennessee where it will build a fulfillment center that will create more than 1,000 jobs. in addition, nissan is investing $1.4 billion to manufacture its electric leaf vehicle in smyrna and has added production of the infinity Jx - the first luxury vehicle built in tennessee - and the nissan Pathfinder crossover vehicle.

Rutherford county is the geographic and population center of tennessee. three-quarters of the nation’s population is within a day’s drive. interstate 24 cuts through the county, and access to i-65 and i-40 are just

231

31

31A

41

41A

840

96

24

40

40

65

24

La Vergne

Smyrna

Eagleville

Murfreesboro840

Nashville

RUTHERFORD

Shelbyville

RutherfordCounty

minutes away. Bolstering the county as a logistics hub are a collection of major industrial parks and hundreds of thousands of square feet of warehouse/distribution space.

an engine of the county’s economic vitality is the 26,400-student Middle tennessee state university, the largest undergraduate campus in the state. Mtsu celebrated its centennial in the 2011-12 academic year.

the county, already a center of innovation in health care, welcomed

the new $267 million campus of Middle tennessee Medical center in fall 2010 in Murfreesboro’s burgeoning gateway complex.

But the county is not all business. Murfreesboro’s stones River Mall, the avenue® Murfreesboro and historic downtown and smyrna’s colonial town center form a regional retail draw, and it is home to dozens of cultural and historic attractions, entertainment, dining and nightlife options.

B u s i n E s s C l i m A t E . C o m / r u t h E r f o r d - C o u n t y 9 8 r u t h E r f o r d C o u n t y

Almanac

EduCAtion is fun-dAmEntAlat discovery center at Murfree spring, “fun” and “education” are combined to provide kids with hands-on learning opportunities.

discovery center was chartered in 1986 as children’s Museum corporation of Rutherford county to provide the community with a learning environment that exposes children to nature’s scientific wonders.

the Murfreesboro center celebrated its 25th year of operation in 2011. from 11,000 visitors in its first year, the center has grown to attract more than 120,000 patrons annually. in addition to a wealth of exhibits, the center holds numerous events and shows each year that showcase applied sciences and animal demonstrations. go to discoverycenteronline.org for more information.

fEstivAl of fEstivitiEsRutherford county stages numerous local festivals throughout the year.

Murfreesboro hosts two annual music-oriented festivals – the Main street Jazzfest and the uncle dave Macon days festival. the Main street Jazzfest, a nationally recognized jazz show, celebrated its 15th anniversary in May 2011. the uncle dave Macon days festival is an old-time music and dance event that will mark its 35th anniversary in July 2012.

la vergne hosts the annual old timers’ festival, a three-day event in september that features live music, carnival rides, crafts and more. smyrna’s depot days, held in the fall, offers music, food and fun. eagleville celebrates its annual eagleville Main street festival with crafts, music, food and motorcycle and car shows.

go to www.readysetrutherford.com for more Rutherford county events.

thriving in rEtirEmEnta Rutherford county community is gaining national recognition as a place to retire.

smyrna, a community of nearly 40,000 residents about 25 miles from downtown nashville, was named by Forbes magazine one of the nation’s top 25 suburbs for retirement.

Forbes noted smyrna offers such important economic attributes as home prices lower than the national average (in the mid-$100,000 range) and a cost of living 11 percent below the u.s. average.

http://www.ReadySetRutherford.com


rEmEmBEring thE fAllEnthe civil War produced some of the greatest battlefield losses of any american conflict, and the Battle of stones River was one of that war’s bloodiest battles.

to commemorate the 150th anniversary of that important battle, the stones River national Battlefield in Murfreesboro, overseen by the national Park service and listed on the national Register of historic Places, will host several events in 2012, including walking tours of the battlefield and living history presentations. the legacy of stones River symposium will detail the political and strategic importance of the battle.

the park, which includes a cemetery with more than 6,000 headstones, has a striking new entrance that allows access from well-traveled thompson lane. the entrance now has a larger, more prominent stone gate that opens to the battlefield site and park. for more, go to www.nps.gov/stri/.

AngEls on A Wingeach May, the smyrna/Rutherford county airport is the place to witness the great tennessee air show, an aerial extravaganza with roots dating back to the 1970s.

the 2012 great tennessee air show is set for May 12 and 13, and will feature world-renowned aerial legends the u.s. navy Blue angels. Performers include dan Buchanan, Matt chapman, Rob holland and corkey fornof.

the event also includes ground displays of more than 40 aircraft and a kids zone entertainment area. go to www.greattennesseeairshow.com for more information.

Art is EssEntiAlRutherford county supports the arts through organizations such as arts in Rutherford, which promotes visual and performing arts and the importance and relevance of the arts to economic and community growth through networking and education.

the council, formed in 2009, promotes the community’s arts and cultural assets including galleries, museums, local arts and performance organizations, artists, arts education opportunities, and arts-related events and businesses.

the council website provides information about art classes and art-themed summer camps and writing groups, and it promotes several arts-related events including the Main street Jazzfest, the international folk fest and the express yourself arts conference. for additional information on the council, go to www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/air/.

http://www.nps.gov/stri/

http://www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/air/

http://www.greattennesseeairshow.com


www.wilsonbank.com


Almanac

hEAvEnly sounds of thE symphonyin 2012, the Murfreesboro symphony orchestra celebrates its 30th season serving the community with classical, contemporary and pop performances.

an ensemble of high-caliber professional musicians, the symphony is one of the cultural cornerstones of the community. home base for performances is first united Methodist church, which offers ample seating, grand balconies and a signature pipe organ.

Beyond its regular performances, the symphony promotes music education by playing in local schools as part of its Mso youth outreach Program. go to www.murfreesborosymphony.com for more.

plEnty of roomsas tennessee continues to grow as a hub of business and tourism, Rutherford county puts out the welcome mat for visitors, with 48 hotels that offer a total of nearly 4,000 rooms.

a centerpiece of the county’s draw as a convention and event destination is the embassy suites Murfreesboro hotel and conference center, strategically located near interstate 24 and the bustling Medical center Parkway corridor and adjacent to the avenue® Murfreesboro® retail and restaurant development.

the 10-story, 283-suite center, which opened in 2008, features 45,000 total square feet of meeting space and a massive 28,000-square-foot main ballroom.

http://www.murfreesborosymphony.com


Business Climate

At the top of their gameDynamic, diverse economy fuels Rutherford County’s growth

story by Betsy Williams • Photography by Brian McCord

W hile other communities and states are losing population and manufacturing jobs, Rutherford County, which has grown in

population by more than 44 percent in the last decade, has become a destination of choice across a gamut of industries, resulting in a jobless rate more than two points below the national average.

While Rutherford County’s strategic location –a day’s drive from 75 percent of the country – has played a role, it’s the constant of visionary leadership that has kept this community of more than 262,000 ahead of the curve.

visionAry lEAdErship“We have exhibited consistently good leadership

from people who have made visionary decisions through the years,” says Holly Sears, vice president of economic development for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. “Consistency in a community is paramount when companies are making multimillion-dollar decisions for a new location or expansion, and that’s one of the reasons Rutherford County has been one of the go-to hotspots.”

Indeed, the county proved to be a go-to spot for Amazon.com, which selected Rutherford County as one of two sites for new a fulfillment center in Tennessee, creating more than 1,000 jobs and $135 million in investment in the state.

“Having a household name like Amazon in Rutherford County just adds to our county’s portfolio of top corporate entities in our area,” said Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess. “This proves that Rutherford County is a destination for jobs.”

Building on advantages in tax and cost structure, availability of a highly skilled workforce, a top-ranked education system, and transportation infrastructure, Rutherford County and its population centers, Murfreesboro, La Vergne and Smyrna, have attracted a roster of major employers that includes Nissan, State Farm, General Mills,


Verizon Wireless and Bridgestone.Driving the surge in manufacturing

employment is the automotive industry, with several automotive suppliers, including Daiei Inc., Valeo, Tottser-Iroquois Industries and NHK Seating, investing more than $200 million in Rutherford County facilities during the past 18 months.

This superior business climate has also attracted other manufacturers including Holdrite, a national plumbing parts supplier, and helped make Rutherford County a corporate headquarters locale.

murfrEEsBoro young profEssionAlsWith these successes has come a new

generation of young professionals who have discovered the county’s high standard of living.

Murfreesboro Young Professionals was created in 2010 to help these young leaders under age 40 meet each other and become involved in the community.

“A group of us started meeting in 2010 to gauge interest among other young professionals and formalize a program that would get us involved in the community,” says Chassen Haynes, 2011

MYP chair. “We found more people who want professional development and networking opportunities and who wanted to focus on community outreach and philanthropic efforts in the community. We also wanted a connection between the current decision-makers and well-seasoned professionals and those individuals who are up and coming and who moved here from other places.”

Partnering with United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, MYP has launched successful new events that have raised thousands of dollars for the community charity, helped build camaraderie among MYP members and furthered community involvement.

Clint Marks, a Florida transplant who moved to Murfreesboro in 2002 to play football, chose to remain after college, convinced that his new home was the place to be. He will chair MYP in 2013.

“This has given me the opportunity to become involved and give back to my community,” he says. “I have made so many great friends and developed excellent relationships with so many new people. I just didn’t want to leave.”

an employee works on the production line at smyrna’s nissan plant.

rutherford county by the numbers

262,604Population 2010

44%Change since 2000

31.3Median age

$61,212Average Household Income

$51,722Median Household Income

$23,289Per Capita Income

14 r u t h E r f o r d C o u n t y

A Century of ExcellenceMTSU is an education, economic powerhouse in Rutherford County

story by Kevin LitwinPhotography by Brian McCord

With enrollment of more than 26,400 students, Mtsu is the largest undergraduate university in tennessee.

f or being 100 years old, Middle Tennessee State University looks good.

MTSU, officially founded Sept. 11, 1911, celebrates its centennial through commencement ceremonies in May 2012. The largest undergraduate university in the state, with record single-semester enrollment in fall 2011 of 26,442 students, MTSU is an integral component of the economic development success of Rutherford County.

The third-largest employer in the county has crafted a reputation that extends well beyond the campus and well beyond the county. From its roots as a “teacher college,” today’s MTSU includes nine academic colleges, highly

regarded centers of research and specialized programs that attract students from around the world.

“MTSU began in 1911 as a two-year program for training teachers,” says Andrew Oppmann, MTSU spokesman and associate vice president of marketing and communications. “One piece of news that returns to those roots is the recent opening of a brand new College of Education on campus. In 2012, a new Student Union Building will open.”

thE univErsity of ChoiCEOppmann points out that

MTSU is currently ranked as the No. 1 choice for undergraduate students attending any university in Tennessee, and the No. 1 choice

for transfer students throughout the state. The university is also the No. 1 choice for Tennessee’s military veterans.

“There are 140 undergraduate degree programs we offer, including quite a few that people might find surprising,” he says. “One is an aerospace curriculum, where we have more than 30 aircraft on site, plus a new $3 million air traffic control simulator. It is a 360-degree simulator that’s like stepping onto the bridge of Star Trek’s Enterprise. It allows aerospace professors and students to simulate any airport in the world.”

lEgACy in CEmEntMTSU also offers a recording

industry program that has been


middle tennessee state university At A glAnCE

cited for its professionalism by Rolling Stone magazine and an industry management curriculum that is one of only a handful of such programs in the nation.

“Members of the concrete industry came to us and asked the university to create a professional degree program for their industry – an industry that literally provides the building blocks for expansion and development,” Oppmann says. “More than 90 percent of graduates in the concrete industry management program at Middle Tennessee State University have immediately found employment.”

Students attend class in MTSU’s new College of Education.

140undergraduate

courses offered at nine colleges

900number of faculty,

part of the 2,200-person workforce at mtsu

26,442Enrollment for students in fall 2011, a record


The James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University


Mtsu was founded in september 1911. the university celebrated its centennial through commencement in May 2012.

truE BluEMTSU established the

Confucius Institute to promote the understanding of Chinese language and culture, and one of its missions is to create opportunities for exchange and collaboration between communities in Tennessee and China.

MTSU has also established a True Blue Pledge that outlines what it means to be a Blue Raider. The pledge touches upon student and faculty codes of conduct in areas such as honesty and integrity, respect for diversity, engagement in the community and more.

“And on the theme of 100, MTSU was ranked by Forbes in 2009 among the top 100 public universities in the country, and we continue to improve and move forward as we enter our next 100 years,” Oppmann says. “There are always a lot of interesting things happening at our campus.”


Bicentennial BoomMurfreesboro turns 200 as a center of commerce and culture

story by Betsy WilliamsPhotography by Brian McCord

t urning 200 is a cause for celebration for any city, but even better when that city can look back with pride and forward with anticipation.

In Murfreesboro, it feels like the party is just getting started.

With a population that grew by 58 percent between 2000 and 2010, Murfreesboro is home to more than 108,000 people, and was one of the 12 fastest-growing cities in the United States in 2010. Businesses are investing in Murfreesboro and people are relocating here for good reasons.

“Cities have a personality based on their history and geography, just like people exhibit,” says Andrea Loughry, a longtime business executive and community leader. “Murfreesboro’s location in the heart of Tennessee predisposed its personality toward Southern graces, sharpened by our heritage as an education center. Our controlled growth over the last decades has enhanced our city’s personality with more diversity and culture. Just as families pass traits from one generation to another, Murfreesboro has continued over the years to remain a caring

community even as it has expanded in population.”Loughry is chair emeritus of Mind2Marketplace,

which is based in Murfreesboro and serves a 40-county area in Tennessee, linking people and organizations to bring innovation and technology to the marketplace.

QuAlity of lifE mEEts BusinEss-friEndlyMurfreesboro’s quality of life in an educated

environment helps create an excellent business climate, Loughry says. She praises Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce’s numerous seminars for startups, its marketing and networking avenues, and financial support available from the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, housed in the Chamber building.

In addition, Middle Tennessee State University, the state’s largest undergraduate campus, and its Jennings A. Jones College of Business have a catalog of business assistance and resources, while the University of Tennessee extension service offers agribusiness accommodations.

Though its roots are in agriculture, Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro’s historic downtown includes unique stores, restaurants and attractions.


has evolved into a center of commerce, industry, education and culture. It is home to Middle Tennessee Medical Center and its new $267 million medical campus, and has attracted major global companies such as Amazon.com, State Farm, Verizon Wireless and General Mills. In addition, Murfreesboro has cultivated a roster of homegrown business success stories.

homEgroWn CompAniEs prospErPeter Demos, owner of Demos’ Steak &

Spaghetti House, a family-owned restaurant company in Murfreesboro, says the city offers the right amenities to businesses and residents.

“Murfreesboro is in a great location, and the county has some excellent assets including transportation, education institutions, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and the cooperative spirit between the governments of the cities and county,” Demos says. “It’s also great that Murfreesboro has kept its small-town feel, but still has the amenities people

expect from larger cities.”Demos’ parents, Jim and Doris, were

already successful restaurateurs when they sold their businesses and moved to Murfreesboro to start a new concept. In 1989, they opened Demos’, which has since expanded to four other locations.

Demos says the leadership in Murfreesboro and throughout Rutherford County recognizes that “a good quality of life is dependent upon having a good business environment, and they have created that environment here.”

Clear evidence of quality of life meeting a top-notch business environment is on display in Murfreesboro’s downtown, which boasts scores of unique shops, restaurants and attractions.

“Downtown Murfreesboro is a vibrant, happy place,” says Kathleen Herzog, Main Street executive director. “Our historic downtown, besides being beautiful, is alive 24/7 with a strong business and local government community, unique retail, wonderful dining choices, a fun nightlife and a residential component.”

the dining room at demos’ steak & spaghetti house in Murfreesboro right: Murfreesboro is the county seat of Rutherford county.

murfreesboro demographics

108,7552010 population

9800+Total number of businesses

29Median age

$57,000Median household income

top employers

6,073rutherford County government

3,400nissan north America inc.

2,225middle tennessee state university

1,626state farm insurance Cos.

1,461Alvin C. york veterans Administration medical Center

24 r u t h E r f o r d C o u n t y B u s i n E s s C l i m A t E . C o m / r u t h E r f o r d - C o u n t y 25 24 r u t h E r f o r d C o u n t y


Corporate AttractionRutherford County is a prime headquarters addressstory by John FullerPhotography by Brian McCord

A rich diversity of companies calls Rutherford County home. With a business-

friendly environment, a pool of talented workers and many attractive amenities, Rutherford County has been a corporate magnet for decades, and ambitious plans are underway to attract more.

An impressive lineup of companies, including Singer Sewing Co., Old Time Pottery, National HealthCare Corp., Ingram Content Group and Franke Foodservice Systems, has put down roots in the county.

AttrACting top CompAniEs“We like Rutherford County

because it’s where we started and have been able to grow from here,” says Scott Peterson, president and chief executive

officer of Old Time Pottery, a home décor chain based in Murfreesboro.

Peterson’s parents started the company 25 years ago with one store in Murfreesboro, and now the company has 28 stores across the South and Midwest. More than 225 Old Time Pottery employees work at the headquarters and distribution center in Murfreesboro.

“As we grew, we were fortunate to find excellent employees here,” says Peterson, who notes the county’s central location to the company’s stores is one major reason that Old Time Pottery has been able to more than double the size of its distribution center.

“The business-friendly environment here in Middle Tennessee is also a major plus,”

says Peterson. “More companies elsewhere across the country should pay attention to this location.”

La Vergne is the U.S. headquarters for SVP Worldwide, the parent company of Singer Sewing Co. La Vergne is also the national distribution center for the sewing brands Singer, Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff. Singer Sewing has been in Rutherford County for about 50 years, and all three brands have been based here together for the past two years.

Singer executives say Rutherford County is an attractive location for a headquarters because of its affordable real estate, easy access to interstates and pro-business environment. Other benefits include an educated, highly skilled labor supply and close proximity of

thompson Machinery’s machine repair shop in la vergne


retail businesses, restaurants and workout centers for employees.

CNNMoney recently ranked Rutherford County among the fastest-growing counties in the nation – with good reason, says Katrina Helmkamp, chief executive officer of SVP Worldwide.

“Since we moved here, SVP has benefited from its energizing pro-business environment, and we count ourselves lucky to be among a group of prestigious companies that have also recognized its advantages and choose to call Rutherford County home,” she says.

Another company with deep roots in Rutherford County is National HealthCare Corp., also based in Murfreesboro. NHC, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, is the seventh-largest, for-profit long-term health care

company in the United States. It operates 158 facilities in 10 states, including long-term health care, homecare independent living and assisted living facilities. NHC has more than 13,000 employees including nearly 700 in Rutherford County.

Gerald Coggin, senior vice president of corporate relations for the company, says NHC relies upon and greatly benefits from the rich personnel and educational resources in the Rutherford County area.

“We are able to attract employees with solid educational experience and an excellent work ethic,” he says.

La Vergne is also home to Thompson Machinery, one of the largest Caterpillar equipment dealers in the U.S., and Ingram Content Group, which provides a

broad range of physical and digital services to the book industry. One of Ingram’s operating units is Ingram Book Co., the largest book wholesale distributor in the world. Franke Foodservice Systems, based in Smyrna, is the leading provider of comprehensive systems and services for the global foodservice industry.

gAtEWAy AttrACts CommErCEPlans are in the works to recruit

even more companies to the area. A major development is the Offices at Gateway project in Murfreesboro, which has large, dedicated parcels for corporate headquarters locations and another area set aside for data and call center facilities.

Jeff Palmquist, senior vice president of Duke Realty, says


Murfreesboro is different from many other cities in that it has basically built “a ready-to-go site” in the Gateway, and city and county officials work hard to make the entire development process as easy to maneuver as possible.

“When you add in the shopping, dining and recreational amenities nearby, along with the excellent labor force and convenient highway access, the Gateway is a great choice for any company looking to relocate,” Palmquist says.

left: thompson Machinery’s lab can detect a machine’s future problems by testing oil samples. right: singer, one of the nation’s iconic brands, is based in la vergne in Rutherford county.

smyrnaairport.com

www.neel-schaffer.com


lots of Big ideasRutherford County entrepreneurs thrive on creativity, customer focus

story by M.V. Greene Photography by Brian McCord

s mall companies cannot always command the resources, staff or inventory

of large, highly capitalized companies. But what they lack in size, they make up for by being nimble and creative.

Rutherford County creates the right environment for business growth and innovation. The county has launched a wealth of entrepreneurial companies and home-grown business success.

“We always try to offer a truly different experience for our customers by focusing upon their individuality,” says Lori Sain Smith, vice president of marketing and communications for the Reeves-Sain Family of Medical Services.

The Murfreesboro-based company offers a full suite of medical services, ranging

from prescriptions and medical equipment to respiratory products and diabetic care.

A homEtoWn fEElReeves-Sain combines a

hometown feel with cutting-edge and diverse healthcare products and services. One recent innovation is its MediPACK multiple-dose prescription-packaging product that ensures users take the right medications at the right time.

“Our pharmacists are amazing. They are constant learners, staying on top of the very best pharmacy practices and safety considerations,” Smith says. “With 16 pharmacists and more than 190 employees, we are often challenged with growth and communication, but we maintain constant focus on customer care and comprehensive solutions.”

Boulevard Bar & grill near Mtsu


uniQuE itEms, good priCEsAnother Rutherford County

entrepreneur, Judy Goldie, runs two side-by-side apparel stores on the square in historic downtown Murfreesboro. “We try to have young and contemporary items you can’t find everywhere,” says Goldie, who operated the Phase II consignment shop in Rutherford County for 22 years before closing the business in 2010.

With Trendy Pieces and Bella’s Boutique, Goldie says the key to her success is getting to know her customers.

“We have customers that we see once or twice a week. We know them by name. We know what styles they like. There are times that people make an appointment with us because maybe they don’t have the time on their hands to do stroll and shop. It’s the personal relationships that we build to be able to give that great service,” Goldie says.

Creativity and innovation are at the heart of other successful Rutherford County entrepreneurial efforts.

Jeff Nebel of Boulevard Bar & Grill opened his sports bar near Middle Tennessee State University in 2010.

Nebel’s establishment features 30 TVs and 30 different beers on tap, but he says a good sports bar goes beyond serving beer and drinks amid blaring big- screen televisions.

“What makes you unique is your ability to put out good quality food and your staff ’s ability to really get to know the customers and make them feel at home. We have great people here and great food,” Nebel says.

Clockwise from top: Judy goldie, the owner of trendy Pieces and Bella’s Boutique in Murfreesboro; items for sale at trendy Pieces; the soda shoppe at Reeves-sain drug store in Murfreesboro

DoubleTreeMurfreesboro.com


green powered

1,300number of nissan jobs when lEAf production is at full capacity

25%Electric use generated by schneider Electric’s smyrna solar farm

2.2 billionKilowatt hours of electricity Kroger has saved since 2000


Rutherford County greens up with leading-edge projects

r utherford County is relishing the economic activity and public attention surrounding Nissan’s Smyrna production facility, which

is charging ahead with production of the new-generation electric LEAF vehicle and its ion batteries.

With 1,300 jobs at full capacity, the Nissan facility will be a model for sustainability ventures in Rutherford County and their resulting economic opportunity.

The good news for the county is that Nissan is one of a number of companies seeking to leverage sustainability to improve operations, reduce costs and spark sales.

solAr fArm yiElds innovAtionSquare D Co.’s Schneider Electric, a global energy

management company with operations in more than 100 countries, debuted its cutting-edge 1-megawatt dual-voltage solar farm in July 2011.

Working in partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric and the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Generation Partners Program, the facility spans six acres at Schneider’s Smyrna manufacturing plant. It is the

first dual-voltage solar farm in the United States, and can operate at both 1000VDC and 600VDC.

Ed Wilhite, facility manager, says the solar farm demonstrates Schneider’s commitment to renewable energy and renewable technologies, part of the company’s research and development efforts in sustainability. The solar farm will generate 25 percent of the facility’s total electric use, or about 1.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

finAnCiAl inCEntivEsThe plant also has a financial benefit for Schneider,

which can sell solar-generated power to the TVA at a premium.

“We call ourselves the worldwide leader in energy efficiency. It’s in our DNA as a company when we take products to market and as employees when we build products. It’s really important as a company culture that we practice what we preach,” Wilhite says.

The company has received a Solar Champion Award in the manufacturer category from the Solar Energy Industries Association for the project. The national

power Boost

story by M.V. GreenePhotography by Brian McCord

Innovation/Technology

schneider electric 1-megawatt dual-voltage solar farm in smyrna


trade association representing the U.S. solar energy industry says it gave the award based on the significant impact of the Schneider project. Secondary school groups, college and university students, and local business organizations regularly ask to tour the facility to see and study the solar farm up close, Wilhite says.

“It’s important that we can demonstrate the robustness and reliability and the new technology of our products,” Wilhite says.

dAiry’s grEEn initiAtivEsHeritage Farms Dairy in Murfreesboro, part of

grocer The Kroger Co.’s production operations, also is making strides on green initiatives. Sustainability is part of Kroger’s overall effort to reduce its corporation-wide carbon footprint, says Michael J. Mancuso, Heritage Farms regulatory compliance manager.

Since 2000, Kroger has saved more than 2.2 billion

kilowatt hours of electricity in its manufacturing and retail operations, the equivalent of a 1.41-million-metric-ton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, Mancuso says.

“What we’ve done from a sustainability standpoint is looked at utilities, water and solid waste,” he says.

rEduCing ElECtriCity, rE-using WAtErTwo initiatives at the Heritage Farms plant include

the placement of motion sensors to reduce electricity in plant and warehouse areas where production activities have diminished during certain periods and the recapture and re-use of water during sanitizing and cleaning operations.

“We try to tackle some of the low-hanging fruit, such as making sure we’re not operating a production line when we’re not running product. That helps us extend the life of our equipment,” says Reggie Nesbitt, Heritage Farms plant engineer.

schneider electric’s solar farm in smyrna will generate 25 percent of the local operations electric use.

www.murfreesboroelectric.com


Transportation

Smyrna Airport, major highways make Rutherford County a logistics leader

i n 2011, Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport sold as much airplane fuel as it did in 2007, the year before the recession began to seriously impact

corporate travel.“The increased fuel sales in 2011 are not only

a good indicator of the airport’s health, but a leading indicator of the overall economy,” says John Black, executive director of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority Board and the 2011 General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year for the FAA Southern Division.

“Our airport deals primarily with corporate travel, so when corporate America is using aviation to f ly throughout the country, it shows that the economy is trying to bounce back,” he says.

good highWAys, tooThe airport is one of the key reasons Rutherford

County’s transportation network is so impressive. Add an excellent road system, with Interstate 24 cutting through the community, as well as easy access to I-40, I-65, State Route 840 and several major highways, and it’s easy to see why the county has attracted major distribution investment.

Those thoroughfares put Rutherford County within a day’s drive of 75 percent of U.S. markets, making the county a prime location for companies involved in distribution and warehousing. Freight hauling carriers are also close to Nashville International Airport and, of course, Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport.

Air Current

story by Kevin Litwin

the smyrna/Rutherford county airport is the busiest general aviation facility in tennessee. Photo By anton y Bo shieR


“We celebrated our 20th anniversary in 2011, and our 1,700 acres make us the third-largest airport in land mass in Tennessee,” Black says. “We’re also the busiest general aviation airport in Tennessee because of our corporate air activity.”

minding thEir BusinEssAlso on site is Smyrna Airport Business Park,

which leases office space to companies such as Nissan and Thompson Machinery. Black says the Smyrna/Rutherford County Authority Board now wants to further develop the west side of the airport where the Airport Business Park is located.

“Smyrna Airport can accommodate 80,000 to 90,000 f lights each year and is big enough to land a 747,” he says. “We also oversee a lot of charter f lights for country music singers. I won’t mention any names because they like f lying out of here as quietly as possible, but many of the most famous country music entertainers use Smyrna Airport.”

Black adds that FedEx and UPS both run cargo out of Smyrna, and Middle Tennessee State University uses the facility for f lights for its football and other sports teams.

“Many returning soldiers also land here from the Middle East – we processed 8,000 soldiers in 2011,” he says. “We also have an excellent virtual airport on our smyrnaairport.com website. I can phone someone and tell them we have a hangar for rent, and can show them the hangar virtually on the website while we’re both talking on the phone. The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce helped us get that website up and running.”

• at 1,700 acres, the airport is the third-largest in land mass in tennessee.

• handles most flights (corporate, individual) of any general aviation facility in the state

• smyrna airport runway is large enough to accommodate a 747.

• includes a 400-acre business park• includes a 15,000-square-foot terminal

and business center• More than 1,000 people, including national

guard personnel, work at smyrna airport.• two fixed Base operators (fBos) provide

reception/lounge areas for air arrivals/departures and private, charter and corporate aircraft services, and flight training.

• aircraft structural repair, avionics work, and airframe and power plant maintenance for single-engine rotorcraft to large transport jets can be found at smyrna airport.

smyrna/rutherford county airport

Jeff

ad

kin

s


Health


New facilities, investment bolster delivery of care in Rutherford County

W hether it’s a scraped knee or chest pains, residents of Rutherford County rest

secure in the knowledge that all of their healthcare needs are met within the community.

The county is home to two major hospitals, Middle Tennessee Medical Center and StoneCrest Medical Center. It also boasts the growing Murfreesboro Medical Clinic and the Alvin C. York Campus of the Veterans Administration’s Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. Each of these facilities continues to grow and evolve in response to an expanding population base, and along with their physical expansions they also continue to add new service lines to meet the community’s needs.

middlE tEnnEssEE mEdiCAl CEntEr

Since opening its new, $267 million campus in Murfreesboro’s Gateway development in 2010, MTMC has been a hub of activity as well as a catalyst for further healthcare-related development in the area. It most recently opened

the Seton Medical Office Building, which houses the state-of-the-art Cancer Center at MTMC, cardiac and pulmonary rehab, along with wellness, bariatric and wound care centers.

Highlights of the new building and the overall MTMC complex include Saint Thomas Heart at MTMC, which has consolidated its presence into a single facility, giving patients an easier, more convenient experience. The Center for Breast Health has reorganized its operations in the new facility as well.

In addition, MTMC continues to grow its obstetrics offerings, with a full neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a record-breaking 2,613 births during 2011.

stonECrEst mEdiCAl CEntErNew services along with national

recognition marked a strong 2011 for StoneCrest, and 2012 and beyond promise to be even brighter.

The hospital has been approved for an eight-bed NICU that will come online in early 2013, says Stephanie Bowen, director of

healthy outlook

story by Joe Morris • Photography by Brian McCord


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marketing and public relations, who added that the hospital’s busy roster of community-related activities would be expanding as well.

“We do everything we can to improve quality and patient satisfaction, and so we expanded three of our four key events in 2011, and will keep doing so,” Bowen says. “We have grown our women’s event, seniors’ event and EMS Day, where we recognize Rutherford County’s EMS community. We want to keep adding more free health screenings and more physicians, so that we can give attendees even more valuable information and services.”

Those efforts are being rewarded by some pretty heavy hitters in the healthcare industry. The hospital was named by Becker’s Hospital Review to its 65 Great Community Hospitals List last year and also has made the Joint Commission’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures List.

“These are very significant recognitions of our quality, and just a small number of hospitals are honored,” Bowen says.

murfrEEsBoro mEdiCAl CliniC & surgiCEntEr

Another year, another milestone for the physicians and staff at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic & SurgiCenter, which broke ground in late 2011 on a 155,000-square-foot addition to its facilities.

The 62-year-old MMC now has 65 physicians and offers more than 20 specialty treatment areas. MMC also has a highly successful, physician-directed medical spa, U Medi Spa; a physician-guided medical weight-loss program, NexSlim; and two satellite family walk-in clinics, MMC Now.

Alvin C. yorK vA CAmpusVeterans returning from current tours

of duty as well as former armed forces members get the care they need at the Alvin C. York Campus of the VA’s Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.

The York campus offers primary care, as well as specialty medical, surgical and psychiatric services to veterans. It also has long-term care facilities on site, as well as special units for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction.

middle tennessee medical centerwww.mtmc.org

• Location: Murfreesboro

• Licensed beds: 285

• Employees: 1,400

stonecrest medical centerwww.stonecrestmedical.com

• Location: Smryna

• Licensed beds: 101

• Employees: About 500

http://www.mtmc.org

http://www.stonecrestmedical.com


Education

Students have strong education options

g o to the head of the class if you know that students who attend public schools in

Rutherford County are receiving a strong education.

The county is home to two top-notch public school districts: Rutherford County Schools, which encompass pre-K through grade 12, and Murfreesboro City Schools, which accommodate students in pre-K through grade 6. Both systems are ranked among the best in Tennessee.

ruthErford County sChoolsThis school system of almost

39,000 students has grown by 10,000 students over the past eight years. It is now the fifth-largest district in Tennessee, behind only Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis.

“One recent bit of news to brag about is the opening of our Central Magnet School, which includes grades 6-10 and will add a grade each school year until it becomes grades 6-12,” says James Evans, community relations coordinator for Rutherford County Schools. “There is a big focus on math and science at Central Magnet. In fact, its

making the grade

story by Kevin LitwinPhotography by Brian McCord

tCAp grAdEs 3-8 mAthgrade b (state average: B)tCAp grAdEs 3-8 rEAdinggrade b (state average: C)

tCAp grAdEs 3-8 soCiAl studiEsgrade b (state average: B)tCAp grAdEs 3-8 sCiEnCEgrade b (state average: C)

CompositE 3-yEAr AvErAgE ACt sCorE: 20.3 (state average = 19.8)

sACs ACCrEditEd sChools 100%EnrollmEnt (2011-12) 38,833

opErAting BudgEt $266.9 millionExpEnditurE pEr pupil $6,864

sACs ACCrEditEd sChools: 100%EnrollmEnt: about 7,300

tEAChErs: 487 (Nearly 70% of licensed employees have master’s degrees or higher)

tCAp grAdEs 3-8 mAthgrade a (state average: B)tCAp grAdEs 3-8 rEAdinggrade a (state average: C)

tCAp grAdEs 3-8 soCiAl studiEsgrade a (state average: B)tCAp grAdEs 3-8 sCiEnCEgrade a (state average: C)

rutherford county schools

murfreesboro city schools

sChools45 schools including eight high schools, three magnet schools and one alternative school

sChools12 schools for pre-k through grade 6

Source: Rutherford County Schools, Tennessee Department of Education

Source: Tennessee Department of Education


robotics team won first place in late 2011 at a huge regional science competition held at Auburn University.”

Evans also mentions Oakland High School, the only International Baccalaureate school in the county. Oakland became an IB school in 2009, when there were only 13 such schools in Tennessee.

“The IB program has done wonders for Oakland High, with students wanting to go there whether they are zoned for the school or not,” he says. “IB involvement is an added plus for graduates when they are applying for scholarships to top colleges.”

Evans says all Rutherford County high schools offer Advanced Placement courses, and some provide dual-enrollment college credit opportunities.

murfrEEsBoro City sChoolsMCS are home to 7,000 students

in grades pre-K through 6 in 12 public schools. Their educators concentrate on research-based, effective instructional strategies that allow children to succeed in all phases of their growth.

“MCS students are given many opportunities to learn outside the classroom, whether performing in our arts academy, learning science

through horticulture, or achieving success through one of our many hands-on learning camps,” says Lisa Trail, director of communications for Murfreesboro City Schools.

The district also boasts a strong Extended School Program. ESP is a year-round extension of the school day that involves students in enriching activities and gives parents the convenience of safe, school-based care for their child.

“ESP operates from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. around the official school day,” Trail says. “It offers affordable choices for fee-based child care.”

kristin Boynton teaches an english class at oakland high school in Murfreesboro.


Livability


Outdoor recreational offerings keep Rutherford County active

W hen it comes to getting active, Rutherford County residents and visitors have

it made. Home to golf courses, green spaces, parks and sports complexes, the community offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, and its wealth of recreation options contributes to its excellent quality of life.

The county boasts numerous facilities that support youth sports, which have attracted major tournaments. The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, for example, hosts a number of its annual championship games in a variety of sports in Murfreesboro.

Murfreesboro offers the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex, featuring 16 fields and a sizable stadium.

In 2011, the complex hosted the US Youth Soccer Region III Championships, which drew more than 10,000 players on 186 teams, as well as coaches, tournament officials and spectators. The six-day event had an $8.5 million economic impact and is the largest function to have taken place in the area to date.

“Hosting this major soccer event showcased our soccer complex to a national audience and will help us attract other major tournaments to Rutherford County,” said Mona Herring, vice president of the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Heritage Valley Park, located in La Vergne, also provides a place to play, with nine acres of open space.

on the move

story by Jessica Walker • Photography by Brian McCord

a group plays soccer at the Richard siegel soccer complex in Murfreesboro.


the Mtsu men’s golf team practices at old fort golf club


Sheri MorganOwner/Partner

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Customer satisfaction is our number one goal.

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Serving Rutherford

County Since 1963

golf CoursEsTeeing it up is easy in Rutherford County, as

the area features six public golf courses.Murfreesboro boasts four courses, including the

Veterans Administration Golf Course, Indian Hills Golf Course, Cedar Crest Golf Club and Old Fort Golf Club.

“Old Fort Golf Club is a community favorite in Murfreesboro and is known across the state as one of the best municipal facilities for its high-quality turf conditions and layout,” Herring said.

Golfers can enjoy the Smyrna Golf Course, offering an 18-hole course as well as a nine-hole executive course. Rockvale is home to Champions Run Golf Course, which provides 18 holes on land that once included a dairy farm.

grEEn spACEs And pArKsOne of the county’s most frequented attractions,

the Murfreesboro Greenway System has been helping residents stay active for 16 years. The system, spanning 12 miles, comprises the Stones River, Lytle Creek and Gateway trails. Also, Smyrna’s beautiful Greenway has several miles of paved trails, with routes to the Stewart Creek Boat Ramp, Sharp Springs Natural Area, Sewart Airbase, Lee Victory Park and others.

“Thousands of local and regional visitors use the greenway on a monthly basis for walking, bicycling, hiking, running and rollerblading,” Herring said. “It is adjacent to the Stones River and Lytle Creek, where citizens and visitors can also canoe and kayak.”

Also located in Murfreesboro, ‘Boro Beach is a new feature at Sports*Com. The outdoor water park, open during warm weather, includes two large slides and a snack bar providing nutritious and affordable food.

“During the summer, the park is filled to capacity nearly every day, so it’s clear this was an attraction we desperately needed,” Herring said.

In Smyrna, the Splash Pad at Gregory Mills Park offers another opportunity for outdoor fun. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday in the summer, the Splash Pad provides a playground suitable for children of all ages, complete with water spouts, fountains and more.

La Vergne is home to a variety of parks including Veterans Memorial Park, Mankin Park, Bicentennial Park and Lake Forest Park. The city borders Percy Priest Lake and covers more than 21 miles of coastline, providing opportunities for fishing and boating.

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BusinEss snApshotevidenced by steady economic growth for more than a decade, the climate for business in Rutherford county is one of the best in the nation. excellent location, low tax structure and competitive wages make Rutherford county a top location for corporate headquarters, manufacturing and distribution.

EConomiC profilE

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thiS SECtion iS SponSorEd by

What’s online For more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on Rutherford County, go to businessclimate.com/rutherford-county and click on Demographics under Facts & Stats.

ruthErford County populAtion

2010 Population, 262,6042000 Population, 182,023Percent change, 44.3%Median age, 32.2

mAJor populAtion CEntErs (2010)

Murfreesboro, 108,755smyrna, 39,974la vergne, 32,588

mAJor EmployErs

Rutherford county government, 6,073nissan, 3,400Middle tennessee state university, 2,225state farm insurance cos., 1,626v.a. Medical center, 1,461Middle tennessee Medical center, 1,150verizon Wireless, 1,068asurion, 1,050city of Murfreesboro, 960ingram content group inc., 800

mAJor industry sECtors (pErCEntAgE of totAl WorKforCE)

accommodation and food service, %administrative services, 8.4%construction, 3.4%educational services, 9.5 %finance, insurance & Real estate, 4.5%health services, 11.7%information, 3.0%Manufacturing, 17.7%Professional and technical services, 2.3%Public administration, 3.7%Retail trade, 12.1%transportation and utilities, 5.2%Wholesale trade, 4.5%

inComE (2011)

average household income, $61,212Per capita income, $23,289

lABor forCE

civilian labor force, 139,440 (2011)

2000-2010 growth, 36.5%

unemployment Rate (dec. 2011), 6.7%

housing mArKEt

Median home value, $160,592

total housing units, 101,389

Cost of living CompArison

(Murfreesboro and Smyrna)

composite index (100%) 88.5

grocery items (13.31%) 93.6

housing (29.27%) 79.1

utilities (10.22%) 84.5

transportation (9.86%) 95.0

health care (4.23%) 88.8

Misc. goods & services (33.11%) 94.0

Source: www.rutherfordchamber.org/economic-development

census.gov


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Through the Lens

Driving around Rutherford County, there are reminders of the Civil War everywhere - from Stones River National Battlefield, the site of the Battle of Stones River from Dec. 31, 1862, to Jan. 2, 1863, to the Confederate Soldiers monument in the center of the square in downtown Murfreesboro. With so many lives lost on both the Union and Confederate sides, it’s important to teach younger generations about the war, which happens every year at the Sam Davis Home in Smyrna as part of its Annual Heritage Days. There’s sort of an eerie sense of calm standing alone in a battlefield cemetery and reflecting on what happened there. These sites are well worth a visit for anyone headed to Rutherford County.

from our photo Blog: ruthErford County

postEd By JEff AdKins

more online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

Now that you’ve experienced Rutherford County through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

get the story Behind the photo


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