November Newsletter NEW.p65 - Weakley County Chamber of

WEAKLEY COUNTY
CHAMBER NEWS
P.O. Box 67 ~ Dresden, TN ~ 38225 ~ (731) 364-3787 ~ FAX (731) 364-2099 ~ www.weakleycountychamber.com ~ November 2010
DRESDEN - GLEASON - GREENFIELD - MARTIN - SHARON
Proudly serving our community since 1959
Bronze Statue
Dedicated to Honor
Governor Ned R. McWherter
A beautiful morning was the start of a historical day in Weakley County. Not only was it the 80th birthday
of former Governor Ned Ray McWherter, it was also the day a bronze statue was dedicated in his honor on the
south lawn of the Weakley County Courthouse. Approximately 2,000 people gathered on the courthouse lawn
to watch Governor Phil Bredesen, U.S. Congressman John Tanner, State Senator Roy Herron, and Gubernatorial
Candidate Mike McWherter honor Governor McWherter.
The program began with Congressman John Tanner welcoming everyone. Dr. E. Claude Gardner, President
Emeritus of Freed-Hardeman University, delivered the opening prayer. Everyone was led in the Pledge of
Allegiance by Ben Moore, State FFA President from 1995-1996. Katie Snider, Gleason FFA Vice-President 2009, sang the National
Anthem while her father Mike Snider, Gleason FFA 1978, accompanied her on the guitar. Mike McWherter spoke of the “significant
opportunities” his father brought to Tennessee and especially to rural West Tennessee. He then introduced Governor Phil Bredesen.
Governor Bredesen summed up the “accomplishments that have earned Governor McWherter a place of honor in our state’s public
arena” from his birth in a cabin near Palmersville through his terms as Governor of Tennessee. Closing remarks were delivered by
Senator Roy Herron. Senator Herron recalled that during Governor McWherter’s administration Tennessee was rated the fifth
strongest state in the country and was recognized as the best managed state in the nation. Congressman Tanner returned to the
podium to recognize former cabinet members who served during the governor’s administration. He then read two letters from former
presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton congratulating him on his 80th birthday and on the statue dedication.
Governor Ned Ray McWherter was welcomed to the podium by a standing ovation. He began by expressing his appreciation to all
who attended. He thanked everyone responsible for the statue dedication and for making the event possible. He said that he was
grateful to everyone who voted, helped, and supported him all those years. Governor McWherter also expressed his pride of his home
county. In closing he said, “I’m 80 years old today. When I reflect, I see more tomorrows than yesterdays. I’m looking forward to the
generation of children of today. We have to make sure the differences we make are lasting. I love you for being here and being so
supportive and good to me, all of you. And the people who help me at home, who help cook and feed and care for me, I recognize all
of you and thank you very much. I guess I can close, Bro. Gardner, by saying God bless each and everyone of you. I hope you all
outlive me, but I hope I live to be 90 or 100. Thank you very much.”
Governor McWherter, along with his son Mike, Ned R. McWherter Monument Commission Chairman Terry Oliver, and sculptor
Russ Faxon, gathered around the statue and Governor McWherter pulled the rope unveiling the bronze statue in his honor.
Before the ceremony, a reception was held in the Chamber Courtyard, next door to the Chamber office. Over 150 Chamber members
and VIP’s enjoyed refreshments and fellowship.
Tennessee
Gov. Phil Bredesen
U.S Congressman
John Tanner
State Senator
Roy Herron
Gubernatorial Candidate
Mike McWherter
Board of Directors
Weakley County Earns Three-Star Award
Executive Committee
President - Todd Hampton
Past Pres.Randy Huffstetler, Jr.
President Elect - Jake Bynum
Board of Directors
Joe Brasher
Faron Collins
Traci Crawford
Dusty Frazier
Gary Hall
Richard Horn
David Lackey
Cheryl Lehmkuhl
Tracy McGehee
Richard Milam
Rob Newbill
Dee Pritchett
Scott Smith
Mark Spain
Allen Strawbridge
Steve Vantrease
Dannyelle Williams
Mike Wilson
Delores Wright
Sherrie Wright
Phil Young
Ex-Officio
Randy Brundige
Jack Dunning
Danny Forrester
Randy Frazier
Bob Gardner
Eddie Joe McKelvy
Junior Moore
Houston Patrick
Ronnie Price
Staff
Barbara Virgin
Executive Director
Marguriet Frazier
Administrative Assistant
Pictured from left to right are: Dr. Phil Young, UTM Hendrix Chair of Excellence Free Enterprise; Barbara Virgin,
Weakley County Chamber Executive Director; Matt Kisber, Commissioner of Department of ECD; Governor Phil
Bredesen; Rick Merredith, Assistant Commissioner Community Development Division TN Department of ECD;
Traci Watson, Dresden; Weakley County Mayor Houston Patrick; Sherri McCarter, Regional Economic
Development Specialist at TN Department of ECD
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt
Kisber announced that Weakley County has achieved certification under the state’s ThreeStar program for excellence in economic development.
“Solid community development provides the foundation for successful economic
development,” said Commissioner Kisber. “Our Three-Star communities play an integral
role in the overall economic health of the state, and I congratulate Weakley County for its
commitment to excellence and dedication to long-term economic growth and success.”
Weakley County and the towns of Dresden, Gleason, Greenfield, Martin, and Sharon
are now eligible to receive additional incentives under the guidelines of the Tennessee
Three-Star program.
“ECD is proud to support Weakley County in its dedication to long-term economic
growth and success,” said ECD Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick
Meredith. “The community has emphasized essential foundational steps and targeted its
strengths that will improve quality of life and grow jobs.”
The Three-Star program has set high standards like no other state-run program in the
nation. Governor Phil Bredesen’s five-year asset-based economic development strategic
plan is the cornerstone of Three-Star. The strategic plan addresses development issues and
challenges a community is facing in an ever changing economic environment. Additionally,
it helps communities preserve existing employment, create new employment opportunities,
improve family income, and develop a strong leadership base for economic development.
The Three-Star program is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year after beginning in
1980 as the “Three-Star Award for Successful Completion of the Community Economic
Preparedness Program.” Under Governor Bredesen, the Three-Star program has been
revamped to include a benchmarking system for community excellence which raised the
bar for performance. The program has now grown to 89 programs certified, representing
more than 340 cities and towns.
In order to receive the certification, communities are required to meet criteria in
planning, leadership, community, business and education, and work force development
categories. Incentives for receiving the certification include identification on all FastTrack
infrastructure and job training applications; eligibility for matching grants, if criteria set by
ECD are met; earning points in the Community Development Black Grant (CDBG)
program; assistance from ECD’s Regional Economic Development Specialists and the
sharing of “best practices” in community development; and the establishment of a strategic
plan that is updated annually with measurable goals, specific actions, responsible parties,
and a timeline.
WENDELL ALEXANDER ENTERPRISES
REAL ESTATE, SELF STORAGE, AND FARMS
8719 HWY 22, Suite 1, P.O. Box 725
Dresden, Tennessee 38225
wendellalexander@frontiernet.net
731-364-5368
Proudly sponsors this page and welcomes all new businesses and individuals to
Weakley County!
Welcome New Members
Boyd’s Auto
“Where Honesty Meets Experience”
On September 27, Boyd’s Auto and the Weakley County Chamber of Commerce hosted a
Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening. Joining Brian Boyd, Anne Calderaro, and their staff were
Weakley County Mayor Houston Patrick, Martin Mayor Randy Brundige, Chamber Executive
Director Barbara Virgin, and representatives from Fuller Partners Real Estate, Inc., First State
Bank, Frontier Communications, Martin Parks and Recreation, Westan Insurance, WCMES,
Thunderbolt Broadcasting, and Martin Business Association.
Boyd’s Auto is located at 110 Frederick St. in Martin, TN. To find out how Brian and his
team of repair technicians can help you, feel free to call (731) 588-2886, email them at
boydsautoandmachine@yahoo.com, or visit their web site at www.boydsautoandmachine.com.
Boyd’s Auto is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Welcome New Members
The Looking Glass
Coffee & Curiosities
The Looking Glass Coffee and Curiosities held and Open House / Ribbon Cutting to celebrate their opening.
Joining owner Kim Longacre and her staff were Weakley County Mayor Houston Patrick, Martin Mayor Randy
Brundige, Chamber Executive Director Barbara Virgin, and representatives from Thunderbolt Broadcasting, First
State Bank, Frontier, Weakley County Press, Fuller Partners Real Estate, Inc., UT Martin, Century 21 Overton Real
Estate, WCMES, Cardon Locksmith, Westan Insurance, Martin Business Association, friends, and customers.
To see the varieties of coffee and curiosities The Looking Glass has to offer, visit their location at 215 South Lindell
St., Martin, TN, call (731) 587-5075, or email thelookingglassmartin@gmail.com. Store hours are Monday: 7-5;
Tuesday: 7-6; Wednesday: 7-9 pm; Thursday: 7-5; Friday: 7-9 pm; and Saturday: 10-9.
FASTEN
AL
ASTENAL
Fastenal was welcomed to Dresden with a Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting on September 30. Present to welcome
Manager Mike Jones and his staff were Weakley County Mayor Houston Patrick, Dresden Mayor Danny Forrester,
Chamber Executive Director Barbara Virgin, and representatives from First State, City of Dresden, Cardon Locksmith,
Thunderbolt Broadcasting, Weakley County Press, Frontier, BancorpSouth, WCMES, Donnie Essary’s Automotive,
and Greenfield Banking Company.
Fastenal is a one-stop supply source for area manufacturers, contractors, other industrial businesses, and the do-ityourselfers. They offer a broad mix of industrial and construction products. The store offers local deliveries, outside
sales support, and services ranging from vendor-managed inventory programs to custom manufacturing of specialty or
hard to source parts. To find our how Fastenal can help you or your business, stop by their location at 134 Pikeview,
Dresden, call (731) 364-6941, email at tndre@stores.fastenal.com, or check out their web site at www.fastenal.com.
Store hours are Monday through Friday 7 am to 5 pm.
Welcome New Members
Donnie Essary’s
Automotive
Center
Donnie and Peggy Essary, along with the Weakley County Chamber of Commerce, hosted a grand opening/ribbon
cutting to announce the opening Donnie Essary’s Automotive Center. Joining the event were Weakley County Mayor
Houston Patrick, Dresden Mayor Danny Forrester, Weakley County Chamber Executive Director Barbara Virgin,
Tennessee Department of Transportation officials, city and county officials, members of the Weakley County Chamber of
Commerce, customers, family, and friends.
This grand opening officially opened new biofuel pumps in Dresden. Currently, this is the only station in the West
Tennessee area with ethanol (E85) and biodiesel (B20) pumps. To find out more information about ethanol and biodiesel
go to www.tn.gov/tdot/biofuel/docs/BiofuelFactSheet.pdf. To see if your vehicle can these types of fuel visit
www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/flextech.shtml.
To find out what else Donnie Essary’s Automotive Center can do for your automotive needs, stop by 203 Pikeview,
Dresden, TN, or call Donnie at (731) 364-0030. Business hours are Monday through Friday 7 am to 5 pm and Saturday
7 am to noon.
Shear
Expressions
A ribbon cutting / grand opening was held at Shear Expressions in Martin, TN. Joining Stephanie Mingle and Shawn
Lockhart were Weakley County Mayor Houston Patrick, Martin Mayor Randy Brundige, Chamber President Todd
Hampton, Chamber Executive Director Barbara Virgin, representatives from Fuller Partners Real Estate, Inc., Wal-Mart,
Tennessee Quality Homecare and Hospice, First State, Fastenal, WCMES, Thunderbolt Broadcasting, Cardon Locksmith,
Edward Jones, customers, family, and friends.
To make an appointment, or for more information, call Stephanie at (731) 571-5863 or Shawn at (731) 819-3033.
Shear Expressions is located at 511 Elm St., Martin, TN. Business hours are Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm,
Saturday 9 am to 1 pm, and will stay open later by appointment only.
Welcome New Members
COLOR SHOP CONSTRUCTION
Color Shop Construction and the Weakley County Chamber of Commerce celebrated their grand opening with a
ribbon cutting. Nicholas “Bubba” Kelly and his staff welcomed Weakley County Chamber President Todd Hampton,
Weakley County Chamber Executive Director Barbara Virgin, Obion County Chamber of Commerce Robbie Green,
and representatives from WCMES, Thunderbolt Broadcasting, First State, Fuller Partner Real Estate, Inc., First
Citizen’s Bank, The Color Shop, Westan Insurance, Edward Jones, Martin Business Association, friends, and family.
Visit Color Shop Construction’s show room at 106 Fredrick St., Martin, TN, for your building or remodeling
needs. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday 8 am to 2 pm. For more information call
(731) 587-0777 or email colorshopconstruction@frontiernet.com.
Christy’s Frames
& Things
A grand opening / ribbon cutting was held to mark the new location of Christy’s Frames & Things. Joining owner /
operator Christy Gordon were Dresden Mayor Danny Forrester, Weakley County Chamber President Todd
Hampton, Chamber Executive Director Barbara Virgin, and representatives from Thunderbolt Broadcasting, Edward
Jones, City of Dresden, On the Square, Westan Insurance, WCMES, First State, family, and friends.
Christy’s Frames & Things is now located at 110 N. Wilson St., Dresden, TN. Stop by to see what is available for
you decorating or gift giving needs or call (731) 364-0192 for more information. Store hours are Tuesday through
Friday 9:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9:30 am to 1 pm.
Welcome New Members
Color Shop Construction
Q-Shack
Our Back Yard Town Bed & Breakfast
Nicholas “Bubba” Kelly
106 Fredrick St.
Martin, TN 38237
(731) 587-0777
Fax: (731) 587-8850
Email: colorshopconstruction@frontier.com
Construction
Wayne Fields
2533 Hwy 45 Fulton Hwy
Martin, TN 38237
(731)332-0153
Email: wwfields@frontiernet.net
BBQ - Custom Cooking
Mike & Cathy Barnett
520 N. College St.
Martin, TN 38237
(731) 587-1918 or (731) 514-1234
Email: ourbackyardtown@citlink.net
Web addr: www.ourbackyardtown.com
Bed and Breakfast
Simple Things
Tina Stafford
Hwy 118 at the 5 mile marker
Dresden, TN 38225
(731) 364-5800
Email: tinastafford@frontietnet.net
Flowers & Gifts
International Admiistrative Assistants
Professionals, Martin Chapter
Rose Johnson
1317 Turner Rd.
Martin, TN 38237
(731) 587-5655
Email: a_rosewj@yahoo.com
Web addr: www.martiniaap.org
Organization
Six Toe Studio
Clint Riley
204 Main St.
Martin, TN 38237
(731) 573-3743
Email: clint@sixtoestudio.com
Web addr: www.sixtoestudio.com
Wheel Thrown & Altered Pottery
Calendar of Events
November 11
Veteran’s Day
Chamber Closed
November 19
9:00 am
Ribbon Cutting
Simple Things
Dresden, TN
November 25 - 26
Thanksgiving
Chamber Closed
December 9 - 12
Santa’s Village
W. TN Ag Pavilion
December 16
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Chamber Christmas Reception
Dresden Elks Lodge
December 24
Christmas Eve
Chamber Closed
The Weakley County Chamber of Commerce would like to wish
everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and
Happy New Year! We hope you are blessed with lots of love, joy,
and happiness through the rest of 2010 and all through 2011!
Christmas in
Weakley County
Dresden
*Simple Things Open House
Nov 20
Nov.
20, 11 am – 4 pm
Martin
*A Preview of Christmas 2010
364 5800
364-5800
*Christmas Open House
November 21, 1 – 5 pm
364-2270
*Christmas Open House Weakley County
Office on Aging / Dresden Senior Center
Dec. 14, 12 - 1 pm
364-5678
*First
First State Open House
Dec. 17, 10 am – 2 pm
364-3131
*First United Methodist Church
Christmas Eve Sermon
Dec. 24, 5 pm
364-2419
Gleason
*Home Town Christmas
December 11, 2 – 5 pm
648-5547
Greenfield
*Christmas Open House
Nov. 6 – 7, 9 am – 5 pm
235-3113
*Greenfield Comm. Thanksgiving Service
Greenfield United Methodist Church
November 24, 7 pm
678-0024
*Christmas Greenfield Style
Dec. 4, 9 am – 8 pm
235-2207
*Santa at Greenfield Banking Co.
Dec. 4, 6 – 8 pm
235-2207
*First Baptist Church of Greenfield
Christmas Cantata
December 19, 6 pm
235-3365
*First State Open House
Dec. 17, 10 am – 2 pm
235-2690
*G
*Greenfield
fi ld Banking
B ki Co.
C O
Open H
House
Dec. 17, 9 am – 5 pm
235-2207
Historic
Hi
i D
Downtown M
Martin
i
November 13
587-3126
*Country Christmas Bazaar
St. Jude Catholic Church
Dec. 4, 8 am – 3 pm
587-9777
*City Wide Christmas Open House
December 4 & 5
587 3126
587-3126
*Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Dec. 6, 7 pm
587-4750
*Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 6, following Christmas Parade
*Santa’s Village
December 9 – 12
587-6784
587
6784
*Westview Project Graduation
Tour of Homes
Dec. 12, 2 to 5 pm
514-0283
*Rotary Ham Breakfast
Martin Elementary School
Dec. 11, 6 - 11 am
881-1688
*First State Open House
Dec. 17, 10 am – 2 pm
587-9561
Sharon
*Pictures with Santa at Sharon Fire Dept.
p
Dec. 4, 10 am – 12 pm
456-2122
*Tracy’s Place Christmas Open House
December 2 - 4
456-2655
*Tracy’s Place Men’s Night
Dec. 14, 5 - 8 pm
456-2655
*First State Open House
Dec. 17, 10 am – 2 pm
456-2613
Compliments of: Weakley County Chamber of Commerce
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114 W. Maple
P. O. Box 67
Dresden, TN 38225
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Dresden, TN 38225