CLARKSVILLE
Growth Industry Development QUARTER 4 2020
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TANNER PARRENT, MD, FAAD DERMATOLOGIST
MICHELLE SMITH, MD DERMATOLOGIST
More expertise to care for your skin. Jennie Stuart Dermatology is pleased to welcome Dr. Michelle Smith to our team. She joins Dr. Tanner Parrent in providing comprehensive medical and surgical dermatology expertise to the people of Hopkinsville and surrounding communities. A veteran of the U.S. Army Medical Corps, Dr. Smith has been a board-certified dermatologist for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining Jennie Stuart Health, she owned dermatology practices in South Carolina. Dr. Smith is an alumna of Austin Peay State University and East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine. Dr. Smith and Dr. Parrent diagnose and treat patients of all ages for a wide range of dermatological conditions, including acne, eczema, skin cancer and shingles. For skin cancer treatment, Dr. Parrent offers advanced Mohs micrographic surgery. Both dermatologists are dedicated to improving the health and appearance of their patients’ skin, hair and nails while establishing trusting relationships with every patient.
For more information about dermatology services or to schedule an appointment, please call 270-887-5640.
Our new Jennie Stuart Health Dermatology location: Blue Creek South | 10755 Eagle Way | Hopkinsville, KY 42240 270-887-5640 | JennieStuartHealth.org/Dermatology
Medical Group EXPERIENCE MAKES the DIFFERENCE. Drs. Parrent and Smith are members of the medical staff.
PROTECT THE THINGS YOU CHERISH THE MOST â– Coverage you can customize to meet your needs â– Contact me for a free coverage review
W. Danielle Stack Your Local Agent 2421 HIGHWAY 41A BYP # 300 CLARKSVILLE, TN 37043 WSTACK@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/wstack
Call 931.553.1493 today! For Home, Auto, Life and Business. Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.
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THE KENNEDY BUILDING 127 SOUTH THIRD STREET CLARKSVILLE, TN 37040
68 • VIP Clarksville Magazine | September 2019
THE KENNEDY CENTER 2030 FT. CAMPBELL BLVD. CLARKSVILLE, TN 37042
THE KENNEDY PLACE 2167 WILMA RUDOLPH BLVD. CLARKSVILLE, TN 37040
VIR TUA AVA L OP ILA TIO BLE N !
VISIT CAMPUS FEB. 6 & MARCH 20 apsu.edu/apday Austin Peay State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU. http://www.apsu.edu/policy. Policy 6:003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FINANCIAL FOCUS
TIME FOR NEW YEAR'S FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS......................................12
FEATURE
MISSION | MAKERS | MOTIVATORS......................................................................14
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
STEPPING INTO THE VIRTUAL ERA.....................................................................19 AGRICULTURAL LENDING: RESURGENCE IN A STORIED PRACTICE......38
INDUSTRY
VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 3
PUBLISHER
ASHLEY MYNATT
PANTOS USA................................................................................................................20
BUSINESS BRIEFS....................................................................................................23
MANAGING EDITOR BETHANY SIGLER
TOURISM
DESTINATION CLARKSVILLE: DOWNTOWN WELCOME CENTER..........32
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE BY THE NUMBERS...........................................................................36
COMMUNITY
BUSINESS STRATEGY: A ROADMAP TO SUCCESS..........................................40
BANKING
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LINDSEY SIMS
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS TONY CENTONZE FRANK TATE DR. LORNETH PETERS
RELIANT BANK: BANKING DONE DIFFERENTLY............................................30 The Clarksville Business Journal is a quarterly publication.
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
CLARKSVILLE-MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S ESSENTIAL WORKERS..........43
EDUCATION
NEW CMCSS EDUCATION COMPLEX: ROSSVIEW EXPANSION...............44
8 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
Sixteen Media, LLC ©2020
Our Title Attorney, Joel Ragland, has over 34 years of experience in real estate law, our Title Insurance underwriter is Fidelity National, and from “contract to closing” we work with you every step of the way. We take pride in our staff being friendly, responsive, and fast. At Apex Title, we understand Realtors, and we love collaborating to ensure their clients’ needs are met and expectations exceeded. We work diligently with investors to grow their business, and we work with countless local lenders as people refinance their homes at lower interest rates. We get you home, faster.
931-647-3111 | Apex@ApexTitle.net | 215 Franklin St 37040 | www.ApexTitle.net
Be flawless, be Face Fabulous. Face Fabulous Medical Spa | (931) 553-2262 | 149 Kender Rhea Ct Ste E, Clarksville, TN 37043
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM
Letter from the Publishing Team Dear Readers, and Friends,
Upon reflection of the inaugural year of Clarksville Business Journal quarterly publication, we are in awe of the unprecedented circumstances we have collectively walked through. As we take a moment to appreciate the culmination of 2020, and prepare for the times ahead in 2021, we pause to rest in anticipation. The CBJ set out to chronicle industry, record growth, and celebrate our flourishing development and commerce. We have had the distinct privilege of witnessing history unfold before our eyes. Protocol has been re-written, and what a time to witness it. Clarksville’s growth has always been inspiring, the last few years especially. However,
during the past ten months, we have had the opportunity to witness change, unification, and adaptation at a once-ina-lifetime scale. As diamonds are formed under pressure, and blades forged in flames; through adversity we become more resilient. Our market is strong, through every challenge we have persisted, endured, and found a way to thrive. We are deeply humbled to be part of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Community, and as 2020 comes to a close, we are eagerly looking forward to 2021 and the years to come. Thank you for your support, and we appreciate each and every one of you.
Happy New Year, Ashley Mynatt & Bethany Sigler
4TH QUARTER • 11
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Time for New Year’s Financial Resolutions Many of us probably felt that 2020 lasted a very long time. But now that 2021 is upon us, we can make a fresh start – and one way to do that is to make some New Year’s resolutions. Of course, you can make these resolutions for all parts of your life – physical, emotional, intellectual – but have you ever considered some financial resolutions? Here are a few such resolutions to consider: Don’t overreact to events. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in midFebruary, the financial markets took a big hit. Many people, convinced that we were in for a prolonged slump, decided to take a “time out” and headed to the investment sidelines. But it didn’t take long for the markets to rally, rewarding those patient investors who stayed the course. Nothing is a certainty in the investment world, but the events of 2020 followed a familiar historical pattern: major crisis followed by market drop followed by strong recovery. The lesson for investors? Don’t overreact to today’s news – because tomorrow may look quite different. Be prepared. At the beginning of 2020, nobody was anticipating a worldwide pandemic and its terrible consequences,
12 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
both to individuals’ health and to their economic well-being. None of us can foretell the future, either, but we can be prepared, and one way to do so is by building an emergency fund. Ideally, such a fund should be kept in liquid, low-risk vehicles and contain at least six months’ worth of living expenses. Focus on moves you can control. In response to pandemic-related economic pressures, some employers cut their matching contributions to 401(k) plans in 2020. Will some future event cause another such reduction? No one knows – and even if it happens, there’s probably nothing you can do about it. Instead of worrying about things you can’t control, focus on those you can. When it comes to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan, put in as much as you can afford this year, and if your salary goes up, increase your contribution. Recognize your ability to build savings. During the pandemic, the personal savings rate shot up, hitting a record of 33% in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economy Analysis. It fell over the next several months, but still remained about twice as high as the rate of the past few years.
Of course, much of this surge in Americans’ proclivity to save money was due to our lack of options for spending it, as the coronavirus caused either complete or partial shutdowns in physical retail establishments, as well as dining and entertainment venues. But if you did manage to boost your own personal savings when your spending was constrained, is it possible to remain a good saver when restrictions are lifted? Probably. And the greater your savings, the greater your financial freedoms – including the freedom to invest and freedom from excessive debt. When we reach a post-pandemic world, see if you can continue saving more than you did in previous years – and use your savings wisely. These aren’t the only financial resolutions you can make – but following them may help you develop habits that could benefit you in 2021 and beyond. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
MARKETS CHANGE. ARE YOU PREPARED? MAKE A REFFERAL SO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY ARE TOO. WE HAVE GROWN THROUGH THE 1929 CRASH, THE 70s OIL CRISIS, THE 80s S&L COLLAPSE, THE 2001 TECH BUBBLE, THE 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS, AND NOW THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE WE MAKE SENSE.
Heather Mayweather
U.S. Army Veteran & Edward Jones Financial Advisor MEMBER SIPC
Sango Village |3377 Highway 41A South, Clarksville, TN 37043 | edwardjones.com
FEATURE
Mission Makers Motivators By Frank Tate | Industrial Development Board Executive Director Dear Clarksville-Montgomery County, ARE WE THERE YET? It is a classic phrase that has annoyed parents for years, yet today, I am asking it. 2021, what has taken you so long to approach? This incoming year has been long-awaited. The next question when it gets here is, what will we do to seize it. Let’s make this new year truly about bettering oneself, education, career, health, and home. The year 2020 threw more curveballs than many could ever imagine: plans were interrupted, and we became familiar with 14-day quarantines. In spite of the pandemic related setbacks, Clarksville-Montgomery County is thriving, and our growth plan is on track. We are currently set to increase the average wage by 20% within the next five years. Now, what is next? Picking up where we left off in March 2020 probably isn’t going to happen. The best and most effective way to move forward is by setting achievable, realistic goals that can be supported by friends, family, and mentors. If you are a motivator, this possibly doesn’t seem like a difficult task. How about being the motivator to someone so they can complete the goal? This is where I stand amongst this hiatus period between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Who has a goal that I can help them achieve? Maybe someone is looking to further their education this year, find a new job, or need a gym buddy. For every goal that you have, there are people out there who are ready, willing, and able to keep you accountable. A few questions to consider while goal setting for the year of 2021: 1. Did you learn anything about yourself this year that was unexpected? 2. What habits did you create during your work-at-home period that you can capitalize on? 3. Did you get reacquainted with an old hobby that you can monetize? Let’s make this year the year to better ourselves and provide a new accomplishment that will help drive our community to be a better place. Stay motivated, always motivated! -Frank Tate
14 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
4TH QUARTER • 15
Jennie Stuart Health welcomes new physicians.
Jennie Stuart Health is proud to welcome three new physicians to our team. Dr. Jonathan Abbott, a board-certified OB/GYN physician, provides comprehensive care for women of all ages, including wellness visits, diagnostic screenings, maternity care and surgery. As an active-duty Army physician, Dr. Abbott held various leadership positions at Army community hospitals in California and Kentucky. Dr. Abbott is accepting new patients.
Jonathan Abbott, MD OB/GYN 1717 High St., Ste. 4B | Hopkinsville, KY 270-887-9058 JennieStuartHealth.org/WomensHealth
Medical Grou Dr. Robert Lewe is a board-certified urologist with more than 20 years’ experience in treating a wide range of urological conditions, including kidney stones, kidney cancer, prostate cancer and urinary disorders. For many procedures, he offers minimally invasive surgery, such as robotic-assisted and laparoscopic options. Dr. Lewe is accepting new patients.
Dr. James McNamara specializes in diagnosing and treating common illnesses and minor injuries, as well as helping patients manage chronic conditions. As a family physician, he is your primary source for immunizations, physical exams and advice on improving your overall health and wellness. Dr. McNamara is accepting new patients. Drs. Abbott, Lewe and McNamara are members of the medical staff.
Robert Lewe, MD Urology 219 W. 17th St. | Hopkinsville, KY 270-886-5141 JennieStuartHealth.org/Urology
James McNamara, DO, PhD Family Medicine 223 Burley Ave. | Hopkinsville, KY 270-887-6565 JennieStuartHealth.org/FamilyHealth
Robert Lewe, MD UROLOGY
up
To schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment, please visit www.JennieStuartHealth.org.
James McNamara, DO, PhD
Jonathan Abbott, MD OB/GYN
FAMILY MEDICINE
Medical Group EXPERIENCE MAKES the DIFFERENCE.
COMBAT FIT | BATTLEGROUND PERAZIM MISSION Our mission is to walk with and sheild the hidden wounds of war for Active Duty, Veterans, First Responders and their Families in the Fort Campbell, Clarksville, and Hopkinsville communities.
VISION Freedom from the war within. Our program allows people of all ages to train, heal and be restored through various training. We specifically specialize in: Trauma-Crisis Defense, PTS Resiliency Training, Peer Counseling and Mentorship.
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GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Stepping Into the Virtual Era We are entering, full-force, into the virtual age. There have been gentle nudges by cutting edge companies for years, encouraging colleagues and fellow entrepreneurs to explore the work from home professional style. It turns out, the nudge we needed was a shove into the deep end. Enter novel coronavirus, COVID-19. 2020 has challenged everything from our economy to interpersonal relationships and communication methods. As we enter head-first into the virtual era, we have compiled some helpful lessons learned on the way: #1 Shift your mind-set. More than ever, professionals will be measured on output, not by how many hours sat at the desk. Remove distractions, and make consistency a priority. Without time indicators you have become accustomed to in your professional setting, it is easy to lose track of time. Maintaining a schedule creates normalcy. #2 Re-create ‘in-person.’ Meet, but meet differently. In phone calls, video conferences, and other virtual means and methods of meeting, be sure to engage everyone on the call. Be intentional about inclusion, and
find ways to highlight your teams’ extraordinary work. Now, more than ever, the little things matter the most. #3 Overcommunicate. Provide additional context. Explain the “whys” of decisions and their possible effects to replace the information picked up organically in the office. Body language and situational social ques have more room for interpretation in a virtual setting. #4 Keep Experimenting. Find new ways to meet existing objectives. Goals do not have to change, but unconventional circumstances require creative solutions. #5 Give yourself grace, view situations with compassion, and remember the extra stress everyone is experiencing. The issue at hand is not simply figuring out how to work from home. They are managing newly full households, and worrying about a potentially deadly virus as well as economic fallout and social justice issues. Accept that there will be some messiness, and showing your team that you are not immune to it. Leaving 2020 behind, we firmly believe our economy is prepared and ready to greet the virtual era with open arms.
4TH QUARTER • 19
INDUSTRY
Pantos USA is Coming to Clarksville-Montgomery County FNS Group will invest $33 million to build a new facility in Clarksville. Pantos USA is a third-party logistic provider for LG. The project represents an investment of $33.4 million and the creation of 62 jobs in Clarksville-Montgomery County. FNS Group will build a 300,000-squarefoot warehouse and distribution center on a greenfield site behind LG’s manufacturing facility in Clarksville. The proposed Clarksville warehouse will serve as the Southeast and Midwest portal, connecting businesses in this region to the company’s global logistics network. Pantos USA, a subsidiary of FNS Group, currently has 18 employees in Clarksville and will be expanding its footprint in the area while creating an additional 62 jobs. As a full-service transportation and third-party logistics provider, FNS
20 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
Group and its affiliated companies operate more than 20 warehouses across North America and employ over 700 people. Pantos USA serves as LG’s primary logistics partner for its global shipments. Tennessee is home to more than 1,000 foreign-owned establishments that employ approximately 120,000 Tennesseans. Korea is among the top 10 countries for foreign direct investment in Tennessee, with Korean companies investing over $490 million in Tennessee over the past five years. Governor Bill Lee says, “FNS Group’s investment in Clarksville is a testament to Tennessee's skilled workforce and ideal location. I’m thankful that FNS has chosen to expand its footprint in Montgomery County, and I look forward to the company’s growth in the years to come.” Mayor Durrett echoes the sentiments of Governor Lee, and optimistically forecasts the project’s success saying,
“I’m thrilled that yet another company has selected Montgomery County as a place to call home. As a logistics company, FNS has chosen the perfect central location to serve their clients all over the United States. Despite the global pandemic, Montgomery County continues to attract global companies and adds to the list of available job opportunities for our current residents, military veterans and newcomers. I’m looking forward to working with the Pantos leadership team.” Senator Bill Powers adds, “We are thrilled to welcome these new jobs and congratulate FNS on their expansion. Montgomery County’s high-quality workforce and growing reputation as a great place to work, live and raise a family continues to attract new and expanding businesses. I appreciate the partnership of our local officials, Governor Lee and Commissioner Rolfe in securing these jobs. It is a pleasure to work with them to continue this momentum and bring new job opportunities to our citizens.”
CAREERS
COME FOR THE JOB & STAY FOR THE CHALLENGE. LG offers benefit eligible employees and their eligible dependents to elect a plan with 100% company-paid health insurance premiums. Benefits include: Health, Dental, Life Insurance & More. Available Job Positions:
Production, PM Technician, Manufacturing,
Engineering, Injection Molding, & Many More Visit us at: LGECAREERS.com *Must be 18 or older to apply
START 2021 WITH A BANG!
Hannah Price Team Highlight
Kara Huff
Director of fInance & Operations Please meet the Director of Finance and Operations. Kara is extremely organized, kind and a highly valued member of the team! She keeps things on track, and most importantly knows how to keep Hannah in line! Kara’s experience and problem-solving skills make her an absolute asset to the operation. She also has the sweetest Dog in the world, named Tucker. Nobody can compete with Tucker, nobody! Thank you to Kara for all she does!
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931-896-2229 | 664 SANGO RD, CLARKSVILLE, TN 37043 | WWW.CONCORD-TITLE.COM
22 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
BUSINESS BRIEFS Matt Dyce Takes Role as Director of Personal Lines at BFS Insurance Group Matt Dyce has been in the insurance industry for 13 years, and has earned a long list of accolades and accomplishments: Member of Downtown Clarksville Kiwanis, Leadership Clarksville Graduate, Past Clarksville Young Professionals Chairman, and Member of Clarksville Associate of Realtors, to name a few. With a commitment to being locally minded in his personal pursuits, Dyce felt it was time to adjust professionally as well. Transitioning from the corporate world at Farm Bureau to BFS Insurance allowed him to pursue opportunities in the community more readily. “Being at BFS Insurance opens up a wider net of options to service my clients, as I am able to offer Personal Line coverage as well as Commercial accounts to those with businesses. We customize each individual quote and look for the best possible rate, combined with the absolute best coverage protection for our clients. I thoroughly enjoy the more client driven approach and attention to detail. I look forward to growing the brand at BFS and working with our community for years to come, “Dyce says. To contact Matt Dyce: email matt@bfsinsurance.com or call 931-245-4405
4TH QUARTER • 23
BUSINESS BRIEFS APSU Encourages Campus to Power Down Over Winter Break As students and faculty prepare for the upcoming winter break at Austin Peay State University, a new internal campaign asked them to help conserve energy before they leave.
during this financially difficult time. I’m asking everyone in our community to do their part to power down during the holiday break.”
Last year, the University saved $1,000 every day through its conservation efforts, which translates to the electricity used by four households for an entire year.
Before leaving campus, students living in residence halls were asked to: 1. Unplug all electronics, 2. Empty and unplug refrigerators, 3. Turn the thermostat to the lowest setting and 4. Close the blinds in their rooms.
“Austin Peay has seen significant energy savings as a result of the campus closure earlier this year and the reduction of in-person classes this semester,” Olivia Herron, APSU sustainability coordinator, said.
For more information on this campaign, visit https://www.apsu.edu/ sustainability/winter-break-energysavings.php.
“Not only does this improve our carbon footprint, it saves significant money
Chief Operations Officer named for CMCSS Norm Brumblay has been selected as Chief Operations Officer (COO) for CMCSS. He has been with CMCSS since 2002, serving as the Operations Director and Facilities Manager. In this role, he has acted as the COO designee, supervised the Facilities Department staff and the operation of all school and district facilities, and been responsible for the planning, design, and construction of facilities during his tenure. Previously, he was a Project Manager and Designer for DBS & Associates Engineering. Brublay has an extended list of professional accolades, and achievements. He also has a history of significant local involvement: he was a graduate of the Leadership Clarksville Class of 2008 and served 24 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
on the Montgomery County Growth Plan Development Committee and the City of Clarksville Access Management Board. Brumblay is a past president of the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region Board of Directors and a past regional director of the Tennessee School Plant Management Association. He is a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Scout Master and earned the BSA Trailblazer Award. When Brumblay has time away from serving his country, community, and CMCSS, he enjoys spending time in nature and exploring national parks with his wife Robyn, a teacher at Rossview Middle, and his two wonderful children.
2794 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Clarksville, TN 37040 | www.mckenziesmiley.com 588 Firestation Road Suite A Clarksville, TN 37043
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ABOUTFA CE S AN DB R ACE S . CO M
BUSINESS BRIEFS U.S. Chamber Awards Christian County Chamber of Commerce with Highest Accreditation Designation The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Christian County Chamber of Commerce with the 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. “Each day, chambers of commerce across this nation play a critical role in their communities” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “From connecting business owners with needed resources, to advocating on behalf of their region with lawmakers, these chambers convene thought leaders to strengthen the collective voices of their members.” Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their
operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete. “We are both honored and thrilled to have once again been recognized as a 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce”, said Kelli Pendleton, President/CEO of the Christian County Chamber, “Our team worked hard on this endeavor and we are proud of this accomplishment. I am also grateful to our Board of Directors for their continued support and dedication to not only our chamber, but our community.” Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.
Butterfly Moments Inc. Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing for Clarksville Veterans The Butterfly Moments Inc. groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the construction of affordable housing units for veterans. This project will be built in memory of Glenn Williams, a veteran who overdosed in July. The project is set to be complete by May 2021. "People do recover," said the organization's founder, Mary Laremore. "There's such a negative stigma around addicts, alcoholics and mental illness and we're crushing that. BFM
wants to create a safe, sober recovery environment by way of recovery communities." Butterfly Moment Inc., a faith-based recovery center in Clarksville, assists women with housing, advocacy, release requirements and addiction recovery. It is expanding to house veterans of both genders. Butterfly Moments Inc. is located at 2088 North Ford Street in Clarksville. 4TH QUARTER • 27
BUSINESS BRIEFS F&M BANK HONORED WITH ABA FOUNDATION COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD F&M Bank was nationally recognized by the American Bankers Association Foundation for its Operation: Partners Serve program with a 2020 ABA Foundation Community Commitment Award. The award was given to F&M Bank for its efforts in the supporting military families category and was presented during ABA’s Unconventional Convention on Oct. 20. Entries were divided into seven categories including affordable housing, community and economic development, financial education, economic inclusion, protecting older Americans, supporting military families and volunteerism. Award winners were chosen by a field of nationally-recognized experts. The selection committee chose the winning banks based on the creativity
28 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
and thoughtfulness of programs — traditional or innovative in nature and structure — that embody the ideals of corporate social responsibility and demonstrate success in measurable terms. “F&M Bank saw an opportunity to improve the lives of those in their communities and took action,” said Corey Carlisle, executive director, ABA Foundation. “The Operation: Partners Serve program made a meaningful difference on the Ft. Campbell, KY military base and throughout middle Tennessee. We hope their work serves as a blueprint for others throughout the industry.” “We are always working to find new and innovative ways to positively
impact the communities we serve,” said Sammy Stuard, Pres/CEO. “Through a variety of independent and collaborative programs, F&M Bank’s OPERATION: Partners Serve provides resources and opportunities for active duty and retired military and their families. OPERATION: Partners Serve initiatives include Brunch for the Brave, Campbell Combat Ceremonies, Spouses Tour of Downtown Clarksville, Run for the Wall, and Turkeys for Troops. We are humbled and honored to accept this award for our efforts.” To learn more about the ABA Foundation Community Commitment Awards, visit aba.com/awards.
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4TH QUARTER • 29
NEW YEAR, NEW PROJECTS.
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BUSINESS BRIEFS CMCCHF Commits $3 Million for the New APSU Health Professions Building The Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Health Foundation (CMCCHF) recently committed to a gift of $3 million to the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The gift will be used exclusively to establish the CMC Community Health Foundation Equipment & Building Fund with the APSU Foundation, to support the Health Professions Building and additional equipment needs.
The Health Professions Building will consolidate the APSU School of Nursing and the departments of allied health sciences, psychological science and counseling, health and human performance and social work into one facility. The building will also provide active-learning classrooms and collaborative learning spaces for student use. It will house clinical spaces, which will be accessible to the community.
“This financial support will be the foundation for long-lasting effects on the prosperity and health of our community,” said Joey Smith, chair of the CMCCHF and director of the Montgomery County Health Department.
The design phase of the project is expected to begin in fall 2021, with construction commencing in 2022. Construction is expected to last approximately 18 months, and the building is projected to open before the fall 2024 semester.
“The Health Professions Building at APSU is exactly the kind of project that the Community Health Foundation was set up to support,” Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts said. “It’s a great use of these resources to improve our future health education and health outcomes across the entire Clarksville-Montgomery County community. I think it’s symbolic that this plan came together while we’re all focused on public health and battling the coronavirus pandemic.” To support APSU fundraising initiatives, contact the Office of University Advancement at: 931-221-7127.
4TH QUARTER • 31
TOURISM
Destination Clarksville: Downtown Welcome Center By Tony Centonze Jody Isaacs and Steve Tyrrell of Journey's Eye Studio came to Clarksville about five years ago from just outside Boston, Massachusetts. Now, with the addition of a Welcome Center, and Destination Clarksville, a line of Clarksville-Montgomery County merchandise that includes t-shirts, hats, postcards and more, their eclectic studio in the heart of downtown has become a beacon for others who are new to the area, or just traveling through. “After the kids went to college, we thought, we don't need the big house in Massachusetts anymore, Isaacs said. “So, we were thinking, what's next. We're both big on contributing our life energy into community, so we thought, let's see what's out there. We set out to find a city with a promising, up-andcoming downtown area. “After an unsuccessful road trip, we were back home, Steve's brother called and said, did you ever check out Clarksville? Steve went online and made some connections. We flew down, had dinner at the Blackhorse, looked out the window and saw this building for sale. The rest is history.” Journey's Eye Studio has evolved since its inception, but hasn't lost its roots. Isaacs has a background in retail, previously owning a store in Waltham, Massachusetts. She has also consulted with large corporate clients as an interior designer, specializing in mid-century modern furniture and collectibles. She worked with clients in New York, the Cape, and the islands. Tyrell does industrial art and sculpture. He is responsible for many of the 32 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
creative design elements at Strawberry Alley Ale Works. Isaacs soon recognized a missing piece of the puzzle, a hands-on approach to making visitors to our city feel welcome. “I love Visit Clarksville,” Isaacs said. “They are fabulous over there. Their writing and photography are amazing, but they're not in a position to do the hands-on greeting of visitors to our city. They would be good at it, they're just not in the right position.” Isaacs says, she and Steve just fell into this “ambassador” role. “When the big riverboats were docking here, I found myself looking after the people who were disembarking in Clarksville for the day. I was bringing them newspapers, welcoming them. I felt like they were walking around not knowing what was going on.” “Even though they had a bus that brought them places, there was basically no hand-holding. When you see a need, fill it. I've lived my whole life with that philosophy, so doing this was never a huge jump for me. If you see something that needs to be done, just do it. It's like, if you see a piece of trash, pick it up.” Isaacs went to Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett and asked for permission to designate an area of her store the Downtown Welcome Center. “They each gave me an enthusiastic 'yes'. We now have Destination Clarksville - Your Downtown Welcome Center online at Facebook and Instagram.”
Isaacs had already taken it upon herself to provide assistance to Clarksville's growing visitor traffic. Then, she took the next logical step. “This past year, we sort of dove into the product line aspect of it,” Isaacs said. “We thought, that's another area that is lacking. People coming to visit were asking for postcards, and other souvenir items. There are some places in town that offer things along those lines, but nothing downtown was really looking after that market. So, I developed Destination Clarksville, and created that as its own entity. People have been so grateful, and it's not just visitors, it's locals as well. People are so happy to represent. We also bring in other local designers, and actually wholesale with a variety of partners.” “We want to support all types of small business,” Isaacs said. “We have jackets, t-shirts, hats, key chains, stickers, postcards and more.” She picked up a box set of postcards that were created by Lucas Chambers. “I bought the Polaroid film, and sent him out to do quirky and unusual iconic photos of Clarksville. It's just another way of looking at our city.” Now, Clarksville visitors have a source for souvenirs, but they can also find a friendly face and a warm welcome. “If somebody is coming through, and they don't know much about downtown, and they have a limited amount of time, we'll try to find out what their interests are,” Isaacs said. “We'll go in the back room and pull out some brochures and maps, and see if they have time to go to
Land Between the Lakes, or if they just have time to do a stroll around town.” “We want to make sure they get to the Customs House Museum. If they are here in the evening, we will (prepandemic) direct them to a show at The Roxy, or some local music venue. We'll bring up all the q-readers and give them a chance to really find out what's happening in our city.” There is a little room at the back of the store now. On one wall there is a world map, with pins marking states and countries from which our visitors have come. There is a coffee machine, and a lounge area to make folks comfortable. “People will camp out back there,” Isaacs said. “Sometimes, if they are locating to the area, they'll bring in their realtors, and have a chat. We connect people. If they're moving in, we help them find information about the area they are considering. Mostly, it's about making sure they have a fun time while they're here. We just want them to feel like they have been seen, and greeted, and assisted. If I can't help them, I send them to the right place.” “Some of the folks who come through, are practically in tears. They are so thrilled, and they can't believe it. I don't think they encounter this everywhere, getting a genuine handson greeting. I don't see this as a job, it comes naturally, and it's necessary. If we're going to welcome people into town, it has to be for them, not for their money. Their person is what's contributing to this community, and we're glad to have them.” Isaacs and Tyrrell have synergized the old business adage, “find a need and fill it”, not only to improve their business, but the city's tourism business as well. Their vision has expanded, as their upcoming endeavors will show.
“We're doing a t-shirt every quarter, from which, all the proceeds go to the local historical society,” Isaacs said. “Next year, we've already arranged to feature the Arts and Heritage Council, the Customs House Museum, and The Roxy Regional Theatre. Also, every quarter, there will be a limited-edition print that will become collectible. We want to chronicle all the historic parts of Clarksville.” “Visitors and newcomers are finding downtown, though not as easily as I would wish. They're not really being directed to our downtown area, on a consistent basis. We want to make sure that we are all working together to ensure that we cover our whole city. It's important that people understand how large Clarksville-Montgomery
County is, and how many different areas of interest there are.” Journey’s Eye Studio still has its art and creative pieces, and home décor. But, in the store now, there is a full line of Destination Clarksville merchandise. “By diversifying our product lines we've created a nice mix of customers,” Isaacs said. “I would say 2/3 come here to shop for home décor, and 1/3 come for the Destination Clarksville merchandise. We get people who come here specifically for the Downtown Welcome Center, too. There will be a sign going up soon. I guess we've taken on a lot.”
Isaacs admits that running a business in downtown Clarksville these past five years hasn't been all sailboats and sunshine. But she is always finding a new way forward, for herself, her business, and now, our city. She even found a silver lining to this year's pandemic. “COVID-19 has helped in the sense that it has forced us all to focus,” Isaacs said. “We're no longer just riding the ups and downs. I like the fact that we have moments in time, as we're going through life, that help us realize it's time to refocus. We think we are, and then a moment like COVID-19 happens, and you realize, 'I haven't been very focused'. Times like these help us to really hone in on what is actually necessary. A chance to let some of the fluff go, and focus first and foremost on the people. That's the most important thing. Who is being looked after?” She recognized that the pandemic creates even more need for people to be welcomed warmly to our city. “We have lots of people moving here now, are they being seen? Do they have a place to come and have a cup of coffee?” Isaacs said. “These people need a welcome. We need to make sure someone is helping them. I say to new residents, hey, don't play the guessing game. Let me help you out with contractors, plumbers, that kind of thing.” “That's the #1 thing, to make sure that we're all successful, whether that involves the changes in your family life, or in your business. We all want to be cohesive in that.” Isaacs says she misses the riverboats during this time of COVID-19, but there are still 'tons' of people coming into our city for a variety of reasons. “People are coming through to drop their kids off at school, to see their 4TH QUARTER • 33
military sons and daughters before they deploy, or to welcome them back when they come home. Right now, there are a lot of grand-babies happening. So, we have lots of parents moving closer to their kids, and that is the sweetest thing.” Isaacs says, now is also the perfect time to be retiring. “If you have a dream to own your own business, this market is fertile, and you have a big support system here to help make it happen. I love that the Multi-Purpose Event Center is coming in. There are some very successful people really investing in this community, and I definitely want to be part of Clarksville's continued growth. “I want us to synergize our efforts. We need to know we're here for each other, and that we can all be successful. If we're successful in our endeavors, this city will be successful. We can share information with each other, especially when it comes to all our new folks coming in. They should feel like they want to plant roots here, and in so doing, that they can be part of something great, with all of us.”
34 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
4TH QUARTER • 35
CLARKSVILLE REAL ESTATE
BY THE NUMBERS
CLARKSVILLE CITY LIMITS 1,573 ACTIVE LISTINGS | $229,900 AVERAGE LIST PRICE | 61 AVERAGE DOM
4TH QUARTER 2020 HOMES SOLD................................... 1,707 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET.......... 61 AVERAGE SALES PRICE.................. $240,919 AMOUNT OF REAL ESTATE SOLD...$411,248,452
+25.1%
HOMES SOLD
-1.6%
AVERAGE DAYS ON THE MARKET (DOM)
+14.7% +43.4%
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
AMOUNT OF REAL ESTATE SOLD
INFORMATION SOURCED FROM REALTRACS.COM & ACCURATE AT TIME OF PUBLICATION
THIS IS WHAT HOME LOOKS LIKE. LET THE REDA TEAM GET YOU THERE. BUILDING NOW THROUGH OUT MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Mike Langley, REALTOR C: 931-444-0137 Email: michael@michaellangley.net Keller Williams Realty O: (931) 648-8500 2271 Wilma Rudolph Blvd Clarksville, TN 37040
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Agricultural Lending: Resurgence in a Storied Practice By Tony Centonze John Bartee is the Agriculture Lender at F & M Bank. He has only held that title with F & M for one year, but has been doing Ag lending for more than twenty years of his career. As Middle Tennessee has been constantly changing and growing, a positive for the majority of our residents, farmers have been subjected to a lot of pressure, coming at them in a variety of ways. In an unexpected twist, this year of pandemic has shown some positive signs for the Ag industry. “In agriculture, we have been in the bottom of what's called a super-cycle,” Bartee said. “We had the 1970's and early 80's which were a bottom from an economic standpoint. Then, in the late 80's we had good productivity and prices. Of course, everything comes and goes in cycles, but we are hopefully finally coming out of the bottom of this super-cycle. The last six or eight years have been a real struggle for a lot of farmers. They've had to restructure debt. They've had to pull equity from their properties just to cash flow their operations.” Bartee says that the industry is finally starting to see an uptick. “We had a good crop year in 2020. Prices have rebounded moderately. That, along with a lot of COVID-19 relief funds, 38 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
have probably made this year one of the more positive cash-flow years for farmers in the last six to eight years.
how can they compete, on price, with a developer. It's not likely they can spend the same money for farmland.”
“The cost of getting started in this business is daunting. Typically, you won't see someone farming who hasn't inherited some farmland, or some capital. It does happen. It's rare for someone to get started with nothing and make it.”
Another challenge farmers face is the cost of equipment.
JOHN BARTEE Bartee says that one of the main obstacles for Middle Tennessee farmers is 'land pressure'. “That's the pressure farmers are feeling from all the development that's taking place. Farmers have to be competitive if they want to purchase real estate, but
“Equipment costs are astronomical,” Bartee said. “A brand new combine with all the bells and whistles, and two headers, will cost upwards of $750,000. One combine can comfortably cover 2,500 to 2,600 acres. Farmers have to contend with wear and tear, maintenance, fuel prices, input prices, fertilizers and chemicals, and seed prices.” “If you underestimate farmers, you're missing the big picture. We just wrapped up Leadership Clarksville's Ag and Industry Day, and we were having this very conversation. Today's farmers, the majority of them have at least a bachelor’s degree. Some have a Masters or other advanced degrees. They have to be excellent marketers, mechanics, chemists, biologists, soil scientists. They have to do it all.” While advancements in technology and science have created higher costs, and increased education requirements for farmers, the industry has seen increased efficiency and higher yields.
“The advancements in Ag technology, in things like equipment, genetics, and seed variety testing have been substantial,” Bartee said. “These guys read and study constantly. They take extra classes to learn how to do, what to do, and when to do. The technology we have now is amazing. As we speak, there are two companies that have developed completely autonomous tractors. We also have auto-steer technology in a lot of equipment.” “Years ago, people talked about precision farming and being exact. We've gone beyond that. We are now living in the age of prescriptive farming. Technology, from the equipment standpoint, as well as the seed/chemical/fertilization, and application side, is phenomenal. We now have spray rigs, applicators, that can shut off individual nozzles when the crop doesn't need whatever application is being applied. So, there is very little overlap. We're not over-spraying or over-fertilizing. Even our chemical and seed companies are offering drone technology that uses infrared scanners. They fly over the fields, map them, and see what areas are weak in whatever way. Farmers know if they need a fungicide or another application of fertilizer, or whatever. The technology is there. and it's getting more readily available.” The pressure to stay up on what's happening in the industry falls not only on the farmers, but also on those in Ag lending. “I laugh,” Bartee said. “We have banking laws that we have to contend with. We have to keep up with the latest trends in banking, but I also have to keep up with the latest trends in agriculture as well. If for no other reason than to be able to communicate effectively with our customers. Efficiency and effectiveness are key to a modern farmer's success.” Bartee says that leading Ag economists and other industry gurus have been estimating the end of the current supercycle for some time. Some had estimated
2019. The latest consensus predicts an end in 2021 or 2022. “Of course, nobody really knows,” Bartee said. “They've been talking about this for years. Sadly, we've stayed in those lows. I think we're finally near the end. In this area, we've had a really good crop year, maybe not record yields, but near record yields. We've also seen solid price rebounds. China has purchased a boat-load of Ag commodities from us, and are continuing to do so. “I don't think we're going to see a skyrocket uptick, but we are starting to realize there is a coming gradual uptick in prices for the farmers.” This is the time of the year when most farmers are wrapping up their operating year. It's a busy time for Bartee and others in the Ag lending business. Bartee has noticed a trend toward smaller specialty farms in recent years. Ironically, this trend has not been hampered by the pandemic, in fact, just the opposite. “There has been a tremendous increase in the number of small farms, as well as niche and specialty farming. And, support has been tremendous. With the pandemic we've been going through, support for that segment has grown exponentially. The consumer wants to know where their food is coming from. They want to know the person who is raising it. They want to go out and be able to see it.” “It's a tremendous opportunity for this younger generation. That segment may be somewhat removed from the farming industry, but now is a great time to get into the business with a small operation, like custom freezer beef, or pork, or produce they sell at the local farmer's market, or downtown market. We've seen a tremendous amount of growth in that industry. Home-processed milk and ice cream has really become popular.”
In a reversal of fortunes, large producers are now facing problems, while smaller, specialty farms are seeing a bit of an economic boom. “It has been especially challenging for the dairy industry. It's the law of large numbers. If they can't milk (x) number of head, they are not going to be profitable on the normal commodity markets. So, a lot of these local dairies have gone to pasteurizing their own milk, bottling it, and marketing it. That's a huge trend right now.” “It's amazing because it's more artisanal, and the movement itself is very organic. The purchasing power has flown into these local small operations. Honestly, if you told me 20 years ago it would be this popular, I would have laughed in your face. I never thought it would be this popular here in Middle Tennessee, Nashville maybe, but even in our rural areas we're seeing that the population wants to buy local. It's absolutely a great thing. We will always have commodity Ag, we have to. We have to produce on a large scale, but it's a great feeling to see the popularity of the local niche markets, and to see this type of enthusiasm for this trend.” The good news is that farmers are seeing a long-awaited uptick in prices. Also, the financial support for things like growing one's operation, acquiring more land, or upgrading equipment is there. Additionally, there is a willingness among lenders to partner with newcomers to the industry. “We look at everything that comes our way,” Bartee said. “We have a great team and great leadership at F & M Bank. There is a reason F & M has been here as long as it has, and stays as strong in the community as it does.” “People can call my local number (615) 384-6228. I'm in the Springfield branch, but I will cover our entire footprint, if needed. I can also be reached online at www.myfmbank.com.” 4TH QUARTER • 39
COMMUNITY
Business Strategey: A Roadmap to Success By Dr. Lorneth Peters | Business and Information Curator During the last ten months, COVID-19 has caused personal and business challenges. Every American was affected both directly and indirectly; Loss of life, hospitalized family members, and business closures have rocked the very foundation of the American dream. Small businesses have felt the most significant impact of the pandemic.
businesses have felt the pressure. As small businesses continue to embrace technology, the looming question should be, “how does technology help solve problems in my business.”
According to research done by CBIZ Main Street Index, over 40% of companies have been affected, and a Yelp report shows business closures continue to increase nationally. The effects are felt across a multitude of industries. The Payroll Protection Plan was a necessary lifeline in assisting with employee retention and other business necessities. However, there are still insurmountable challenges on the horizon for business owners as they prepare for recovery and the “new normal" in 2021.
PREPARE A ROADMAP TO SUCCESS Many entrepreneurs are still in the business planning mindset and, at times, ignore strategic planning. The latter planning is needed in the wake of COVID-19 and its aftereffects on the business community. Traditional business planning is best when operating in a stable economy with little surprises. In contrast, strategic planning works best during uncertain times. Having a long-term goal is essential when strategizing but also being open to constant change is imperative. Strategic planning includes learning from the past, committing to changes, and quickly evolving when necessary. Bob Frost of Invictus Consulting LLP says it best, “Strategic planning is a roadmap to get from point A to point B. It is a way of establishing goals for a business and determining what functions need to happen to reach those goals.”
Here are strategies all businesses should consider in preparation for 2021: REFLECT Many business owners continue to think about what is next, but few take the time to reflect. The practice of reflecting forces us to examine the details we missed due to being busy. It allows business owners to slow down, and it provides an opportunity to take a telescopic view of 2020. This process can only be effective using "what" questions more than "why" questions. According to Tasha Eurich, “why” questions highlight our limitations and stir up negative emotions, while “what” questions help keep us curious and positive throughout the reflection process. For example: What did I enjoy most about being a business owner this year? What changes can I make to maximize my business offerings? What do I think about first thing in the morning, and what do I think about at night? What does my existing cash flow at present mean for my business? What worries me most about the future of my business? 40 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
EMBRACE CHANGE Consumer behaviors will continue to change. According to a McKinsey & Company report in October (2020), there are a couple of evident changes in consumers, worldwide. Shift to value and essentials: consumers continue to spend more on necessities such as grocery and prescriptions and reduce spending on most discretionary items. Additionally, consumers focus on businesses that are providing value. Are you making the lives of consumers easier, happier, healthier and are you community-minded? Flight to digital spending: Consumers plan to continue purchasing items online to avoid illness and save time in the age of COVID-19. This means investing in curbside services, creating or making needed changes to websites will provide customers easier access to purchase products. The need for technology has accelerated, and small
Exiting 2020 and welcoming 2021 involves business owners being more proactive than ever. Taking the time to understand consumer spending habits is vital. Additionally, technology should be a vehicle, not a hindrance to small business success. Finally, being strategic will prepare business owners for the ebb and flows of an unpredictable year. For more information, contact Dr. Lorenth Peters 931- 221-1370
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Rely on us to work hard for the people of Montgomery County every day. We are honored to be named Best Small Bank in Tennessee by Newsweek magazine. We are proud of our exceptional team and their dedication to doing the right thing for our customers. It’s a privilege to be a part of Montgomery County and we are excited to continue serving our customers and our community. reliantbank.com
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SHOP. DINE. PLAY.
Welcome to Downtown Clarksville
HOME DECOR | GIFTS |SEASONAL DECOR LOCATED INSIDE THE ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE
121 Franklin Street, Clarksville,TN 37040 | 404-432-8938 | Facebook @granddivisionsonfranklin
100 FRANKLIN STREET | CITYBOYCOUNTRYLIFE.COM
coffee. cicchetti. cocktails.
111 FRANKLIN ST, CLARKSVILLE, TN 37040 | 931-919-9232
Clarksville’s Oldest & Only Professional Theatre Tickets, Roxy Merchandise & #isupportthearts Yard Signs
aloha, clarksville! Surf the flFlavor Wave With our autheN autheNtic HaW HaWaiiaN dishes & sigN sigNature cR cRaft cocktails 125 franklin street, clarksville tn 37040 | MoNday - saturday 11:00-11:00 931-802-8043 | Facebook @kimoshawaiiangrill | www.Kimoshawaiian.com
42 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
roxyregionaltheatre.org 100 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
People You Should Know: Clarksville-Montgomery County Essential Workers Clarksville, Montgomery County public servants, and essential workers are resourceful, work tirelessly, and constantly strive to make our already beautiful home better every day. As Fourth Quarter comes to a close, the CBJ publishing team decided these are truly the ‘People You Should Know’ this quarter. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, spirits have remained high, and both adaptability and flexibility have made this a banner year for morale. Take, for example, Clarksville Parks and Recreation who found a way to continue the Downtown Market, and was sure to implement COVID precautions every week. Ryan Bowie, executive director of the Roxy Regional Theatre, curated a fantastic lineup of shows and events, and partnered with ServePro of Montgomery County to ensure facilities were clean and prepared to welcome guests. Events like River Fest and Christmas on the Cumberland happened without a hitch thanks to the concerted efforts of all partner organizations. We have entered into the virtual era with flair, and cornerstone to our successes has been our leadership. In an exceptionally noteworthy, socially distanced event, our region celebrated the Multipurpose Event Center Groundbreaking. City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett have tackled the pandemic head-on, and moving forward as a unified front have made sure to keep public statements and legislation consistent. From orchestrating the virtual reading of stories to children to daily addresses, our community has stayed well informed, and united in or efforts to navigate through the pandemic. Our police, sheriff and fire departments have not skipped a beat. Staff at our hospitals, grocery stores, essential public utilities, and so many others have looked into the face of the unknown, unflinchingly. The ‘People You Should Know’ are the ones who kept us all afloat. There is not a playbook on beating a pandemic, everyone was struggling personally and professionally on one level or another. Yet, our essential workers, our public servants, and our hometown heroes fearlessly led the way.
4TH QUARTER • 43
EDUCATION
New CMCSS Education Complex: Rossview Expansion By Tony Centonze From 2010 to 2020 Montgomery County's population has grown from 173,159 to 212,674, a 22.82% increase. While that has been a wonderful thing for the people of this community, we've all seen the problems that come with rapid growth, problems that affect each of us, some of us more than others. In recent months, we've been made aware of approximately $110 million in projects underway, or about to be underway, that will hopefully bring some relief to our growing pains. One of the entities that has been hit hard by Montgomery County's population explosion is our school system. CMCSS Chief Communications Officer, Anthony Johnson provided this information.
Anthony Johnson Currently, Clarksville Montgomery County School System accommodates more than 36,000 students, with an average of more than 600 students each year being added to the class rolls. In recent years, annual enrollment growth was averaging more than 1,000 44 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
students, a number that was slowed this year by the pandemic. By law, the School Board must get funding approval from the Montgomery County Commission to purchase land, design, and build a school. Until 2015, CMCSS was building or opening a school every 1.4 years. There has not been a school opened since Oakland in 2015. However, CMCSS has continued to experience unsustainable student growth, and has requested funding over the past five years to build an eighth middle school. In August, the joint land acquisition committee, made up of members of Montgomery County Government, the Regional Planning Commission, and the ClarksvilleMontgomery County School Board, voted to recommend approval of a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposal for the site development and purchase of a 116 acre, three-school campus on Rossview Rd, east of I-24. This was approved and funded by the Montgomery County Commission. This proposal allowed for the development of the campus site, including all utilities and roadway access. Kirkwood Middle is projected to open for the 2022-23 school year. Kirkwood High in 202324, and Kirkwood Elementary in 202526. The current recommendation of the Zoning Project Team is to rezone middle and high schools for the 2022-23 school year, and elementary schools for the 2025-26 school year.
Johnson also provided a release the IDB dispatched recently: The ClarksvilleMontgomery County Industrial Development Board (IDB) voted to move forward with the purchase of 116 acres of farmland near Rossview Road at its September meeting. The tract of land purchased is located along 1-24 near exit 8, near Hayes Lane and Rossview Road; and is the site of a new CMCSS Campus, with plans for an elementary, middle, and high school, a transportation facility and athletic fields. The IDB will serve as the buyer and financial conduit for the site. After the pad site for the middle school is completed IDB will transfer the deed for the land to CMCSS who in collaboration with Montgomery County will oversee the design and construction of the Campus. The first building on the campus, the middle school, is slated to be complete by the fall of 2022. Frank Tate, Executive Director of the Clarksville-Montgomery County IDB said, “The IDB is pleased to assist
Frank Tate
Montgomery County and CMCSS in building new learning facilities for our youth that will support the future growth of our steadily-expanding community. We are happy to help facilitate the swift turnaround on this investment. Supporting the community at this level enhances the quality of life in Clarksville-Montgomery County, which is a key role of the IDB.”
Mayor Jim Durrett Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett stated, “This was a collaborative effort to get the best offer for our school system and our community. I appreciate the work that all parties have contributed and will continue to contribute towards this crucial project for the students and families of Montgomery County,” CMCSS Director of Schools, Millard House had this to say. - “CMCSS is excited about this opportunity to partner with local leadership to accomplish a much-needed project to address school capacities as our community continues to grow.”
Millard House
CMCSS's Johnson referred to the collaborative efforts thus far as “innovative”. He talked about the school system's recent growth and the need for these additional facilities. “CMCSS doesn't have possession of the property just yet,” Johnson said. “By working with the IDB, we were able to get better financing. This year, because of the pandemic, we haven't seen the growth we normally would. We only grew by a couple of hundred students, of course, we know there are some parents of Kindergarten-aged students who have opted not to send their kids to school during COVID-19. Others have chosen to do something other than the public school system, for now. “We think our growth will be back to a more normal pace this coming year. On average, we've been growing by about 1,000 to 1,200 students each year for the past several years. We've been sharing our need for a new school these past few years. There were concerns from the Montgomery County Commission about a previouslyselected location, and its proximity to a landfill. So, our operations team worked with some different local agencies; the Land Acquisition Committee, which consists of members of our County Commission and others, worked to help us find the property we have now.” Johnson said, that process to find a more suitable property started twelve to eighteen months ago, and has moved quickly. “This IDB/CMCSS partnership has been good,” Johnson said. “In the mean time, we have been using portable classrooms across the community. We've not done a comprehensive rezoning in a long time. This new Kirkwood complex will make comprehensive district-wide rezoning a necessity in addressing our growth issues. Essentially, we do have some schools that are at or above capacity. Portable classrooms have helped us postpone the inevitable. What
we don't want is to rezone families before we have new schools built, then have to rezone them again.” The new complex is about three miles down the road from the Rossview Schools complex at Kirkwood and Rossview Roads. “I don't know for certain, but my understanding is that Montgomery County's proposed road widening project will coincide with our project and greatly benefit traffic flow at the new complex,” Johnson said. “I'll just say, overall, we're excited, despite the pandemic, and everything feeling so unusual. This project has been needed for years. Millard House comments all the time about how he makes a weekly visit out there, parks his car, and looks at the progress with excitement. Since he has been on board, one of his biggest missions has been to get more schools built. So, this is exciting all around.” While many Montgomery County residents are affected by our overburdened schools, even more are affected by the traffic flow issues that have come with our rapid growth. Luckily, leadership is working to solve part of that problem as well. Another multi-million dollar project is already in the works on Rossview Road, widening a 3.5 mile section of that busy roadway from two lanes to five. Sadly, that project will not be completed as quickly at the new school complex. Montgomery County Engineer, Nick Powell talked about the much-needed relief on the way for Rossview Road travelers. “Though it's a state route, our County Mayor, Jim Durrett, coordinated with the Chief Engineer at TDOT, for Montgomery County to take on the planning, design, and right-of-way acquisition for the project,” Powell said. “Then it goes back to TDOT for them to fund the construction phase. 4TH QUARTER • 45
“Montgomery County will be responsible for the project, providing 100% of funding through the right-ofway acquisition. Then, TDOT comes in and takes on at least an 80-20 match. It may be that they fund 100 % of the project from that point on, but I'm not completely sure about that, at this point.” Powell explains that there can be a lot of variables when dealing with rightof-way acquisition. “We'll be doing a roadway widening,” Powell said. “It's currently a twolane road. When we go in and begin to widen that road, some areas may require property off to one side, some may be widened from the existing centerline, requiring additional land on both sides of the road. It depends on the topography, existing curves, and environmental considerations. “That alignment will be planned-out, and determined by a design consultant with whom we contract to study the existing site. He/She will put together a plan package for how we're going to make all this roadway fit into the area that is currently available. There is a lot of farmland, but also, already, quite a few subdivisions that have been developed on each side of the road. We'll have to go in and negotiate with property owners for the land we will need. Our proposed widening will go to a five lane roadway section, that's two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane. We're also proposing a shoulder, which will require an additional ten feet, as well as a curb and gutter.” he widened roadway will start where it narrows now, just past International Boulevard. 46 • CLARKSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL
“We'll begin there, and go about 3 ½ miles to just past the spot where the new school is going to be developed,” Powell said. “That's about 1,000 feet past Hays Lane. The school system has a grading job going on for their new complex, which I've heard is complete, or nearly complete. So, it sounds like they are pad ready, and just about ready to begin construction on their new complex.” Powell explains why these two projects will not likely be completed at the same time. “The nature of right-of-way acquisition, environmental studies, and construction
100 % of the environmental, design, and right-of-way phases, we have to go through all the same requirements and processes. as if it were a state or federally funded project. Because we are going to ask for that state funding when we get to the construction phase, the whole project has to go under TDOT's local program's guidelines and requirements. Environmental is a huge thing, it will take another year. Next, we'll get into the design phase. Then, the right-of-way acquisition could take eighteen months to two years, depending on how complicated the tracts are, how willing the property owners are to sell, and how many tracts of land we'll need.” Powell says they plan to work as fast as can legitimately be done, to get this project started, all the necessary steps completed correctly, and construction underway.
Rossview Road
of a roadway job is going to take us much farther out than the schools project,” Powell said. “I think they're scheduled to finish before the fall semester of 2022. There are a lot of ifs and factors in our estimate, but, it will probably be 2026 before our project is complete.” Powell says projects like this are slowed by the necessary environmental research, and the approvals that must be granted for changes to a State Route. “With state funding like this, even though Montgomery County is paying
“This will make a huge difference in traffic flow,” Powell said. “Our design team will investigate, study, and figure out at all these different intersection points. We'll make decisions on which will need traffic signals, and which will need stop signs, as they come on to Rossview Road. This will take time, but a five-lane roadway can carry so much more volume than a two-lane. We also get to update some curves that don't meet current design criteria. It will carry much more volume, and be far safer than the roadway system that's out there now.”
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