business
Q&A Brenda Payne is the president of the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce
How has the county grown in the last year? Sumner County has seen significant growth in areas of new business startups, jobs, sales tax revenue, population and home values while county and most city taxes have remained level or seen small increases. Over 900 new jobs have been created in 2012, sales tax revenue is up over 9 percent county wide and our population continues on an upward trend with a 3.4 percent increase since the last census. What sectors of business have seen the most
growth? Manufacturing, distribution, call centers and business services have seen the most growth. Sumner County has Payne created a dynamic environment for business to thrive with low taxes, great schools, affordable housing and diverse recreational amenities. An improved economy coupled with education and workforce preparedness efforts allows both new business and existing firms to expand operations using the available workforce.
What should be the top three priorities for Sumner County in 2014? Sumner County has significant developments in manufacturing and retail but much more emphasis should be placed on the development of Class A office space providing opportunities for high wage jobs to sustain our tax base, schools and services. Continued emphasis on workforce preparedness to assure that the needs of our existing and future businesses will be met is a significant priority. We must prioritize the improvement of transportation corridors and develop plans for multiple transit options to meet the needs of our citizens.
What geographic regions of the county are ripe for growth in 2014? All areas of Sumner County have incredible potential for growth in 2014 and beyond. Our central location for transportation, recreational facilities, historic preservation and tourism sites create unique options for every city. What Sumner County needs is... To continue to promote its superb lifestyle, warm and generous people, moderate cost of living, access to outstanding schools, healthcare, arts and culture. Sumner County is the best of all worlds grounded with family values and an eye to the future.
Business growth flourishes in Sumner County By Paige Brown Gallatin Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
With an increase in population in the last decade of more than 23 percent, growth in Sumner County is not limited to residents. Currently, home to more than 168,000 people, Sumner County has about 15,000 business entities, according to the U.S. Census. Ranging from large manufacturing, industry and distribution to small independent businesses, economic indicators show that the business sector in Sumner County is in a stable recovery state. Decreased unemployment, healthy increases in sales tax revenue, and increases in real estate transactions and new home construction all illustrate that Sumner County is thriving. Sumner County attracts business based on many
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attributes. Its scenic beauty, natural amenities and many affordable living options make it a choice location for relocation. Its diverse offerings suit the needs of a wide scope of business. Whether it’s proximity to Brown Nashville or access to interstates, the Cumberland River, rail or airport, it is available in Sumner County. Volunteer State Community College provides specialized training for business while both Volunteer State and Union University offer higher education opportunities for individuals. The completion of Highway 109, ultimately linking I-40 and I-65 and running through Lebanon, Gallatin and Portland is expected to
bring many new opportunities. While the economy of recent years has challenged business, Sumner County has retained its major employers. Many, including ABC, Kyowa, North American Stamping, RC Tenn, Servpro Industries, Unipress, Weir Minerals, Windham Professionals and others have undergone sizable expansions and increased employment. Government, healthcare and manufacturing and distribution remain the sectors that employ the greatest concentration of workers. The retail sector has experienced tremendous growth in several areas of Sumner County, as evidenced by steadily increasing sales tax revenue (6 percent over 2012 in recent months). Many chain retailers and restaurants have expanded into Sumner Coun-
ty, with concentration in Hendersonville and Gallatin. Independently owned businesses have increased throughout all areas of Sumner County. The eighth largest county in Tennessee and consistently among the fastest growing (currently at 1.4 percent), Sumner County is expected to continue to thrive. Focus on attracting quality jobs remains a top priority.Area Chambers of Commerce, municipal economic development professionals, and the countywide Forward Sumner Economic Partnership are all actively recruiting, while striving to help retain and grow existing business. Residents and business owners can be confident that their county is among the best destinations in Middle Tennessee, committed to remain one of state’s top choices for business.