Sweetwater r u o
TENNESSEE Live, Work & Play Book
Sweetwater:
A great place to live, work and play! My vision for Sweetwater is to create the right balance to retain the unique character of our city and encourage growth that will allow our citizens a fair tax structure, steady employment opportunities and availability of retail opportunities to spend their resources locally. I’m sure many cities hope for the same, but I think the difference in Sweetwater is the people and the leadership. During the past few years, Sweetwater has received numerous recognitions and it appears our hard work is really paying off. We have been named a Playful City USA by Kaboom!; a Tennessee Downtown by the State of Tennessee Economic and Community Development Department; a Tree City USA and received more than one million dollars in grant funding in the past two years. Arguably, Sweetwater’s best asset is her location — the midpoint between Ohio and Florida on a highly traveled Interstate 75. Sweetwater’s city limits include two state highways (68 and 322), a federal highway (11) and a lengthy Norfolk Southern railroad line through town. Transportation and traffic is alive and healthy in Sweetwater. The City of Sweetwater boasts a staff
Contents Getting to know Sweetwater
of highly qualified and trained individuals dedicated to seeing Sweetwater prosper. Our community support is strong and our open government encourages citizen participation and input. Sweetwater’s low cost of living, tax base, strong family and community ties, and vibrant church community make it attractive to new retail vendors, industrial developments and residents. Our fine school system, robust
health care industry and prime location make Sweetwater a desirable location. It is my hope this book will lead you to the conclusion that Sweetwater is the right place for you.
4..............................Quick Facts 6....................Government Info. 8...................................Industry 10............................Health Care 12........................Utilities Board 14-15...................................Map 16...............................Education
18.............................Downtown 20.................................Housing 22.............................Recreation 24...................................SMPOA 24.......................Planning Dept. 26........................................Arts 27.................................Tourism
2 | www.sweetwatertn.net
Mayor Doyle Lowe City of Sweetwater
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Where PEOPLE Matter Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Worship Service 10:30am Wednesday Family Services 7:00pm Nursery available for every service.
Ministries for All Ages:
Students, Children, Men, Women, Couples & Small Groups
Howe Realty & Auction Co. Wm. E. “Bill” Howe, Broker/Auctioneer
Each office independently owned and operated.
With more than 32 years of auction experience, Howe Realty & Auction Co. has the experience and wisdom to get a fair price for your property. Whether you need to sell raw acreage, commercial equipment, farm equipment, liquidated business assets, or real estate; Bill Howe can get it done. Because a majority of Bill’s work has been in Eastern Tennessee, local buyers trust him and know how his auctions proceed. Bill knows who has the money, and he knows how to get them to the auction. As a Century 21 owner, Bill also knows the market. The property evaluations are accurate and reflect the current market.
Pastor Andrew & Rachel Templeton
675 Highway 68, Sweetwater | 423-337-9355 or 800-337-9356
940 Hwy 11 South Sweetwater, TN 37874 sweetwaterfirstassembly.org facebook.com/sweetwaterfirstassembly
E-Mail: C21Howe@aol.com | www.c21howe.com TAL# 4476 Firm#1303
423-337-6037
Published by:
609 E. North Street • Sweetwater, TN. 37874 • Phone: (423) 337-7101 4511 Highway 411 • Unit 5 • Madisonville, TN 37354• Phone: (423) 442-4575 www.advocateanddemocrat.com Thomas Wilson Publisher
Tommy Millsaps Editor editor@advocateanddemocrat.com Layout and Graphic Art Team: Jessica Cross jessica.cross@advocateanddemocrat.com Kristen Calhoun kristen.calhoun@advocateanddemocrat.com
Advertising Team: Sharon Livingston Advertising Manager admanager@advocateanddemocrat.com Asia Capshaw Sales Representative asia.capshaw@advocateanddemocrat.com Sara Vanlandingham Sales Representative sara.vanlandingham@advocateanddemocrat.com
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in the Sweetwater Live, Work & Play Book. No reproduction may be made without written permission of the publisher.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.sweetwatertn.net | 3
SWEETWATER, TENNESSEE Business & Industry Guide Within a 20-Minute Drive Time:
◊
◊
◊
Approaching $274 Million
◊
Total Retail & Food Sales ◊
Over $32 Million
◊
Total Sales Entertainment & Recreation Industry
54,973
◊
2010 Population
◊
22,140 2010 Households
◊
$39,070
◊
2010 Median Household Income
◊ ◊
$32,645 2010 Median Disposable Income
◊
Wal-Mart recently announced a new 150,000 sq ft supercenter on Hwy 11 with estimated completion early 2013 Recently enacted liquor by the drink and package liquor stores 2 Interstate exits off I-75 within the city limits Over 40,000 Average Daily Traffic Count on I-75 @ State Hwy 68 Approx. 10,000 Average Daily Traffic Count on State Hwy 11 Downtown Interstate 75/40 split just south of Knoxville (20 minute drive) has daily traffic count of over 100,000 A Tennessee Downtowns Community Over 2 miles of Interstate 75 frontage available within the city limits Commercial zoned tracts available on State Highway 68 and Hwy. 11 30 minute drive to West Knoxville 50 minute drive to Chattanooga Gateway to the Cherohala Skyway— 1.5 million visitors per year Home of the Lost Sea, America’s largest underground lake—160,000 visitors a year
Scott Wilson City Planner / Building Official Phone: 423-337-9678 Fax: 423-337-9663 swilson@sweetwatertn.net
4 | www.sweetwatertn.net
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Galleries & Antiques Unique Shopping Mall
Aniques - Arts - Furniture - Home Accessories - Gifts - Etc.
Coca-Cola and Root Beer Floats, Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers
Spring Open House Customer Appreciation Fall Open House Christmas Open House
March 23rd & 24th June 22nd & 23rd August 24th & 25th October 26th & 27th
Mike & Martha Presley 501 N. Main St. � Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-7558 � 423-337-9487 Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm
Memories & Prices from Yesteryear Serving Lunch Fare & Bakery Items From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Tuesday thru Saturday
Donna & Pete Marrs 501 North Main Street • Sweetwater, TN Inside Picket Fence Galleries
Located in the beautiful Sweetwater Valley, almost halfway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, lies the historic and quaint little town of Sweetwater...and in the heart of this downtown area, you’ll find a shopper’s paradise at The Lily Pad Boutique. We’re a ladies shop featuring all of the newest and best of each season’s fashions. Gifts galore, shoes, bags, accessories and even a baby boutique are just a few of the surprises tucked into this special store. Plan to spend the entire day in Sweetwater as you visit each of the stores as well as the eateries available for your shopping and dining pleasure. You’ll be pleasantly surprised and will definitely want to visit us again! The Lily Pad Boutique is winner of Monroe County’s Best Place to Shop for Ladies Clothing and Accessories, 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.sweetwatertn.net | 5
City of Sweetwater Government
Sweetwater has a population of 6,567 and is the largest city in Monroe County. The lands that would eventually be Sweetwater are noted in a grant of reservation to Issac Vann in “Sweet Water” dated July 10, 1817, from the Cherokee Agency of the Office of Indian Affairs. Development continued along the Sweetwater Creek, spurred on by the coming of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. By 1852, lots were being sold by I.T. Lenoir for the town of Sweetwater. In 1867, the community’s first printed newspaper came out as the “Sweetwater Forerunner.” An election was Sweetwater City Hall held in 1875 to incorporate the present-day City of Sweetwater. The first Mayor was J.W. 203 Monroe Street, 337-6979, hours - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clark, the recorder was Austin Fry, and the Monday - Friday, website - www.sweetwatertn.net. first constable was J.H. Montgomery.
Recreation Department
Form of government: Sweetwater’s government is comprised of a mayor and five-member board of commissioners. The mayor and board of commissioners hold regularly scheduled city meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at City Hall, and public workshops at 5 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. Persons wishing to get on the monthly agenda for the regular commission meeting must fill out a form at City Hall by noon the Friday before the regular monthly workshop. The current board consists of: Mayor: Doyle Lowe Police Commissioner: Bill Stockon Parks and Recreation Commissioner: Julian Walton Planning, Development and Tourism: Sam Moser Fire Commissioner: Ed Lee Street Commissioner: Billy G. “Buster” West City Recorder: Jessica Morgan City Attorney: John Cleveland
Sweetwater Police Department Police Chief Eddie Byrum, 208 Monroe Street, 337-6151
Sweetwater Fire Department
Director Greg Newman, Sweetwater Recreation Park on Starrett Street, 337-4120. Sweetwater has a public park, Engleman Park, on Monroe Street in addition to the Recreation Complex.
Fire Chief Doug Watson, Fire Hall No. 1 208 Monroe Street, 337-6880; Fire Hall No. 2, 355 Highway 322 East (Billy R. Ridenour Highway), 337-6724
Street Department Street Superintendent Richard Jenkins, 321 South High Street, 337-7225
City Planning/ Building Official Planning Officer Scott Wilson, City Hall, Monroe Street, 337-9678
6 | www.sweetwatertn.net
Sweetwater Public Library Director Beverly Bollenbacher, 210 Mayes Ave., 337-5274, e-mail sweetpltn@compfxnet.com
Sweetwater Post Office 701 North Main Street 337-7041 Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
CERTIFIED INSURANCE REPAIR FACILITY
24 HOUR TOWING
Need your hail damage repaired soon? We now have openings for paintless dent repair.
YOUR AUTO REPAIR SPECIALISTS Lifetime Warranty
106 Sands Road • Sweetwater (423) 337-6020 www.autobodycollisionsweetwater.com We Accept Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.sweetwatertn.net | 7
Aeroflex celebrates expansion.
Sweetwater’s location on Interstate 75, its railroad and crisscrossing of major highways makes the community attractive to a variety of industries both large and small. The city has a thriving industrial park that is now full, but also has available properties through private ownership for new business and industry. Sweetwater is home to such major industries as Aeroflex USA, Gemtron, Vestal Manufacturing, NGK metals and many other manufacturers both large and small. In addition to national and international corporations, Sweetwater is home to many successful family-owned companies, such as Bryant Boats, which is world renowned for high-quality handcrafted boats. In recent years, many of Sweetwater industries have expanded. One of the largest expansions came when Aroflex USA, a division of Eastern Polymer Industry, purchased additional property. The company is world-renowned for its innovation in the elastomeric rubber foam insulation tube industry. The addition of fiber optics to Sweetwater’s infrastructure is key as local businesses expand. Sweetwater business leaders have gained notoriety for their innovations and commitment to quality and customer service. The Tennessee Small Business Association recently named Michael Hamilton, founder of MCH Corporation, Small Business Person of the Year. MCH is a growing information technology and solutions company, which is opening a new facility in Sweetwater. The company has major government and other contracts and could have located anywhere, but chose Sweetwater.
Booming industry
Michael Hamilton (right) being named Small Business Person of the Year. 8 | www.sweetwatertn.net
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Good Service! Great Price!
Valley Building Supply Inc. is a family owned and operated business since 1994. The store sits on 8 acres of land housing a 23,000 sq. ft. store, and additional 47,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, many storage building displays, and a fleet of trucks ready to deliver product. Our mission is to provide “Good Service” through our trained and knowledgeable staff by providing a wide variety of products and services at a “Great Price” for our customers, from the professional builder to the do-it yourselfer. Installation Services are also available on many of our great products including: Cabinetry, Roofing, Flooring, Garage doors, Windows, and More.....Whether you are a contractor or a home owner, our knowledgeable staff is ready and waiting to assist you in your next project. We look forward to seeing you soon!
2110 HIGWAY 11 NORTH • SWEETWATER, TENNESSEE • 423-337-3499 • WWW.VALLEYBUILDINGSUPPLYTN.COM
Skilled & Intermediate Care Medicare, Medicaid & Some Private Insurance Accepted Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapy Assisted Living The center's 3,200 gallon Swim-Ex® pool provides one of the most modern aquatic treatments available.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.woodvillage.us
423-351-1050
520 Old Hwy 68 • Sweetwater www.sweetwatertn.net | 9
Health Care The City of Sweetwater boasts health care facilities and options that are the envy of much larger communities. From an outstanding hospital with industrial medicine, two dialysis centers, a Thompson Cancer Survival center branch, nursing homes, assisted living centers and a UT Medical Center Lifestar helicopter stationed at the city’s newest fire hall, Sweetwater has many advantages when it comes to good health. Sweetwater Hospital Association takes pride in partnering with a highly qualified medical staff and a commitment to providing the most advanced technology in the region. Sweetwater Hospital’s commitment to patients does not stop at the idea of commitment, but is illustrated through the continued growth of the hospital facilities, technology and the personal growth of the employees. Sweetwater Hospital’s continued growth has been seen outwardly for the past few years by watching the hill side community hospital transpose itself into a modern regional facility. In the last five years, SHA has constructed a new sixteen-bed state-of-the-art emergency room, new operating rooms and materials management area. Within the next year, the hospital will complete a new main entrance, imaging center and administrative addition. In the
planning stages, SHA will be adding a new professional office building to expand office space for physicians, which will complete the renovation of the existing buildings currently on campus. Several million dollars have been invested in providing a modern, comfortable and safe environment for the patients in this region. Nevertheless, the investments don’t stop there; health care technology continues to be added to provide advanced services at a local level. As technology continues to evolve, Sweetwater Hospital continues to acquire the technologies that provide the most benefits for patients. To the surprise of many, technology offered at SHA is equivalent or more advanced than the technology offered at much larger facilities in the region. The hospital offers full-field digital mammography along with advanced MRI capabilities to aid in the early detection of breast cancer,
10 | www.sweetwatertn.net
which is the highest standard of care. SHA was also one of the first facilities in the region to offer cardiac CT scans with its 64-slice CT scanner. The cardiac CT aids in the detection of heart vessel blockages without doing a heart catherization. In addition, the hospital has recently added many new information technologies to meet new federal regulations, which has added many new patient safety features. In the last year, Sweetwater Hospital implemented a new emergency room information system, computerized physician order entry, voice activated transcription, and a physician medical practice information system. SHA has industrial medicine and a highly qualified staff led by Bobbie Arp to assist companies with drug testing, employee physicals and more. Physicians at SHA are board certified and have been trained at some of the nation’s most prestigious health care facilities. To complement the medical staff, Sweetwater Hospital has invested millions in employee education providing pathways to health care careers. Many of the 475 employees have taken advantage of the education program, which in turn, means better people delivering better care to patients. To learn more about Sweetwater Hospital, please visit SHA on the web at www.sweetwaterhospital.org.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Physical Therapy
520 Cook Street, Suite D Madisonville, TN
423-442-1440
665 New Hwy 68, Suite F Sweetwater, TN
423-536-7036
Kandy Howard, PTA; Danny Long, PT; Amy Woody, Ed. S. CCC-SLP; Angela Page, PTA/CLT
PCA To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest, To all who mourn and long for comfort, To all who struggle and desire victory, To all who sin and need a Savior, To all who are strangers and want a friend, To all who hunger and thirst after righteousness, And to any who will come –
Christ Presbyterian Church of Sweetwater opens wide her doors and offers her welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
PHYSICAL THERAPY: Treatment of Sports Injuries, Neck & Back Pain, Work Related injuries, Post Surgical Management, Programs for Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Lymphedema and Vertigo. Treatment of Neurological and Orthopedic problems also offered. SPEECH THERAPY: Speech, Language, & Swallowing Disorders for Pediatrics and Adults. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: Treatment of Orthopedic and Neurological problems in Adults.
Aquatic Therapy Coming Spring 2012 to Our Madisonville Location
140 Starrett Street • (across from Brown School)
(423) 337-5058
www.cpcsweetwater.org
SWEETWATER FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Sigrid Johnson and Arrah Ford FNP
Specializing in Family Centered Medicine • Pediatrics • Womens Health • Geriatrics • Obstetrics • New Patients Accepted • Access your medical records via patient portal
Keeping the “FAMILY” in Family Medicine and the “CARE” in Health Care
205 Summit St. • Sweetwater Call 351-7000 For Appointment Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.sweetwatertn.net | 11
SUB grows to meet the future of Sweetwater
The Sweetwater Utilities Board serves the Sweetwater city limits and surrounding areas. Sweetwater Electric System was established Aug. 1, 1939. By June, 1940, the power provider had 10 full-time employees and 935 electric customers. In 1969, the utility provider acquired the Water, Wastewater and Gas departments from the City of Sweetwater and also acquired a new name, Board of Public Utilities. The current name, Sweetwater Utilities Board, was adopted in 1978 and today SUB employs 52 people and is known as a progressive utilities provider seeking to meet not only the needs of today, but the future as well. Today, SUB serves 8,695 electric customers, 4,391 water customers, 2,161 wastewater customers and 1,643 gas customers. In recent years, SUB has taken many steps to upgrade services
and modernize infrastructure throughout its system. In 2006, a new $5 million electric substation went online in the city industrial park, increasing power flexibility and reliability. In 2010, a joint project with the Tellico Areas Services System (TASS) was completed to bring a new source of water to the SUB system. And in 2011, SUB opened a state-of-theart wastewater treatment facility, continuing to make SUB’s services system some of the most modern in the state. The new $6.5 million Sequencing Batch Reactor treatment plant went on line in September of 2011. “It is a completely different treatment process,” SUB General Manager Robert Bettis said. According to Bettis, the plant is
12 | www.sweetwatertn.net
built to be expandable down the road at less cost if needed. Scott Horne (pictured above), superintendent for SUB’s water and wastewater treatment plants, marvels at the new plant. “It’s like going from Third World to the 21st Century,” he said of the new plant. The first thing you notice at the new plant, which is located just off Billy R. Ridenour Highway, is the giant treatment basin that is about 190 feet long and 80 feet wide. About 2,300 cubic yards of concrete was poured to build the basin, which is 22 feet deep. SUB’s governing board is made up of Phil Hall, Dick Collette, Robert Wheeler, Billy Wayne Stockton and L.D. “Junior” Moree. For more information, call SUB at 337-5081 or visit the SUB website sweetwaterutilities.com.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Aerocel Continuous Tube Aerocel EPDM Aerocel EPDM Sheet for Duct and Large Surfaces Aerocel White/Gray 25/50 Aerocel-CG Aerocel-SSPT (Stay-Seal® with Protape) Aerocoat Aerofit Aerofix-U Aeroseal Aerotape Everseal Protape
Aerofl flex® USA, Inc., manufactures f insulation l tubes b and sheets marketed under the brand Aerocel. Aerocel® has been used widely for energy saving and preventing condensation on hot and cold water pipes in HVAC & Refrigeration systems.
282 Industrial Park Road • Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 337-2493 or visit www.aeroflexusa.com
Bringing Health Care Home to Monroe County
T
he Blount Memorial Health Center at Tellico West in Vonore makes it easy for Monroe County residents to get the expert health care services they need. Whether you are searching for a family doctor, require in-home skilled nursing care or need physical therapy, Blount Memorial is here – in Monroe County – to help.
Available services include: Business Health (occupational health services for business and industry), 423-884-6958 Counseling and CONCERN (individual, couple and family counseling), 423-884-1945 Family Medicine at Tellico West (children, teens, adults and seniors), 423-884-6958 Home Services (physician-ordered, skilled care and related home health services), 423-884-1941 Total Rehabilitation at Tellico West (pediatric, adult and geriatric services), 423-884-1901
Health Center Tellico West
www.blountmemorial.org
$EER #ROSSING s 6ONORE 4.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.sweetwatertn.net | 13
= =
Sweetwater
D DD DD RRRD DRRR DD DD ND NN NN AN AA AA A KLLLLLL KK KK AAAK OAAA OO OO O
TRANSPORT TRANSPORT TRANSPORT1 11 11 1 TRANSPORT TRANSPORT TRANSPORT 72 72EE EE EE 72 EE 72 72 EE
322
+ 55 44
EE LLLL VVII XX NNOO KK
EESS IILL MM
Tennessee
4,285 4,285
--
+
75
Lat: 35.3715 Lon: -84.3011 Zoom: 0.32 mi
40,781 40,781
Prepared For...
11
N NNNM M MAAA M AIIIN INN N S SSST TT TT T
+
DEMOGRAPHIC SNAPSHOT
US Hwy 11 (Main St) & State Hwy 68 (Lost Sea Pike) 5 Mile Radius Ring 2010 Estimated Population 12,849 Projected Annual Growth '10-'15 0.2% Est. Median Household Income $37,070
AEROFLEX AEROFLEX AEROFLEXUSA USA USA USA AEROFLEX AEROFLEX AEROFLEX USA USA
RD RD RD EEK CR CR CREEK RD EEK RD RD ND ND ND CR EEK PO PO POND CR CR ND ND PO PO PO
4,706 4,706
800+ 800+ 800+ Booths Booths Booths
SS EE IILL MM
AA GG OO OO NN 75 AA TT TT AA HH CC
WILLOW CREEK Willow Creek is a ninety acre master planned community with 245 homesites.
"
+
Hilltop Hilltop Hilltop HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL
SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER HIGH HIGH HIGHSCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL
SCHOTTGEMTRON GEMTRON SCHOTT GEMTRON SCHOTT GEMTRON SCHOTT GEMTRON SCHOTT 232 232EE EE EE 232 EE 232 232 EE
68
V V N N X X X X X X E E E E E E
#
13,942 13,942
E E E E E E
H
68
+
6
9 9
S SE EE E II N NS SE E TT
68 68 HWY 68 HWY 68 OLD OLD HWY HWY 68 OLD HWY OLD OLD
11 NGK METALS NGKMETALS METALS NGK METALS NGK NGK METALS 70 70EE EE EE 70 EE 70 70 EE
Proposed Proposed
68
154,000 SQ. FT. 154,000 SQ. FT. 154,000 SQ. FT. 154,000 SQ. FT. 154,000 SQ. FT. 154,000 SQ. FT.
R R R R R R
Prepared By...
+
L O O S S LO LL LL OS O O S S ST S S E E TS TT TT A A SE S S EA P E P E AP IK A A IK PIK E P E P IKE IK IK E E E
Railroads
9,314 9,314
SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER JUNIOR JUNIOR JUNIORHIGH HIGH HIGHSCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL
11
7 7
+ 2010 TDOT Traffic Counts RD RD VONORE TER VONORE RD TER VONORE RD SWEETWA SWEETWA VONORE TER RD SWEETWA VONORE TER SWEETWA SWEETWATER
SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER CITY CITY CITY HALL HALL CITY CITY CITYHALL HALL HALL HALL
INSET
* *
2010 USDA Aerial
5,527 5,527
+
This map was produced using data from private and government sources deemed to be reliable. The information herein is provided without representation or warranty.
10,200 10,200
+
000
0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Miles Miles Miles
0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
©2011, The Shopping Center Group, LLC, Nashville, TN (615) 259-0200. All Rights Reserved.
11,690 11,690
+
+
SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER HOSPITAL HOSPITAL HOSPITAL
/ /
38,134 38,134
7,568 7,568
SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY
Sweetwater Sweetwater
N / /
= =
MANGUSON MANGUSON MANGUSON HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL
VESTAL VESTAL VESTAL MFG MFG VESTAL VESTAL VESTALMFG MFG MFG MFG 100 100EE EE EE AEROFLEX AEROFLEX AEROFLEX USA USA AEROFLEX AEROFLEX AEROFLEXUSA USA USA USA 100 93 93 93 EE EE EE 93 93 93EE EE EE
NORFO NO NO RFOLK RFO LKSO LK RFO SOUTH SO NO NO NO LK UTHER UTH RFO SO ERN ER LK UTH SO ER UTH ILWAY ILW ILW N RA N ER RAILW RA AY AY AY ILW ILW AY AY
SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER FLEX FLEXMARKET MARKET MARKET FLEX MARKET FLEX FLEX MARKET
+
SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER PRIMARY PRIMARY PRIMARYSCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL
+
00 --66
3,402 3,402
+
322
40,346 40,346
Trade Area 46,149 0.7% $39,277
Scott Wilson Director of Planning & Development City of Sweetwater 203 Monroe Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 Office:(423) 337-9678 Fax: (423) 337-9663 Mobile: (423) 371-2190 Email: swilson@sweetwatertn.net Website: www.sweetwatertn.net
2011 40 Knoxville Knoxville
40
TENNESSEE TENNESSEE
Sweetwater Sweetwater
Sweetwater Sweetwater 75 MONROE CO.
NORTH NORTH CAROLINA CAROLINA
75
Chattanooga Chattanooga 75
GEORGIA GEORGIA
Logos are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
3,450 3,450
Education Gov. Haslam visits Sweetwater High School. A great education system and opportunities are key to any thriving community. Sweetwater places strong emphasis on learning, maintaing its own city school system for Pre-K through eighth grade. The high school is part of the excellent Monroe County School System. There are private schools within Monroe County and higher educational opportunities abound with Hiwassee College, founded in 1849, located nearby in Madisonville and Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens. The University of Tennessee in Knoxville is only 40 miles away. The Sweetwater City School System, led by Director of Schools Dr. Melanie Miller and an outstanding School Board, principals, teachers and support staff, ranks high among the state’s 135 school systems when it comes to gains in student proficiency. The system ranked 27th out of 135 systems in reading/language arts proficiency improvement and ranked 25th
out of 135 systems in math proficiency improvement. “This improvement tells us that we are on the right track with the focus of our instruction,” Dr. Miller says. The city school system is made up of a new Primary School, Sweetwater Elementary School, Brown Intermediate School and Sweetwater Junior High. The school system has high writing scores and continues to implement new methods of teaching along with tried and true measures. The school system has continually increased the technology in classrooms with a computer lab at every school and Promethean boards with document cameras in almost every classroom. Faculty, staff and students work together to create a culture of life-long learning with high expectations at each school. The school system and communi-
ty wants students to develop life skills and a strong character, so city schools are in the process of implementing a School Wide Positive Behavior Support System called the 3 Rs of character – Ready, Responsible, and Respectful. Sweetwater High School was recognized by Gov. Bill Haslam for its remarkable improvement in test scores and the graduation rate. Visit compurdy.com/scs2 or www.monroek12.tn.us for more information.
Hands around Sweetwater Elementary School
Sweetwater Schools NAME OF SCHOOL GRADE Sweetwater Primary PreK-2nd Sweetwater Elementary 3rd-4th (one PreK class) Brown Intermediate 5th-6th Sweetwater Junior High 7th-8th Sweetwater High 9th-12th 16 | www.sweetwatertn.net
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
IPT Cellular | Premium Retailer
Explore the Caverns & Take a Boat Ride Deep Underground!
Locally Owned & Operated
Stop by and get personalized friendly service! All the latest products available. 914 A Highway 68 • Sweetwater
520 Cook St. • Madisonville
337-7004
420-9603
For even more excitement, check ou
t our
(423) 337-6616
Super Saturday
Adventure
Highway 68 • Sweetwater www.thelostsea.com
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
every Saturday at 1pm!
www.sweetwatertn.net | 17
Experience Historic Downtown Throughout the country, many downtowns - large and small - have struggled to remain vibrant; however, Sweetwater has broken the mold with a thriving downtown. Historic downtown Sweetwater is an antique lover’s paradise featuring both large mall-like stores and quaint shops filled with heirlooms and trea-
*Photo
sures from days past - sure to please all antique enthusiasts. In addition to the ample antique options, historic downtown Sweetwater is home to unique gift stores, finest ladies fashions and quality eateries. Parking is plentiful in front of shops or in nearby parking lots. The Lily Pad Boutique is a prime example of a Sweetwater success story. Brenda Bryan, owner of The Lily Pad, credits the location of Sweetwater, nestled almost half way between Knoxville and Chattanooga, along with the diversity of Sweetwater’s shopping as two of the main reasons for Sweetwater’s popularity. Fleeta Millard, having had a long and successful career in retail in courtesy of D. Roberts Photography and Cleveland is a frequent shopper in the downEverything Knoxville Magazine
Brenda Bryan
18 | www.sweetwatertn.net
town Sweetwater area. She enjoys the ease of shopping in Sweetwater, as well as the friendliness and variety. “There are not many of these places left in the country,” she said. Upon Sweetwater’s recent completion of the pilot Downtown Tennessee Program, Sweetwater was awarded a monetary grant. This grant will be used to continue the revitalization program creating a stepping-stone to gain Main Street USA status - a prestigious designation for historical downtown areas. Recently, Sweetwater added a new farmer’s market as an additional destination in the downtown area. The market is open during the summer months. The downtown area is host to major events, including the Independence Day Celebration, National Muscadine Festival in September and the A Small Town Christmas each November. Visit www.visitsweetwater.com for additional information about the downtown area of Sweetwater.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Announces It’s Newest Neighborhood
Assisted Living and Memory Care
776 New Hwy. 68 • Sweetwater, TN • Phone: 423-337-3551
Come see us for all your Farm, Home and Garden Needs!
Check out our CAR CARE CENTER and
HUGE
pet selection.
Individually Designed Quality Care Programs Private and Companion Suites Personal Health Care Needs Trained Staff On-Site 24 Hours
Falls Management
Laundry/Linen/House Keeping
Dining, Nutrition Programs
Licensed Nursing Care
Health Status Review
Planned Social Events
865-983-7211
Personal Service Assessment
Dietician
Emergency Response System
Close to home.
Transportation Services
Outdoor Courtyard
Monitoring of Health Changes Special Needs and Programs
Variety of Floor Plans
“Close Enough to Kiss Goodnight” Hospital www.blountmemorial.org
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
For Reservation Program Assistance Contact: info@worthingtonseniorliving.com or call (423) 337-0582 www.sweetwatertn.net | 19
Make Sweetwater
Home
One of the great drawing cards for Sweetwater is an abundance of affordable housing with great variety from young families to retirees. Karen Northridge, publisher for nationally known, “Where to Retire” magazine, has designated Willow Creek in Sweetwater as one of “America’s 100 Best Master-Planned Communities.” According to Northridge, editors reviewed several hundred candidates across the country during a nine-month selection process. Selection criteria was based on the degree of positive impact a new community has made on the economic health of the towns and cities in which they are located as well as their ability to provide a high quality of life to those who are embarking on retirement. A new 47-unit assisted living community is planned for inside Willow Creek and a new 48-unit apartment complex, Monroe Ridge Apartments, will bring additional quality places to live. Sweetwater is experiencing growth in residential home construction in several subdivisions; including Clover Hill, Ridgeland Farms, and Oakland View Estates. Sweetwater’s growing housing market spurs a stronger construction and materials supplies industry. Valley Building Supply, located at 2110 Highway 11, was purchased by the Dacus Family in 1994. It has been a family-owned and operated business for the past 16 years. From the very beginning, DeLane Dacus’ vision for the business was to provide the community with all their building supply needs at a
great competitive price; without having to drive all the way to Knoxville. In order to better serve the area’s needs, Valley Building Supply has expanded their services for customers including the New Rent-To-Own Storage Building Program, 20-20 kitchen design, and Installation services. There has also been a focus on product expansion and diversifi-
20 | www.sweetwatertn.net
cation in an effort to provide a onestop shopping experience for the consumer’s building supply needs. Within the main store and seven warehouses, customers are able to find the tools and products needed from a minor home improvement project to building a new home from beginning to end.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Visit one of our locations today!
(WY¬ ¬4ELLICO¬0LAINS¬s¬7AYMAN¬2D ¬-ADISONVILLE¬ 3OUTH¬-AIN¬3T ¬3WEETWATER¬ Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.sweetwatertn.net | 21
Our playful side Sweetwater is noted throughout the region for an outstanding parks and recreation system. Much of the main recreation complex has been updated and remodeled, including the tennis courts, walking track and other facilities. The main complex is often a host to state tournaments, including the state Dixie Youth Baseball Tournament in 2011. The recreation complex plays host each August to the Sweetwater Police Department and City of Sweetwater’s National Night Out crime prevention and awareness event that has been recognized as one of the best not only in Tennessee, but the entire nation for cities the size of Sweetwater. Sweetwater is blessed to have an
old-time, tree-studded park on Monroe Street, Engleman Park, which is getting a major facelift thanks to a large grant. City officials, community members and others were joined by State Rep. Jimmy Matlock, R-Lenoir City, recently celebrating the successful completion of the first phase of work at the park believed to be about 100 years old. Thanks to a $250,000 grant, a new pavilion and playground equipment were put in the park. A parking lot and paved driveway were also added. Mayor Doyle Lowe and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Julian Walton said the project made a smooth transition from the previous administration with former Mayor Jim
22 | www.sweetwatertn.net
Stutts and Parks and Recreation Commissioner James Matoy. “What we are doing today started somewhere else,” Walton said, pointing not only to the Stutts administration, but also to previous generations of community members who made the park a reality. Sweetwater as a community is so committed to recreation and physical fitness; the city was only one of two towns in the entire state of Tennessee designated as a Playful City USA. Sweetwater is also noted for its commitment to taking care of trees and the environment. The City of Sweetwater and its Tree Board has earned Tree City USA designation for more than a decade.
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Steaks • Seafood Pasta • Sandwiches Salads • Homemade Soups
“Home of the Big Kid Cookie”
423-351-1098
101 E. Morris Street, Sweetwater, TN 37874
In the heart of Sweetwater’s Antiques District
Mon-Thurs: 10am-4pm • Fri-Sat: 10am-8pm Closed Sunday
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.sweetwatertn.net | 23
The Sweetwater Merchants and Property Owners Association (SMPOA) was formed in 2010 as a means for local business professionals and Sweetwater area residents to come together and promote not only each business individually but also the area as a whole. The goal for SMPOA is to work together as citizens of the great City of Sweetwater and support one another. SMPOA has worked diligently to promote Sweetwater all over the state and region. SMPOA, taking advantage of the state’s largest muscadine vineyard nearby, Tsali Natch Vineyards, organized the first National Muscadine
Festival in Sweetwater. The two-day festival drew tourists from all over East Tennessee and was successful in promoting the city as well as bringing tourism dollars into the town that would otherwise not have been there. Contact SMPOA at: smpoatn@ gmail.com. SMPOA is there to help local businesses prosper and there are other resources for existing businesses and prospective business coming to the area as well through the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce (423-442-4588, monroecountychamber.org) and Monroe County Economic Development at monroeeconomicdevelopment.com.
Our Planning Department is there for your business The City of Sweetwater’s Planning, Development, and Tourism Department is supervised by Commissioner Sam Moser, local architect and City Planner Scott Wilson. Wilson is certified as a Commercial and Residential Building inspector by the State of Tennessee, and is a licensed real estate agent. Mr. Wilson also serves as the city’s safety officer, and represents the city on several citizen boards, including the Tree Board and Historic Zoning Commission. Wilson has assisted numerous businesses locating to Sweetwater, including a proposed 150,000-squarefoot Walmart Supercenter on Highway 11 South across from Ingles and Kmart. The Sweetwater Regional Planning Commission is a seven-member board, appointed by Mayor Doyle Lowe to serve seven-year terms. Chaired by James Matoy, the Planning Commission meets in a regular monthly meeting the third Monday at 6 p.m. at City Hall. A monthly workshop is held on the second Monday and the deadline for the agenda is fourteen days prior to the
meeting. As this is a regional planning commission, their authority extends into parts of Monroe and McMinn counties for certain projects, such as subdivision of property. The City of Sweetwater’s website has much of the information needed by developers including subdivision regulations, city codes, and a digital color zoning map. Visit www.sweetwatertn.net for more information. The Economic Development Board of the City of Sweetwater is a fourmember citizen board, appointed by Mayor Lowe to terms of four years. Johnny Seiler, local block manufacturer, serves as the current chairman. The board meets monthly on the second Wednesday at noon at City Hall. Meetings often feature local entrepreneurs as guest speakers. This board makes recommendations to the city board concerning economic development in Sweetwater. The City also has two bond-issuing boards- the Industrial Development Board, chaired by Ms. Arlene Cleveland, ESQ and the Health, Educational, and Housing facility board. They meet as needed and annually to elect officers.
24 | www.sweetwatertn.net
Scott Wilson
Sweetwater City Planner & Building Official Phone: (423) 337-9678 E-mail: swilson@sweetwatertn.net Scott’s office is located in City Hall at 203 Monroe Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
State Farm®
Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710
Need Therapy? Our nursing center is a
Sue M Anderson, Agent 695 Highway 68 • Sweetwater, TN 37874-0046 Bus: 423-337-4467 Fax: 423-337-0871 sue.anderson.gk7s@statefarm.com
facility that provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to people with illnesses, disabilities, and injuries.
Our caring and trained staff strives to meet individual needs.
If the need arises, call us.
Nurturing Body, Mind, and Spirit
24 Hour Good Neighbor Service®
978 Hwy 11 South • Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-6631 www.sweetwaternursingcenter.com
We Are A Full Service Animal Hospital Routine Vaccinations, Surgery, Dental Care, X-Ray, Laboratory Services, Orthopedic & Boarding 423-337-7432
116 Sand Rd. • Sweetwater Sweetwater Hours: M-Th 8am-6pm, Fri 8am-5pm M-Fri Closed For Lunch 12-1pm Sat 8am-12pm
423-253-7050 303 Sawmill Rd., Suite 1 • Tellico Tellico Hours: Monday & Friday 8:00am-12:00 Noon
L-R: Erica Murphy DVM, Richard Buchanan DVM, Phyllis Harrell DVM, Boyd Curtis, DVM
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
First Baptist Church 303 Wright St. • Sweetwater, TN 37874 Phone: 423-337-3533 • Fax: 423-351-9643 www.sweetwaterfbc.org e-mail: fbcsweet@bellsouth.net Pastor: Dr. Frank Crawford Youth/Children’s Minister: Rev. Jason Paris Sunday Service Times: Sunday School: 9:45 am Morning Worship-11 am and Evening Worship 6 pm Morning Service Broadcast on WDEH 800 AM @ 11 am Evening Service Broadcast on WLOD 98.3 FM @ 7 pm Wednesday Service: Youth Wednesday Night Show @ 6:00 pm Prayer Meeting @ 6:30 pm Choirs for 4’s and 5’s through Senior Adults Mission Groups for All Ages
www.sweetwatertn.net | 25
Looking for a thrill?
Sweetwater has a superior arts community. The Sweetwater Valley Citizens for the Arts (SVCA), established in 1972, provides ongoing support for a variety of live community events presenting theatre, dance, and community concerts, as well as a number of fine art and craft shows and exhibitions to raise arts awareness in the community. SVCA continues to provide various arts education programming in the Sweetwater City Schools to all grade levels. Programs include mural making, puppet workshops, modeling clay, pottery, illustration, cartooning, the Symphony for kids, music composition, storytelling, creative thinking and writing, in addition to in-school performing arts presentations and art exhibits. Various fundraising events occur throughout the year, sponsored by Sweetwater merchants and private contributors. SVCA receives funding via matching grants from the Tennessee Area Council for the Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission. Sweetwater Valley Citizens for the Arts was and continues to be founded on the belief that “the arts allow us to be all we can be.”
Salt & Light’s Dancing with the Stars In addition to SVCA, the arts in Sweetwater are enhanced by the Marcella Center, Salt & Light Dance Studios and various organizations in Monroe County, including the Monroe County Area Council for the Arts (MACA), which brings a variety of entertainment to nearby Hiwassee
College. In 2011, a tremendous asset for the arts community came with the opening of a brand new auditorium at Sweetwater Elementary School. The auditorium seats more than 500 people and was part of a $3 million expansion at the school.
Christmas concert at the new Sweetwater Elementary School auditorium
26 | www.sweetwatertn.net
Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
Come play and stay with us! Sweetwater is home to or close by many great attractions and events. Sweetwater serves as a gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest. Sweetwater is known for being home to the Lost Sea (pictured at right), located on New Highway 68 just a few miles out of town. The Lost Sea is America’s largest underground lake and is a year around attraction with the cave temperature about 58 degrees all year. The Lost Sea opened as a commercial attraction to the public in June of 1965. Today, the Lost Sea welcomes more than
Valley Cruiser’s Car Show
180,000 visitors a year. Several great events are held in Sweetwater each year, including spring and fall car shows, a popular all-day Independence Day celebration, the National Muscadine Festival held each September and A Small Town Christmas in late November. Sweetwater has an abundance of motels along the interstate and even downtown to accommodate guests with restaurants nearby and a large flea market located at Interstate 75 for added shopping while you vacation.
Independence Day Celebration
Muscadine Festival Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book
www.sweetwatertn.net | 27