Benchmarks 2024 | Section A | Business & Industry

BUSINESS and INDUSTRY

read, ”Closed as of 8-23-23.”

Fatz location took to social media to express their shock at the sudden closing,

The Fatz building has been purchased and is being remodeled into Hometown Marketplace. The market will prepare hot meals, smoked meat, salads, and items like pretzels. It will be similar to a

CrenloEngineeredCabsisalwaysencouraging talented,motivatedandenergeticindividualstojoin ourteam.Wehaveaproudhistoryandabrightfuture inagreatmarketwithincrediblytalentedemployees andamazingcustomers. Weneverforgetthisisapeoplebusinessbuilton relationshipsthatwithstandthetestoftime.Our GoldenRulephilosophyextendstotheoff-highway vehicleoperatorswhouseourproductstostay safe,comfortable,andproductiveintheagriculture, construction,forestry,military,mining,rail,andspecialty truckmarkets.

that Omni had not complied with some obligations of the merger agreement, including access to information. Omni denied the allegations, and a trial to obtain a ruling that would enforce the merger agreement.swer and counterclaim seeking an order declaring that it was not obligated to close the transaction and that it was entitled to terminate the merger agreement. A press release from Forward Air

repeated misrepresentations.” -

to produce notes and redacted minutes

“Omni will show at trial that Forward’s CEO and board caved to activist shareholder pressures demanding Forward get out of its deal with Omni and manufactured contractual arguments to do so,” the motion said. motion, the companies announced the amended agreement. -

forward that ends our legal dispute.” was announced that Omni shareholders will receive $20 million in cash, instead under the terms of the amended merger agreement. In addition to the amendment of Omni shareholders receiving $20 million in cash, instead of the $150 million

14.1 million shares, according to press releases from both companies.

letter to Forward Air shareholders that said, in part, “The proposed combination between Omni and Forward Air is creating the premier global, integrated provider of comprehensive logistics services. This was the rationale articu-tion was announced in August, and it -

value creation potential of the combined

The full text of the letter can be read online at https://omnilogistics.com/

Prior to the initial announcement of the merger, Forward Air stock was It plummeted to $64.30 a share within two weeks after the initial announcement. The stock has not traded aboveing at $53 a share when completion of At the time of deadline for this article in around $40 per share.

GREENE COUNTY PARTNERSHIP Has Active Year

BY AMY ROSE STAFF WRITER

with a special gala in April 2023.

the Partnership, featuring numerous ribbon-cutting ceremonies, events and other tourism initiatives, assistance to local businesses, and the addition of new staff members. A total of 101 new members

GCP’s commercial investment for 2023 totaled $52,541,848, according to statistics released million was in Greeneville, and $23 million was in Greene in Mosheim.

Large commercial investments in 2023 included $4.5 million for Planet Fitness, $3 million for Regenx, $2.2 million for Sergeant Sudz, $1.9 million for East and $1.25 million for Fast Pace Urgent Care.ated.

BANJO THE BEAR A highlight for the Partnership in 2023 was the tourism team’stol Theatre.

The short animated video takes viewers on what GCP calls a delightful trip through GreenevilleHorn, in close collaboration with the GCP tourism team. The video aims to promote Greeneville as a tourist destina--

dent Andrew Johnson and scenic outdoor spots throughout the Cherokee National Forest.

In addition to the premiere, there was a contest for viewers to name the lovable bear featured in the video. The mascot, has appeared at numerous comThe tourism department also announced the launch of the Passport, a new initiative designed to serve as a comprehensive visitors’ guide to the rich options, and entertaining attractions in the region. through a collaborative effort with the advertising team at the Greeneville Sun. The passports are free and aretion for visitors and residents to

Packed with information on hisdining experiences, and entertaining hotspots, the passport is special.

One of the standout features of the Greeneville and Greeneed list of the “Top 10 Must-Seeeville residents. These experiences are as follows: Andrew Johnson National Historic Site Park

Niswonger Performing Arts Center

den Emporium

As patrons explore each loca-

who visit all 10 experiences can leave their completed passport at the last experience to be mailedeville challenge coin featuring The Greeneville and Greene locations or at the Greene CounFor more information on the passport, contact the Greene visit www.discovergreenevilletn. com .

ANNIVERSARY GALA

held April 28 at the General Morgan Inn. The event was title sponsoredwho were treated to an evening

The gala also served as the GCP’s annual meeting, during which awards were presented to outstanding members of the

outstanding support of local schools, nonprofits, and other businesses.

Rhonda Humbert was named for attending GCP events, making business connections and welcoming new businesses.

Gail Landers was named Vol-mitment to volunteer work in-

tions as well as its commitment to bringing broadband to Greene

John Loven, chair of the GCP

Local IDBs Move Things Forward At GREENE VALLEY AND EXIT 23

BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER

Mosheim through the actions of two local industrial development boards and local governments in 2023.

The Greeneville, Tusculum, Greeneipalities in 2021 to chart the course of

The letter of intent acted as a contract between the state and the Greene would be used to the grant funding’sment. In September, the board received a presentation on due diligence studiesitive results for the possible develop-

diligence studies on the 336 acres ofRoad was appraised for $1.5 million. an economic springboard for the area, The grant was awarded to completeensure that it is appropriate for its intended uses. -

ber 2023.

The studies included a phase one environmental site assessment, a a rare, threatened and endangered species assessment, a geotechnical report

studies show that the site should be developable without much issue. There are “no environmental issues”

to the report and “the site is adaptable” for proposed construction.

teams doing the studies would consider a “dealbreaker.”plan.

agreements and zoning plans, were submitted to the Tennessee State -

local hands.

The board awaited approval of theing Commission and that long-awaited chairman of the Tusculum-Green-said.

Closing documents and agreements

Grant funding from the TennesseeMOSHEIM DEVELOPMENT

a large development planned in the

Town of Mosheim forward in 2023, agreement for the development. The plans for the new 30-acre devel-

The developer, Joe Patel, said he was planning to purchase three parcels offood restaurant located near Exit 23 in Mosheim.

TIF agreement for the development

mit stipulations from the Tennessee entrances and exits could be placed at Patel noted in October that he had a “license agreement executed” with the international hotel chain Marriott for the construction of a 115-room hotel. Patel said it would be a “dual-brand” Marriott under one roof. The development is planned to grow from the hotel to include restaurants and retail spaces, and will include thetrances and one exit. The current working name of the development is Mosheim Crossing.

What Does It Mean To Be An Ambassador For GREENE COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

BY AMY ROSE STAFF WRITER

The blazers are no longer part of their repertoire, but their crucial role in the local business world remains the same. GCP’s 20 Ambassadors are a select group of leaders who assist Partner-

The Ambassadors’ mission is to serve as goodwill representatives for members at various functions such as ribbon-cuttings, grand openings, groundbreakings, and other events.

In addition, the Ambassadors encourage new members and existing members to participate in breakfasts.

membership and improve services to existing members.

“Acting as an Ambassador is moretings and GCP breakfasts: it’s about an advocate for other GCP members,”

meeting where we recap past events,ions and feedback from other GCP members, and organize upcoming activities. Above all, we strive to be a welcoming and accommodating group of individuals supporting local businesses in Greeneville and Greene

Longtime Ambassador Rhonda

a great experience and honor. In this and support new and existing mem-ment the new business owners feel when we are doing the ribbon-cut-

Current Ambassadors include: Endean of Edward Jones; Humbert -

Edward Jones; Jolin Hawk, TusAdoration Home Health; Michelle

Scott Swift, The Greeneville Sun; Lori

Landers has been an Ambassador been “both an honor and a pleasure” to serve in this role.

help welcome, promote, and retain businesses in our area. I have seen

us change from agriculture to manufacturing and then public service, and tourism,” she said. others to embrace new establishretaining our children in this area.

“I am grateful that the Partnership helps me be more visible in the am proud to help the Partnership be

live and work.”

Endean has been an Ambassador

a need to connect with the commuthat’s one of the things being an Ambassador has allowed him to do.

ensuring these business owners and Ambassadors over the last several decades and I hope to live up to their left to follow,” Endean said. “I look forward to the future of the GCP and the Ambassador program as our com-

Billy Endean Caleb Julian Darbi Neas Delora Bennett Emily Robertson Gail Landers Jeff Brooks

Jessy Boswell John Kilday Jolin Hawk Lori Brown Lori Waddle Mary Jane Farmer Michelle Huffman

Nikki Wines Rhonda Humbert Rob Gay Scott Swift Sharon Hopson Wendy Peay

lected above the rate at which the tax rate was frozen for the TIF goes into a fund that can

ments

assets.

funds

structure at the development, such as sewer lines and roads, and do not fund developer. provided an explanation of how TIF funding could be used in November’s

The government does not assume followed the recommendation of the Mosheim Crossing development. for development generates $1,381 in but once the development is completaccording to the economic impact docabout $36,390 that is permitted to be remainder is invested back into the

CONTINUED FROM ACTIVE ON PAGE 6A

team and the General Morgan Inn’s staff for all their hard work.

sponsors for their support, and we look forward to continuing to serve and promote the growth of $2M GRANT $2.1 million site development -

development’s public infrastructure. the annual local sales tax revenue is annual hotel and motel tax revenue is according to the economic impact document. The TIF agreement for the development is set to begin on Jan. 1, 2025. CONTINUED

-

events and operations coordinator, a new position on the staff. -

long-term success. EVENTS

the GCP staff.

graduated from the Tennessee fall. Individuals involved in economic development organizations in the TVA region arehorts and must be accepted into committee. Each cohort contains around 20 students. -

the Partnership include the at the Greeneville Municipal Airport and Greeneville’s flagship event, the Iris Festival held A new event held in October 2023 was the GM Truck Fair at is an umbrella organization that houses the Chamber of Com-velopment. It was formed in 1993 to promote, preserve and enhanceic well-being of all residents oflective leadership and serving as -

For more information, visit the Partnership’s website, which was revamped in 2022 at https://www.greenecountypartnership.com/ .

approved the purchase of the 50acre tract of land located along 2022 for $1.3 million.effort to secure economic development grants to prepare the site to to locate there.

led the application process for to Nashville with local officials,sentation to state officials in a push for the grant funding. application process, to be awardexciting and validates that the state has significant interest in said. “The state believes in the for that, and I give the Greene doing the right thing in purchasthis grant.”

nesses and industries. NEW

tute, designed to assist economic developers in understanding and selling their workforce assets and address talent pipeline chalCollins graduated from the TVA’s Rural Leadership Institute, designed to help local participants more volunteers, partner organizations, elected officials and citizens to ensure

Jeff Taylor

Molly

FROM MOVE ON PAGE 7A