ADVISORY WORKING GROUP FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETING MINUTES
23 SEPTEMBER 2024
Chair Commissioner Evan Baddour opened the meeting noting this meeting may be the last for the Advisory Working Group in that the group had heard from the more significant areas for possible economic development opportunities (a report will be forthcoming based on the initial establishment of the group). The Chair then asked Commissioner Matt Rubelsky to offer a prayer and lead the pledge. The minutes of 10 September 24 were moved for approval by Commissioner Joyce Woodard, seconded by Commissioner Carman Brown, and was approved including a noted error to be corrected. (In fourth paragraph change “added in the old Poplin location” to “added in the old Elliott Popham location”). The County Executive Graham Stowe was asked if he had any announcements at this time and he did not.
The Chair then turned the meeting over to Ms. Jessie Parker, Chamber of Commerce (CoC) CEO to address two subjects, i.e., Support Local Business and Tourism. Ms. Parker gave an in-depth presentation on the programs and initiatives of the CoC that directly impact Small Businesses as well as a handout on agriculture (which was discussed in a previous meeting,) and another on ShopOurHometown.org an online marketplace. This online platform helps small businesses to increase their products and services visibility, similar to large nationwide venues, but focused on the local community. She encouraged the attendees to help get the word out to any small businesses, citing even those making small items. She discussed the CoC’s food/beverage incubator, noting their part focuses on entrepreneurial but mentioned TCAT has the “maker” part. Working with LaunchTN and PROOF, the CoC has assisted several new businesses in such areas as cost analysis of menus, and start-ups. She said they currently have 14 businesses taking advantage of the expert consultation available. Future plans are the possibility of a Small Business hub, perhaps partnering with UTS, mentioning the geographical gap for such expertise in the south of middle Tn although she also mentioned another area, i.e., Maury County, also being considered. LaunchTN, another connection provided by the CoC, is a public-private partnership which provides direct investment, while also supporting collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, private sector institutions and government.
Ms. Parker then changed subject to Tourism. She introduced Mr. Ryan French and Ms. Amanda McGowan, of South Central TN Tourism Association, Executive Director and CEO, and Associate Director of Marketing respectively. Ms. Parker mentioned an upcoming Economic Impact Workshop on being “Tourism Ready” planned for 1 Oct 2024. She provided examples of preparing to be Tourism Ready, e.g., hours posted and address correct on any media, well lit, parking, insurance covered. She mentioned the AgPark as a prospective Tourism attraction, e.g. with concerts as well as partnering with UTS at that location for training/research. She mentioned Giles County being the biggest deer harvesting, but cannot use that since there are currently no known locations where landowners (if any) lease their land to hunters. Promoting deer harvesting also would have a less desirable outcome for local hunters. The economic impact recouped from tourism for Giles County in 2023 was $40M. As a positive, per Mr. French that number was not weighted toward transportation as the majority are. Commissioner Matthew Hopkins asked for ways to increase that number and Mr. Phil Reese said it is closely connected with local businesses. He mentioned the number of out-of-town customers at Home Depot, for example, and considered that as well as UTS as a real advantage for Giles County. Ms. Parker mentioned other possible tourist attractions such as a walking trail, encouraging short term rentals like for glamping, and incubating an outfitter company. Commissioner Hopkins asked about a previous question on having brochures at I-65 rest stop and Ms. Parker mentioned some of the changing uses for tourism, e.g., QR codes, and also a lot of brochures are for specific attractions. At this time, she stated the major attraction, the Milky Way Farm, is under a generational change in management and while the owner is willing for tours to visit, the CoC staff is limited in doing that type of tourism. When Commissioner David Wamble asked how the county could help Ms. Parker, she said she and her staff are fully engaged and can’t take on many more tasks. She said she could use 1 FT employee and 1 Pt, with a cost of $75K. Commissioner Brad Butler gave considerable praise to the CoC, noting he had served on their board and knew how hard they all worked for the community. Ms. Tammy Pierchoski noted that the biggest problem is that the hotel/motel tax for Giles County through a TN statute is used for County Buildings. She talked about STAAR Theater and said that 65% of ticket sales for STAAR are from out-of-town customers. Commissioner David Wamble brought up the fact that the county’s tax is maxed out but the city has no hotel/motel tax revenue. With several Pulaski Aldermen in attendance, he asked if they would look into that. Mr. Reese said he and Mayor J.J. Brindley had discussed this issue, and stating they are probably the only city not charging this additional tax on hotel/motel sales. Mr. French mentioned that the state is looking at how lodging tax is being spent by each county/city. He encouraged all to maximize the tax, within the state’s limit. Mr. French also mentioned the economic implications of the national look in print at Giles County, noting seven journalists, including National Geographic, will be in town early October. He said when AP picked up a story on Ms. Vivian Sims, 150 other outlets picked up the story. As a wrap-up Ms. Parker mentioned their Hometown Hero digital gift Card which ensures dollars spent on that resource stay local.
Next Agenda Item – City/County Partnerships. The Chair mentioned that one of his constituents had asked about city/county owned property being used for a walking trail. He showed a layout of the property, noting it’s about 1.8 walking miles. Several of the areas discussed were: had been discussed about 10 years before and nothing had come of it; how popular such trails are, especially for people wanting to get away from the stress of more populated areas; who would prepare and maintain with several ideas floated; no property taxes paid since 1902; several other uses, e.g., picnicking but also needing a bathroom; has lots of parking possibilities. Commissioner Annelle Guthrie mentioned another area, i.e., part of Lot 15 owned by the IDB, but also noting the development would be more costly due to overgrowth and terrain.
Mr. Phil Reese then discussed the I-65 exit, generally Exit 14. He did mention Exit 1 but at this time the city of Ardmore is limiting any additional certificates for building. Mr. Reese mentioned conversations with Pilot Travel Centers to build one of their facilities at Exit 14. He discussed some of the potential revenue as well as some of the associated costs, but noted the numbers were draft. If everything could be worked out, i.e., location, cost, waste water resolution, Pilot had indicated they could be up and running in the first ½ quarter of 2026. Such a timeline assumes the land past Bank of Frankewing could be purchased today, and while that land may well become available for purchase, it is not yet available for purchase. Additionally, the County has not taken the steps toward having wastewater treatment at Exit 14 since it was walked-back by a previous county commission. In 2015 the Wastewater treatment plant was going to be $2.3M, and now it would be closer to $4M. Pilot specifically stated it would require 10,000 gallons a day. The estimated annual sales tax for a commercial user such as a Pilot travel center was approximately $50,000/year and the estimated property taxes for such a user approximately $100,000/year.
A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Annelle Guthrie, and was approved.
Members of the Advisory Group – Chairman Commissioner Evan Baddour, other Commissioners David Wamble, Carman Brown (for Judy Pruett, absent) Joyce Woodard, Annelle Guthrie, Matthew Hopkins and Brad Butler Other Commissioners in attendance – Gayle Jones, David Adams, Erin Curry, Matt Rubelsky, Terry Jones Others in attendance – County Executive Graham Stowe, Economic Development Director Phil Reese, Chamber of Commerce Director Jessie Parker, City Aldermen Pat Miles, Ricky Keith, STAAR Executive Director, Tammy Pierchoski, Mr. Ryan French and Ms. Amanda McGowan, of South Central TN Tourism Association, Executive Director and CEO, and Associate Director of Marketing respectively and other public member(s)
