wilson county annual report 2012
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Wilson County Annual Report 2012TRANSCRIPT
AnnuAl RepoRt 2012
Wilson County is an integral part of several growing and dynamic economies. Those include both the Nashville/Middle Tennessee area and that of the state of Tennessee. While Wilson County and its cities reap the benefits from being part of these economies, it should not be forgotten that we also contribute to their vitality.
We are a community that invests in ourselves through investments in our educational facilities and the construction of roads and other infrastructure projects. We also partner with local and national developers and their clients in the development of industrial and commercial buildings and parks. These partnerships allow us to assist in the creation of employment opportunities while increasing both property and sales tax collections.
Our growth and success did not go unrecognized in 2012. Our community received one of only fifteen Community Investment & Community Impact (CiCi) awards by the Trade & Industry Development magazine. This recognition was given to this community for its coordinated work in the selection and location of Amazon’s one million square foot fulfillment center. In addition to this recognition, the Tennessee Beacon Center also recognized both Lebanon and Mt. Juliet as being in the top six cities in its Business Friendly Cities Report.
Because of our economy and who we are, we were asked to respond to 94 formal project requests. Our goal is always to respond with the most current and accurate community information and data which inform those interested parties of “Why Wilson County.” Our office continues its outreach to our existing industries by
conducting benefit surveys and informational seminars. Our work outside of Wilson County includes meeting commercial clients through national trade shows and marketing events as well as meetings with both project managers and location consultants.
While our future will forever be entwined with other economies, we should continue to distinguish ourselves through our unique services and abilities. These include the continuation of our incentive program, our work with our economic partners and the continuation of the structure of this agency. The greatest opportunity for our community lies in our educational philosophy and their programs. Communities that can meet today’s and tomorrows job skills will lead all economies. Meeting these demands will require both post secondary education and technical skills development.
This 2012 Annual Report provides a summary of major events and accomplishments. On behalf of the staff of the JECDB, I want to thank those individuals and elected officials who provide their time, their direction and their support. Because of their efforts, our economy is stronger and our future is bright. Our office thanks you for the opportunity to serve and look forward to our continual work together.
G. C. Hixson, CEcDExecutive Director
Message from the Director
G.C. HixsonExecutive [email protected] G.C. came to the Joint Economic and Community Development Board of Wilson County in June 2005 after working in multiple departments and agencies within the State of Tennessee. Those departments included the Revenue, Transportation and the Department of Economic and Community Development (TDEC). While at TDEC, he served in multiple positions leading to the Director of Business Development where he oversaw the operations of the department’s domestic marketing staff and its operations. Mr. Hixson holds both a B.S. and Master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He also received the Certified Economic & Community Development (CEcD) designation from the International Economic and Development Council trough the University of Oklahoma. G. C. presently serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Nashville Career Advancement Center (NCAC), the Leadership Middle Tennessee Board of Directors, Cumberland University Business Advisory Board and on the Board of Directors of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC).
JECDB Staff
Tammy has been with the JECDB since June 2000 and on October 1, 2011 moved into the Assistant Director position. Her responsibilities include
assisting in planning, directing and implementation of the business marketing & recruitment programs and activities which include the ongoing program of business retention strategy and the existing industry visitation program. Additionally, she is responsible for analyzing and implementing marketing and advertising strategies.
She currently represents Wilson County on the TN Technology Center-Hartsville Advisory Committee; the Wilson County GIS Committee and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Tennessee Economic Development Council.
Tammy grew up in Louisiana, Missouri and graduated from Louisiana High School. She obtained her Office Systems Technologies certification from Pike/Lincoln Technical Center. She has also obtained the Introduction to ArcGIS I, Introduction to ArcGIS II and the Fundamentals of ArcGIS Desktop certifications through ESRI.
Tammy moved to Wilson County in 1999 when her husband accepted a position with an area contractor. She lives in Lebanon with her husband Mike, son Michael and daughter Brooke.
Tammy StokesAssistant [email protected]
Linda began her employment with the JECDB in March 2013. Her responsibilities include assisting
with providing technical support for economic development projects and assisting with the necessary research including but not limited to sites, buildings, industrial parks, RFP responses and zoning related issues. Prior to joining the JECDB, Linda worked at Alley-Cassetty Company as their receptionist/bookkeeper. Notable is her fifteen years effectively working with the public and event planning. Linda moved to Wilson County in 1986 and currently resides in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee with her husband John.
LindaButlerAdministrative [email protected]
Recruitment OverviewSouthern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Meet the Consultants – Atlanta, GA
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) RECON – Las Vegas, NV
Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Annual Conference – Myrtle Beach, SC
Tennessee Economic Development Council (TEDC) Fall Conference – Chattanooga, TN
Tennessee Economic Partnership (TEP) CoreNet Global Summit – Orlando, FL
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Partnership 2020 CMA Red Carpet Tour – Nashville, TN
Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association (TAMA) Annual Meeting – Nashville, TN
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Tennessee/Kentucky Idea Exchange – Nashville, TN
94 RFP’s Responded To In 2012 With 15 Prospect Visits To Wilson County
•••••
Logged Attendance At 328 Meetings And/Or Events
•••••
Hosted 2 Industry Alliance Partnership Meetings
•••••
Conducted 2 Surveys:2012 Wilson County Wage Survey
(October 2012) Annual Report
2012 Wilson County Benefits & Personnel Practices Survey
(April 2012) Biannual Report
City of Mt. JulietSingle-Family Home Commercial
Month Homes Month Permits
January 13 January 5
February 26 February 4
March 36 March 10
April 38 April 5
May 62 May 5
June 24 June 5
July 25 July 12
August 45 August 3
September 30 September 6
October 34 October 3
November 53 November 5
December 38 December 4
Totals 424 67
City of LebanonSingle-Family Home Commercial
Month Homes Month Permits
January 9 January 2
February 14 February 2
March 15 March 2
April 7 April 0
May 12 May 1
June 11 June 2
July 14 July 1
August 15 August 1
September 15 September 1
October 11 October 2
November 9 November 0
December 13 December 0
Totals 145 14
Wilson County (includes Watertown)
Single-Family Home Commercial
Month Homes Month Permits
January 12 January 0
February 7 February 0
March 19 March 0
April 16 April 0
May 17 May 0
June 12 June 5
July 18 July 0
August 17 August 0
September 13 September 0
October 21 October 0
November 24 November 0
December 9 December 0
Totals 185 5
Residential Real EstateWilson County home sales rose significantly in 2012 as compared to the previous year with the market continuing to improve for sellers. 1,949 residential homes sold in 2012 in Wilson County which is an increase of 23.5 percent. Also, median home prices rose in 2012 by 2.7 percent to $190,000. On average, 163 homes closed each month of 2012. Homes were on the market a median of 83 days. Source: Eastern Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors
Major IndustryCracker Barrel Old Country StoreLifeway Christian ResourcesGENCORemar, Inc.TRW AutomotiveProspect, Inc.Performance Food GroupLeviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.LochinvarCEVA LogisticsEnvironmental Science CorporationPermobilAmazon Fulfillment ServicesBridgestone Americas Tire Operation, LLCGenescoOrchid Mt. Juliet, LLCL&W Engineering Co.Fortune PlasticsFamous FootwearCustom Packaging, Inc.Nutro Products, Inc.LEGACY Supply Chain ServicesPerma-Pipe, Inc.Rock-Tenn Company
TACLE Seating USA, LLCNissan Parts Redistribution Center & Export CenterOzburn Hessey LogisticsJacobson CompaniesSteves & Sons, Inc.
Population EstimatesArea Growth 2000-2010 July 1, 2011 Estimates Census 2010 Census 2000
United States 9.7% 310,704,322 308,745,538 281,421,906
Tennessee 11.5% 6,401,643 6,346,105 5,689,283
Wilson County 28.4% 116,667 113,993 88,809
Lebanon 29.4% 26,662 26,190 20,235
Mt. Juliet 91.4% 24,532 24,548 12,366
Watertown 8.8% 1,522 1,477 1,358
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
2nd Highest MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
in the State
Wilson County Schools K-12• Elementary Schools – 12• Middle Schools – 2• High Schools – 4• Vocational – 1Total Enrollment – 15,394
Lebanon Special School District K-8• Elementary Schools – 4• Middle Schools – 2Total Enrollment – 3,295
Private Schools K-12 (3)Total Enrollment – 1,083
Higher Education (Four Year)• Cumberland University – Lebanon
Other Higher Education Institutions in Surrounding Area (1,000+) enrollment• Belmont University• Lipscomb University• Middle Tennessee State University• Tennessee State University• Tennessee Technological University• Trevecca Nazarene University• University of Phoenix• Vanderbilt University
Technology Centers and Community Colleges• Nashville State Technical Community College• TN Technology Center – Hartsville• TN Technology Center – Murfreesboro• TN Technology Center – Nashville• Volunteer State Community College - Gallatin
Education
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Building Materials $122,141,863 $94,168,344 $121,924,874 $125,916,720 $160,600,734
General Merchandise $195,781,591 $186,918,596 $234,255,653 $243,200,876 $246,664,583
Food Stores $336,431,154 $276,559,832 $307,924,629 $367,208,134 $383,510,054
Autos, Boats, Aircraft $180,137,801 $156,126,036 $186,382,599 $222,220,531 $258,968,043
Service Stations $67,406,776 $61,842,327 $80,723,492 $102,898,977 $122,792,878
Apparel & Accessories $52,903,265 $49,750,049 $61,622,644 $67,413,384 $61,858,752
Furniture & Home Décor $61,276,921 $61,891,554 $62,659,313 $61,414,989 $62,401,033
Eating & Drinking $134,523,637 $136,599,657 $144,731,141 $151,137,494 $162,149,269
Other Retail $155,219,844 $177,623,507 $193,551,749 $206,534,220 $208,077,438
Total $1,305,822,852 $1,201,479,902 $1,393,776,094 $1,547,945,325 $1,667,022,784
Sales History
County/City Name 2011 2012 % ChangeWilson County $3,378,291 $3,579,256 5.9%
Lebanon $16,303,914 $17,451,293 7.0%
Watertown $226,492 $237,571 4.9%
Mt. Juliet $11,685,989 $13,632,411 16.7%
Local Option Sales Tax Revenue Collections
The 3rd Fastest Growing County
in the State
Tax RatesArea Special School
District (SSD)County
Tax RateCity
Tax RateSSD
Tax RateTotal
Wilson County $2.5704 $2.5704
Lebanon Lebanon SSD $2.5704 $0.3456 $0.3900 $3.3060
Watertown $2.5704 $0.9578 $3.5282
Mt. Juliet $2.5704 $0.2000 $2.7704
Assessment RateResidential 25% of Appraised Values
Commercial 40% of Appraised Values
Industrial 40% of Appraised Values
Personal Property 30% of Appraised Values
The Beacon Center ranked two Wilson County cities in their top ten most business-friendly cities. Mt. Juliet ranked fourth while Lebanon ranked sixth. The annual study examines Tennessee’s 50 largest cities, assessing factors such as property tax rates, sales taxes, job growth, population growth, violent crime, household income, cost of living and high school graduation rates.
The Beacon Center of Tennessee, a free-market nonprofit, tends to emphasize low taxes, while other business groups sometimes champion public spending on livability, mass transit and other public amenities.
No. 4 Mt. Juliet:For the second consecutive year, this Wilson County city finished fourth in the overall rankings, having claimed the top spot in 2010. Despite enacting a property tax for the first time two years ago, the tax is the lowest among all cities that impose such a tax, leading to a second place finish in Business Tax Burden and high overall ranking. Economic Vitality Ranking: 63.0 (9th)Business Tax Burden Ranking: 92.8 (2nd)Community Allure Ranking: 70.5 (5th)Overall Ranking: 76.4
No. 6 Lebanon:Lebanon’s low tax policy again kept Lebanon in the conversation among the state’s best cities for business. The city improved on its 2011 ranking by a spot, leaping Hendersonville despite giving up some ground in Community Allure.Economic Vitality Ranking: 56.5 (15th)Business Tax Burden Ranking: 88.6 (4th)Community Allure Ranking: 62.8 (18th)Overall Ranking: 70.6
Mt. Juliet & Lebanon Ranked in Top Ten Business-Friendly Cities
Retail SnapshotJust a few of the new retail developments in 2012 include: Lebanon – Logan’s Roadhouse, LaQuinta Inn & Suites, Boot Barn, Petco, Graves Fitness, Café Bavende, Sammy B’s, Petsense, Tasti-D-Lite, Mo’Cara Fine Southern Dining, Lindt Chocolate, Neighbor MD, Chief’s Country Cookin, Jos. A. Bank, Loft Outlet, The Pink Caddy Shack, Smith’s Catering Kitchen, Kids Care Walk-In/Urgent Care Clinic Mt. Juliet – Academy Sports + Outdoors, Peachwave, Southern Bank of Tennessee, Longhorn Steakhouse, Mirko Pasta, Jet’s Pizza, Snap Fitness, Bar-B-Cutie, Firehouse Subs, American Family Care, Martins BBQ, Sleep Outfitters, Batteries Plus, Tazikis Mediterranean Café, Hobbytown USA, Harmony Home Furnishings, Big Star Cigar, Short Cakes Cakery, Kavanagh’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, S&E Consignment, Dragonfly Consignment, Hana Sushi House, Valvoline, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Select Physical Therapy, Snodgrass & King Pediatric Dentistry, Anytime Fitness, Watertown – Walker Creek Toffee, Steptoes & Sons, Pay It Forward Consignment
Wilson County also had several larger developments announced in 2012 that included:
Providence Central – Providence Central will be a mixed use development including office, retail and residential development. The majority of the project will be office and retail, which will front Central Pike along Interstate 40 in Mt. Juliet. Two sections are set aside for high density living, one of which already has interest from an apartment complex developer. A small portion to the west of Central Pike will be for single family homes.
The first phase will be an extension of Providence Parkway west, and possibly one of the high density living areas. The next will connect Adams Lane and Providence Parkway and finish in the office and retail space around Adams Lane, which will curve southwest, and another high density living area. The last phase will fill in the rest, including the interstate exit and widening of Central Pike to five lanes.
Hartmann Central – Consists of 15 acres and located directly across from the new Lebanon High School on Hartmann Drive and less than one mile to Interstate 40. The first building will have available space for retail and office ranging from 1,200 – 10,000 sf
Other Noteworthy News of 2012: Troon, a recognized world leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, has taken over to lead club and course operations at Five Oaks Golf & Country Club in Lebanon.
Wilson County Motors, a long standing pillar of Wilson County, recently moved into their new home at 903 Hartmann Drive in Lebanon just north of Interstate 40 at exit 236. This area is fast becoming the new gateway to Lebanon.
The Wilson County Driver Service Center relocated to a newly-constructed facility at 204 Maddox Simpson Pkwy in Lebanon. The facility also houses Tennessee Highway Patrol personnel assigned to Wilson County.
Cumberland University opened a 152-bed residence hall and the Center for Online and Professional Studies in Mt. Juliet. The Mt. Juliet Center is a 7,500 sf facility located just off Interstate 40 at Providence that serves as the university’s headquarters for the growing online and adult nursing programs.
The Arcade, a historical landmark of the Lebanon Public Square since 1904, underwent a major renovation in 2012. The architect, Mike Manous, has brought the century-old structure back to its original charm and character. Leasing is now underway for restaurant, office suites and other retail opportunities. The facility also houses a 2,500 sf banquet room.
The City of Mt. Juliet broke ground on a new fire station located on 2.3 acres of land along Belinda Parkway while Wilson County Emergency Management Agency broke ground on Station 9 located at Hunters Point Pike & Highway 231 North in Lebanon.
Wilson County Fair ranked among top 50 in North America – 2012 attendance was 528,432
Cedars of Lebanon State Park –2011/2012 attendance was 949,749
New Developments While the national economy struggled to break from its post-recession grips, the Wilson County, TN economy experienced a stable yet sustained growth. Included among its 2012 announcements was Paperboard Filtration Products (PFP). The company which purchased the existing Toshiba distribution facility produces paper filtration products brought 34 existing middle Tennessee jobs to Lebanon, TN while allowing PFP the space and opportunity for future growth.
Other industries bringing new developments into the community included the consolidation of REMAR’s multiple Wilson County operations into their new facility 250, 0000 square foot facility. Ozburn Hessey Logistics (OHL) located in the Nashville East Logistics Center off Couchville Pike is adding both space and employees to service one of world’s premier telecommunication companies. GENCO Technology Solutions (GTS) expanded its Wilson County, TN footprint by leasing an additional 225,000 square foot facility in the Eastgate Business Park. This expansion required the addition of over 180 new employees.
Lexon Insurance (pictured above) of Mt. Juliet, TN occupied its new 61,000 square foot plus facility in the fall of 2012. Lexon Surety Group, LLC a privately held insurance company specializing in the insurance of surety bonds and maintains one of the highest industry ratings in their industry.
KAN DO Logistics, a family run logistics provider opened its operations in the Cedar Creek Business Park, in Mt. Juliet in 2012. The family owned and managed business provides
full service logistics and warehousing needs in a personalized and unparalleled manner for short term and on demand warehousing needs.
Education has and will continue to define the success of both Wilson County and of its citizens. Significant occurrences in 2012 included the opening of the new Lebanon High School and of the announcement of the new Watertown High School. The JECDB also undertook an active role in the use of a portion of the technology building at the old Lebanon High School and has coordinated the efforts between local officials and the Tennessee Board of Regents.
A significant infrastructure project came to a conclusion with the completion of State Route 840. This completion increased the interest in both existing properties and in potential new developments along the intersections in Wilson County.
Existing Industry Support The JECDB staff continued its assistance to its existing industries and had the opportunity to work with Genessee A & B in its 2012 expansion. The project represented an investment of $2.1 million and the creation of 34 new manufacturing jobs. The company is a custom metal parts manufacturer and is a supplier to multiple global original equipment manufacturers.
The JECDB assisted KHS in Mt. Juliet, TN in their work with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community
Development in using previously awarded training funds. Through this joint effort, KHS was able to use these funds for additional employee training and skills upgrades.
In 2012, the JECDB office also worked with Georgia Pacific in Lebanon, TN in their attempt to win new business within their corporate structure. Through the County Payment in Lieu of Tax Progam (PILOT), Georgia Pacific was awarded corporate funds to replace aging, older less efficient equipment allowing them to become more competitive for new and expanding company businesses.
The JECDB worked with both the State of Tennessee and with Orchid of Mt. Juliet, TN in its efforts to identify and locate qualified minority contractors. This work resulted in developing a stronger position for its attempt to win additional Tier One wok in 2012-13.
Other Items:The JECDB was recognized in 2012 for its work in the Amazon project location by receiving the Marshall S. Stuart award at the 45th Annual Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) on September 13, 2012. The award was for its work to local governments for regional accomplishments through intergovernmental cooperation. Officials from both Lebanon and Wilson County accepted the award.
The JECDB also accepted the Corporate Investment and Community Impact Award (CiCi) from Trade & Industry Development Magazine for its Outstanding Achievement in Economic Development for its work in the 2012 Amazon project.
Paul Abercrombie
Board of Directors
Rob Cesternino
Don Chambers
Philip Craighead*
William Glover
Ed Hagerty
FredBurton
Randall Hutto*
Mike Jennings*
Kenneth Martin*
Rob Porter
Nelson Remus
*Denotes Executive Committee Members
Nelson Steed*
Laleta Shipper
John Bryan
Clint Thomas
TomNix
Luke Winchester
Caleb Thorne
Nelson Steed, Chairman of Board of Directors
Don, Chambers, Vice-Chairman of Board of Directors
Mike Jennings, Chairman of the Executive Committee
Ex-Officio Members:Sue VanattaMark HinesleyMike DavisScott BensonDr. Harvill EatonAaron MaynardTom BrashearMae BeaversMark PodyMae PerryRobin VanceSusan Lynn
RobertRochelle*Attorney
Phil Smartt*Treasurer
Joint Economic& Community DevelopmentBoard of Wilson County115 N. Castle Heights Avenue, Suite 102Lebanon, Tennessee 37087Phone: 615.443.1210Fax: 615.443.0277Website: www.doingbiz.org