Clarksville Business Journal

Healing Flames Forge Inc is hosting a grand opening celebration! The local nonprofit aims to enrich the lives of others through hammer, anvil, and camaraderie. ⚒

Check out the full article for more details on the event and be sure to mark your calendars! 📅

GRAND OPENING: Healing Flames Forge Inc: An Arts-Education Nonprofit Healing Flames Forge Inc. is an arts-education nonprofit located in a blacksmith shop in Woodlawn, TN. The nonprofit instructs participants in basic ornamental blacksmithing and related skills with…

FEATURE: The Wren, Clarksville’s Newest Kid-Friendly, Women’s Co-Working Space!

“I know Clarksville has some co-working spaces but none of them are child-friendly, and I have three kids. I thought if I needed that, there were probably other moms that need that as well,” Amabile told Clarksville Business Journal.

Read the full feature here 👇🏼✨

FEATURE: The Wren, Clarksville’s Newest Kid-Friendly, Women’s Co-Working Space Lindsay Amabile grew up in Clarksville, and has worked as a self-employed photographer for the last eight years. In June, she opened The Wren, Clarksville’s first women-only co-working space at 341…

The winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history returned to the winner’s circle on Sunday afternoon at the NHRA Northwest Nationals, the final event of the three-race Western Swing.

Read the full story here 👇

Maynard Family Racing

Tony Schumacher Returns to NHRA Winner’s Circle; Maynards Score First Victory in Debut Weekend as Top Fuel Team Owners The winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history returned to the winner’s circle on Sunday afternoon at the NHRA Northwest Nationals, the final event of the three-race Western Swing. Tony Schumacher’…

Don Schumacher Racing and Joe and Cathi Maynard announced today that they have expanded the terms of their current partnership to include the Maynards as majority owners of the Top Fuel operation currently piloted by Tony Schumacher 🏎

Read the full article here 👇🏼

Maynard Family Racing

DSR, Maynard Family Announce Expanded Partnership Agreement; Maynards Named Majority Owner of Top Fuel Team Don Schumacher Racing and Joe and Cathi Maynard announced today that they have expanded the terms of their current partnership to include the Maynards as majority owners of the Top Fuel operation c…

The Visit Clarksville TN Board of Directors elected officers and introduced new board members for the 2022-23 program year at its regularly scheduled board meeting today.

Read the full article below 👇

Visit Clarksville Board Names Officers for the 2022-23 Program Year The Visit Clarksville Board of Directors elected officers and introduced new board members for the 2022-23 program year at its regularly scheduled board meeting today. Kyle Luther, market president…

This is monumentally important. It is incredible that our 101st Airborne Division Veterans are getting recognition that has been a long time coming.

If you, or a veteran you know, meets all of the following qualifications, please reach out to the 101st Airborne Division Veteran's Association [[email protected] or 931-431-0199].

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Clarksville-Montgomery County has it all.

“The Microvast development marks significant progress in the U.S. energy sector and will truly expand opportunities for growth in the energy and technology fields for Middle Tennessee. I am thrilled Montgomery County was selected for this facility and excited for the competitive career opportunities it will bring to our community and our current automotive cluster," said Frank Tate, Executive Director of the IDB.

We are incredibly excited for Clarksville, Montgomery County’s growth. The economic expansion that Executive Director, Frank Tate, and his team is bringing to our region is inspiring.

The IDB is pleased to announce American-Owned and Operated Microvast Power Solutions (Microvast) has chosen to locate its U.S. manufacturing headquarters in , Tennessee; bringing a capital investment of $220M and 287 new jobs.

FULL RELEASE: http://ow.ly/9gq050DwBPF

We would like to take a moment to congratulate Clarksville's own Judge Jill Ayers for being appointed to Court of Criminal Appeals, Middle District!

https://www.tn.gov/.../gov--bill-lee-announces-judicial...

Gov. Bill Lee Announces Judicial Appointments NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced appointments to judicial positions across the state.

Clarksville Business Journal | Quarter 4 2020 highlights updates in industry, tracks accomplishments in our economy, follows successes in education, and documents 4th quarter business updates. Clarksville Business Journal is exclusively postive, and takes pride in chronicling advancements in Clarksville and our surrounding communities.

The Clarksville Business Journal is a quarterly publication with valuable local insight, information, statistics, and timely features.

Clarksville Business Journal | Quarter 4 2020 highlights updates in industry, tracks accomplishments in our economy, follows successes in education, and documents 4th quarter business updates. Clarksville Business Journal is exclusively postive, and takes pride in chronicling advancements in Clarksville and our surrounding communities.

The Clarksville Business Journal is a quarterly publication with valuable local insight, information, statistics, and timely features.

https://issuu.com/vipclarksville/docs/clarksville_business_journal_quarter_4

Clarksville Business Journal | Quarter 4 2020 Clarksville Business Journal | Quarter 4 2020 highlights updates in industry, tracks accomplishments in our economy, follows successes in education, and documents 4th quarter business updates. Clarksville Business Journal is exclusively postive, and takes pride in chronicling advancements in Clarksv...

Local Wreaths Across America supporters invite the community to contribute now to ensure the success of National Wreaths Across America Day 2021.

City officials and local volunteers honored veterans laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery on Dec. 19 with the placement of balsam wreaths on their graves as part of National Wreaths Across America Day 2020. 280 graves were adorned with wreaths during the solemn ceremony.

The first-ever local event was a great success, and organizers thank the community for their support and attendance.

To help make the 2021 ceremony an even bigger success, the national Wreaths Across America organization is offering to match all wreaths funded by local supporters through Jan. 15, 2021.

Donations to sponsor wreaths for the December 2021 ceremony at Riverview Cemetery should be made online. Go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TN0273 and click "Sponsor Wreaths." Complete the checkout process with credit/debit card or Paypal.

Congratulations, Dr. Michael Licari! We are looking forward to having you as part of our amazing community.

We are so thrilled to welcome newly named 11th APSU President, Dr. Michael Licari and his family, to Clarksville! We are excited to see all of the growth you will be bringing to our already incredible friends at APSU.

Highest of congratulations, from your fellow Rotarians at VIP Clarksville! ❤

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) recently completed Expert Infantryman Badge and Expert Soldier Badge training and testing, during which the division performed above the Army-wide benchmark for both awards.

The 101st Airborne’s pass rate for the ESB was 25 percent. Army-wide pass rates hover between 12 to 18 percent, according to the ESB test management office, with statistics updated as new training events are conducted.

EIB pass rates also outperformed the average, at 27 percent. Average EIB rates are similar to ESB rates.

The division’s 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams trained and tested for the awards in November and December. Dec. 17 was the final day of testing.

“For the Soldiers earning the EIB or the ESB, it helps them stand apart from their peers,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Campbell, planning noncommissioned officer-in-charge for 2nd Brigade’s events. “Junior Soldiers will take the skills they practiced and be able to apply them throughout their careers.”

“As for the unit the Soldiers go back to, they gain the benefit of a more lethal Soldier that in turn helps the unit prepare for upcoming training,” said Campbell.

The EIB and ESB are voluntary honors which Soldiers can attempt to earn through a rigorous, hands-on training and testing process. The tests are conducted by units across the Army, with oversight from professional teams who ensure standards are uniform.

Undeniably, this is a historic event that is going to transform the landscape of not only downtown, but all of Clarksville.

📣 Representatives from the Nashville Predators and Mayor Jim Durrett, joined by Mayor Joe Pitts and Austin Peay State University Athletic Director Gerald Harrison will break ground on the Multi-Purpose Event Center, scheduled to open in 2022.

🗓️ Thursday, Nov 12th
⏰ 3:30 p.m.
📍Corner of Main & 1st

READ MORE: http://ow.ly/nV7250CdKiH

It’s always a great end to the week when Executive Director Frank Tate hangs out with our publishing team.

If you’re looking for a business lunch location, we always recommend

The CBJ team was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Fort Campbell Power Breakfast this morning. The message was incredible, inspiring, and the impact of our veterans and active duty soldiers was highlighted.

In Q3, we had the opportunity to discuss the economic engine our veterans are with Montgomery County Veteran Service Office Executive Director, Andrew Kester.

MCVSO Community Impact:

To begin with the nuts and bolts, the Montgomery County Veteran Service Office is a state mandated free organization created to serve Tennessee veteran populations. According to state law, each county is required to have one part time, 20 hour per week, veteran service officer. Shelby County only has one service officer who serves over 50,000 veterans.

Montgomery County has nine full-time service officers. Counties who only have one can’t do outreach, and therefore cannot get more funding or support because the numbers simply aren’t there. MCVSO is not part of the VA, it was established to help veterans navigate the VA system.

Montgomery County Veteran Service Office Executive Director Dr. Andrew Kester has been at the helm since 2019, and in that time has seen the largest increases in both reach and economic impact in the history of Montgomery County.

Kester attributes their success to the dedicated, collaborative efforts of his team, and the express support of Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett.

Kester says, “Our reach and our capacity is a reflection of Mayor Durrett. I asked Mayor Durrett, 'What’s my breadth?' He said, 'As far as you can go.'”

“This office sees veterans internationally; we have veteran contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan who pass out business cards," Kester continues.

Unlike understaffed counterparts in neighboring counties, having 9 officers allows MCVSO to do outreach. All MCVSO service officers are veterans and collectively have over 100 years of military service and over 40 years of claims experience.

HUMANIZING THE NUMBERS
MCVSO is essential to the health, well-being, and protection of veterans. The following is one of 2020’s greatest accomplishments:

Vietnam veterans were subjected to exposure of Agent Orange. The ramifications of exposure are prolific and lifelong.

To compensate persons exposed to the poison, the Agent Orange Act was passed federally in 1991.

However, Bluewater Navy veterans were not included in the legislation. In order to benefit from the Agent Orange Act, veterans had to be on Vietnam soil or inland waterways from January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975. Bluewater Navy veterans served on ships off the coast of Vietnam.

Agent Orange run off permeated the seas, and water used on ships was purified seawater. Unfortunately, the purification process did not remove the toxins from Agent Orange. So, our Bluewater Navy was unknowingly eating, drinking, and showering with Agent Orange toxins, yet were never recognized as an afflicted population.

Finally, in January of 2020, through dedicated advocacy from organizations like MCVSO, the VA conceded. The VA now recognizes Bluewater Navy veteran claims from those within 12 nautical miles of the Vietnam coast, and the impact has been immediately significant.

Montgomery County Navy veterans have seen massive awards including $200,000 and more in back pay.

From a human standpoint, that impact is unfathomable. The depths of suffering experienced, and the following just recompense received is an emotional rollercoaster of epic proportions.

Economically, that is all tax-free income directly being injected into the Montgomery County economy. Kester says, “This is how you get the buy in. You have to show the economic impact.”

ECONOMIC IMPACT
In terms of commonly used vocabulary when discussing veterans, disability is a misnomer. Kester says, “'Disability” causes confusion. It’s a huge stigma.”

Traditionally, tax free compensation for our veterans is referred to as ‘disability’ compensation: we will instead default to Kester’s preferred term – compensation for physical decline. In order to change the stigma and negativity associated with seeking a service, the language must be changed.

In 2019, MCVSO helped Montgomery County veterans receive over $387 million in compensation for physical decline. 2020 numbers are on track to surpass $400 million.

This impact directly translates to new homes built and bought, support of local retailers, restaurants, entertainment dollars, and everything in between.

Montgomery County is also on track to have the highest veteran population in the state of Tennessee. Counties with higher veteran numbers are seeing a steady yearly decline, when Montgomery County sees remarkable increases every year.

Veterans are the proverbial sleeping giant in terms of economic power in Clarksville-Montgomery County, and that number is expected to continue to grow exponentially.

Kester says, “These numbers are only Montgomery County. We have aided in economic impact of other states. We can do that because of Mayor Durrett's guidance and leadership.”

Additionally, core to MCVSO success is outreach. Veterans are not broken; they gave of themselves selflessly to defend our country and often feats of bravery call for physical sacrifice. It is the mission of the MCVSO to aid them in receiving compensation for physical decline.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & OVERCOMING COVID-19
Montgomery County has four main categories of veterans: working class veterans, students, homeless veterans, and veterans in nursing and care homes.

The lion share of the Montgomery County veteran population is working class veterans. Kester has found these veterans generally hold two central fears regarding seeking services from the MCVSO: claiming disability will affect ability and right to work, or affect 2nd amendment rights.

While the MCVSO has impressive reach, there are still underserved veterans. MCVSO works closely with partner organizations to maximize reach. Kester says, “We are here to be a partner.”

Although a county organization, Kester also notes the fluid collaboration with Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts. “Mayor Pitts is also a great partner. One of the first things I found was a transportation need for veterans. There was a concern with the bus drop off at Ted Crozier. The path was unsafe and veterans were having to walk directly on the street. I talked to Mayor Pitts about it, and he went out to see for himself. We are currently working on a solution, and Mayor Pitts is working on a new bus stop by the Veterans Clinic.”

Veteran service office claim numbers are a collective effort through organizations like: DAV, American Legion, VFW, and Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. Connecting all of Montgomery County veteran organizations together is the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition. Kester tells CBJ, “We are part of the community, and part of the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition. It’s a great pipeline and streamline experience for veterans. It operates as a massive referral system.”

The Montgomery County Veterans Coalition is lead by Executive Director Sherry Pickering, and has over 275 member organizations and businesses on the books currently, but that number is continually growing. The Montgomery County Veterans Coalition has been of monumental importance in passing legislation, and works every day to connect and serve Montgomery County veterans. Part of MCVC success is reduced redundancy in service for veterans, through direct connection and collaboration within the coalition. The result is a better, stronger system of support for Montgomery County veterans, and the numbers reflect it.

The test of true strength is lasting through adversity. “When COVID hit, all the outreach stopped, but we didn’t stop. We did not miss one day of work, we did not miss one veteran,” Kester said.

In fact, the office not only maintained numbers, they broke records.

Through the entire quarantine period, MCVSO was able to file claims using a secure email server. Kester tells CBJ, “It didn’t cost anything. EMS uses it all the time, we just activated it.”

Unavoidably, there were some upfront challenges. Veterans who didn’t think the office was open didn’t call. It is also slightly harder to build rapport over the phone, especially harder with new clients. Fortunately, with veterans who have worked with MCVSO in past, that connection already exists.

Remote work also renders budget hearings more difficult. Another challenge is keeping a remote team. Social, loyalty, comradery decreases with loss of office interaction. Kester notes how it is easier to miss life’s important moments when working virtually. Additionally, there is a high turnover rate in remote work.

Through the challenges, the strides outweigh the hardship. The IT department issues laptops and remote servers so service officers can maintain the continuum of care.

Kester tells CBJ, “A lot of things we are taking with us and keeping. Actually, one of the visions was to implement phone appointments, but prior to COVID, the team didn’t have the confidence. COVID changed that.”

“Veterans have the option of in-person or over the phone, and that is here to stay. We have many disabled veterans in wheelchairs, with adaptive equipment, or who have challenges with transportation," Kester says. The MCVSO averages 50 veterans’ appointments per day, and the new office allows for growth over the next 10 years. “We are the largest county service office in the state of Tennessee by leaps and bounds.” Kester says.

At the close of 2020, MCVSO is poised to see the highest single year increase in the history of the state of Tennessee.

Kester highlights his team and tells CBJ that each team member does a different kind of outreach highlighting one of the four previously mentioned categories of veterans.
Kester leads by example, and for him, this position is much more than just a job. Kester lives and breathes advocacy. He tells CBJ, “I am always on. For me this is not and 8:30-4:30.”

Recently, as a veteran himself, Kester applied for the Hunting with Heroes program out of Wyoming. Hunting with Heroes Wyoming was founded by veterans for veterans.

Their mission is to give back to our nation's veterans by honoring them with unique hunting, fishing and other outdoor experiences.

He was accepted to the program, and upon discussing what he does as the Montgomery County Veteran Service Office Executive Director, Hunting with Heroes invited him to speak to his fellow veterans and program mates every night.

No matter what battles veterans continue to fight physically or emotionally, Hunting with Heroes is a community where they are supported. HWH seeks to provide a progressive healing environment where the veteran community can discover hope again.

On a personal trip, Kester is going to speak every night, and will be offering claim service in Wyoming. To reiterate, this is Kester taking vacation, not on tax payer dime. Yet, his heart for service, and his dedication to advocacy continues.

To get connected with the Montgomery County Veteran Service Office, call
931-553-5173.

The new Montgomery County Veteran Service Office is located front and center at Veteran’s Plaza.

We are so proud of our city!

The Clarksville Finance & Revenue Department has earned the highest possible recognition for excellence in preparing the City’s annual financial report.

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded Oct. 21 to the City of Clarksville by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. This is the sixth consecutive year the City has received the award.

The Certificate of Achievement represents a significant accomplishment by Chief Financial Officer Laurie Matta and the staff of the Finance & Revenue Department. The City’s full report for the year ended June 30, 2019, is available online at https://bit.ly/2HQFAJf.

“This award signifies the City’s financial activities and fiscal condition are fully and clearly reported for all the world to see,” Mayor Joe Pitts said. “I commend Laurie Matta and her staff for their excellent work on behalf of the citizens of Clarksville.”

The comprehensive annual report, known as CAFR, is published to provide the Mayor, City Council, City staff, citizens, bondholders, and other interested parties with detailed information concerning the finances of the City. The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award is bestowed after review of the comprehensive report by a panel of judges.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

Welcome to Clarksville, Pantos USA! 🇺🇸

Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Announce FNS Group to Expand Clarksville Operations - News - Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development FNS Group will invest $33 million to build a new facility in Clarksville Expansion will create more than 60 new jobs in Montgomery County Company is a third-party logistics provider for LG NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob...

In Quarter 3 of the CBJ, we featured The Press Clarksville, specifically the state of the art, innovative concept and vision.

Millan Enterprises LLC gives an exciting first look.

https://youtu.be/hGAuud2ECL8

Take a First Look Inside The Press Office Space | Downtown Clarksville Introducing The Press The Press is a new space designed for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals alike. Located in the center of Downtown Clarksville, ...

We have a storied past & a bright future.

Since was founded in 1784, the city has been a hub of business and industry and remnants of our city's rich history are still visible today. The next time you're downtown, keep your eyes peeled for a number of ghost signs, aka faded 19th century advertisements painted on the sides of several buildings around town.

This is a huge moment for all of MoCo.

The Clarksville Business Journal is a quarterly publication with valuable local insight, information, statistics, and articles committed to chronicling progress and positive growth within the greater Clarksville area. The 3rd quarter edition features industrial growth, the economic impact of the Montgomery County Veteran Service Office, and the annual GrowCo Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient Beachaven Vineyards.

Clarksville Business Journal | Quarter 3 2020 is live digitally.

https://issuu.com/vipclarksville/docs/cbj_q3

Clarksville Business Journal | Quarter 3 The Clarksville Business Journal is a quarterly publication with valuable local insight, information, statistics, and articles committed to chronicling progress and positive growth within the greater Clarksville area. The 3rd quarter edition features industrial growth, the economic impact of the Mon...

The Clarksville Business Journal is a quarterly publication with valuable local insight, information, statistics, and articles committed to chronicling progress and positive growth within the greater Clarksville area. The 3rd quarter edition features industrial growth, the economic impact of the Montgomery County Veteran Service Office, and the annual GrowCo Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient Beachaven Vineyards.

100+ positions available at LG Electronics USA. If you’ve been looking for a sign to move to Clarksville, this is it. Opportunity lives here, and Life’s Good with LG.

Clarksville is hiring! 100+ Corporate & Operations Positions available at LG Electronics USA

Get hired. Go higher.
Apply: http://ow.ly/63hG50Bosmj

Somehow the sunrise looks prettier when it rises on that red dirt. Progress is unstoppable in the Queen City!

Things are moving and shaking in Montgomery County, and we got a tour by executive director Frank Tate! This kind of growth is invigorating.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Clarksville legend Wilma Rudolph’s Olympic gold medal runs.

The Museum is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Wilma Rudolph's Olympic gold medal runs.🥇Check out our newest blog post about Wilma Rudolph's life as an Olympic champion, civil rights activist and educator. 🔗https://customshousemuseum.org/news/shattering-barriers-60-years-later-wilma-rudolphs-olympic-gold-medal-runs-still-inspire/

Amazing business with a great atmosphere. Kimo's Hawaiian Grill is an asset to downtown.

Kimos on Franklin Street is straight 🔥🙌 This is the amazing owner, Dar, drinking his signature Murder Hornet cocktail. It’s the perfect drink for 2020, fruity with a kick ✨ As an added bonus, on Wednesdays our VIP fave does big prize trivia at

👀🙌

Lined up and ready to roll...



www.morgancontractorsinc.com

Dennis Newburn is a community development specialist, and will be an asset to area growth.

Dennis Newburn, right, the new director of the Clarksville Office of Housing & Community Development visited Friday’s Shower-Up event to meet leaders and members of the community. He stopped to chat with, from left, Valerie Guzman, Martias Kendrick, Ashley Mynatt and Sherry Pickering. More about Newburn at https://bit.ly/3iI3Ni6.

Demolition on the MPEC site began today! This is a transformative venture, and we are beyond thrilled to follow the progress.

is one of the best places for a downtown business meeting. Delicious food, great atmosphere, and centrally located.