TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

Haslam, Hagerty Tout Planned Electrolux Expansion in Robertson Co. (TN Report)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today join with local officials in congratulating Electrolux Major Appliances North America (EMA-NA) on the compan decision to expand its Robertson County manufacturing facility, a $5 million investment by the company creati 75 new jobs. I want to congratulate Electrolux on its decision to expand the Springfield facility and bring new jo to Robertson County, Haslam said. Our Jobs4TN strategy focuses on expanding existing businesses insi Tennessee because the majority of new jobs are created by companies already in state. This announceme represents the kind of growth we are seeing. Through the leadership of Gov. Haslam, we are creating a busines friendly environment that gives companies the confidence to invest and grow, Hagerty said. Electrolu expansion further illustrates how our state is a great place to do business and offers a highly-skilled workforce. http://www.tnreport.com/2011/10/haslam-hagerty-tout-planned-electrolux-expansion/

Electrolux to expand in Springfield, Tenn., create 75 jobs (Memphis Biz Journal)

Swedish appliance maker Electrolux continues to grow in Tennessee. Electrolux Major Appliances North Ameri is expanding its Robertson County manufacturing facility, a $5 million investment which creates 75 new jobs. Th expansion in Springfield, Tenn., comes on the heels of Electrolux Home Products Inc. starting construction on $200 million facility in Memphis which will create 1,200 jobs. In a statement, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam credit the states Jobs4TN strategy that focuses on expanding existing businesses inside Tennessee. The majority new jobs are created by companies already in state, he said. This announcement represents the kind of grow we are seeing. The Springfield Electrolux factory has produced Electrolux and Frigidaire gas and elect freestanding ranges since 1974. http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2011/10/10/electrolux-to-expand-in-springfield.html

Electrolux begins $5 million Springfield expansion (Nashville Business Journal)

Electrolux Major Appliances North America is investing $5 million in an expansion of its existing Springfie cooking manufacturing facility. According to a news release, the expansion will transform Springfield into t companys R&D center and purchasing headquarters for cooking products in North America, as well as a glob development center for Electrolux major appliances worldwide. The expansion will bring 75 new engineering a technical job to Springfield. We are excited to take on a growing role for Electrolux by leveraging this location not only our North American cooking manufacturing facilities, but also cooking facilities worldwide with the additi of global electronics at this plant, said John Terzo, vice president and general manager for EMA-NA cooki products, in a release. We are very pleased to continue making significant investments in our facilities Springfield and adding a global role to our expertise in cooking products. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/10/10/electrolux-begins-5-million.html

Electrolux adding Springfield jobs (Nashville Post/De Lombaerde)

Global appliance manufacturer Electrolux has launched a $5 million expansion of its Springfield complex that w create 75 jobs in research and development, product development and purchasing jobs. Electrolux has be making Electrolux and Frigidaire gas and electric freestanding ranges in Robertson County since 1974 and has local payroll of 2,800 people. The companys latest expansion will add a three-story, 21,000-square-foot structu with laboratories and developmental facilities. This expansion brings with it a new day for the Electrol Springfield factory, said John Terzo, vice president and general manager of cooking products for Electrolu North American operations. W e are excited to add to our Tennessee workforce and know that the upgrades a additions to our facility will continue to add to our success. Electroluxs Springfield move comes 10 months afte committed to creating more than 1,000 jobs in Memphis by relocating production capacity from Canada.

http://nashvillepost.com/news/2011/10/10/electrolux_adding_springfield_jobs

Electrolux expanding in Robertson County (Leaf Chronicle)

Electrolux Major Appliances North America announced Monday it will expand its Robertson County manufacturi facility, a $5 million investment by the company that will add 75 jobs. I want to congratulate Electrolux on decision to expand the Springfield facility and bring new jobs to Robertson County, Tennessee Gov. Bill Hasla said in a press release. Our Jobs4TN strategy focuses on expanding existing businesses inside Tenness because the majority of new jobs are created by companies already in state. The Springfield Electrolux factory h produced Electrolux and Frigidaire gas and electric freestanding ranges since 1974. The expansion will provi additions and upgrades to the existing facility, including a three-story, 21,000 square-foot addition with world-cla laboratories and developmental facilities. This expansion brings with it a new day for the Electrolux Springfie factory, said John Terzo, vice president and general manager of cooking products for Electrolux. http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20111010/NEWS01/111010005/Electrolux-expanding-Robertson-County? odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

CANBERRA to expand in Oak Ridge, create 45 new jobs (News-Sentinel/Fowler)

New Jersey's loss is Oak Ridge's gain. A company that makes radiation detection devices is closing its plant Devon, N.J., and expanding in Oak Ridge, officials said Monday. CANBERRA Industries Inc. is completing 4,000-square-foot addition to its Union Valley Road facility and intends to more than double its 35-person wo force, adding another 45 people to the payroll, said Scot Gilbert, the plant's general manager. "That's the kind growth we want to see," Tennessee Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Bill Hagerty sa Monday in Oak Ridge. Gov. Bill Haslam in a statement called the expansion "a testament to the state's busines friendly environment and workforce" and his focus on growing existing industries. Starting early next year, the O Ridge facility will become CANBERRA's Military Safeguard Center of Excellence. The center's calibration lab a shipping facility will be housed in the $1.2 million addition. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/oct/10/canberra-to-expand-in-oak-ridge-create-45-new/

Oak Ridge company to expand by $1.2M, double workforce (Oak Ridger)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty and Oak Rid officials announced today that Canberra Industries Inc., Union Valley Road, will transition its safeguards a military product development and manufacturing to its Oak Ridge facility. The project will include a capi investment of $1.2 million and the creation of 45 additional jobs at the facility over the next three years, doubli the plants current workforce. Canberra is a developer and manufacturer of radiation detection solutions. http://www.oakridger.com/business/x1611323497/Oak-Ridge-company-to-expand-by-1-2M-double-workforce

MetriCan announces $6.3M investment (Business Clarksville)

MetriCan has announced plans for a $63 million expansion of its Dickson facility, a move that will create nearly manufacturing, warehouse and skilled trade jobs. MetriCan opened its first U.S. facility right here in Tennessee s years ago, and I am pleased to see the company continuing to succeed and grow in our state.Our Jobs4T strategy focuses on expanding businesses here in state, and I congratulate MetriCan on its growth and t additional jobs they will create, Governor Bill Haslam said. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Burlingto Ontario, MetriCan is a leading supplier of tooling and stamped metal components. The companys Dickson faci is located at 101 W arren G. Medley Drive and is divided into the four distinct and separate manufacturing area stamping, value-added assembly, tool repair shop and warehouse and shipping. http://businessclarksville.com/2011/10/10/metrican-announces-6-3m-investment-34054/

Amazon.com Deal Changes Incentives for Company (Memphis Daily News)

The first tip last week that the latest jobs announcement by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam would be a little differe was that he did it in the old Tennessee Supreme Court chambers in Nashville. The chambers are usually t setting for announcements of statewide importance with a broad political impact and sometimes a new direction state government. Haslam announced an agreement with Amazon.com Inc. to begin collecting and paying sta sales tax on items it sells online to consumers in the state. And Amazon.com, which had already committed building distribution centers in three other cities, is expanding its investment to $350 million and the creation 3,500 full-time jobs instead of the 1,200 in the initial decision. The new decision is an expansion of the original jo announcement. But it is also a significant change in the incentives given Amazon.com by then Gov. Phil Bredes to get the first three distribution centers in Cleveland, Chattanooga and Lebanon and their 1,200 jobs. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2011/oct/11/amazoncom-deal-changes-incentives-for-company/ 2

Tennessee appoints new captive insurance department director (Biz Insurance)

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has appointed Michael A. Corbett director of capti insurance in the department's insurance division. Mr. Corbett's hiring continues the process of rejuvenating t Tennessee domicile that began with the May passage of legislation that Gov. Bill Haslam had promoted updati the state's captive law. It also follows Insurance Commissioner Julie McPeak's approval of the state's first capt license since the law was updated in September for Park View Insurance Co., a pure captive formed by Nashvil Tenn.-based hospital and health system operator HCA Inc. Prior to joining the Tennessee department, Mr. Corb worked as a financial adviser and corporate stock benefit consultant specializing in captive insurance investme management for domestic and international captive insurance companies. http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20111010/NEWS06/111019991?tags=%7C78%7C83%7C302#

Michael Corbett named Tennessee's 'captive' insurance director (N. Biz Journal)

A financial adviser and corporate consultant will head up insurance captives for the state, overseeing t implementation of legislation that provides potential savings to virtually every business in Tennessee. As t Nashville Business Journal first reported, the Tennessee General Assembly recently passed legislation allowi companies to set up a range of captive companies for insurance purposes. In the right situation, the capti companies can help manage and reduce risk in areas like workers compensation or other employee benefits. key issue is how the state plans to regulate the captives. Michael Corbett will now serve as director of capti insurance for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. The following are excerpts from toda announcement: The hiring comes on the heels of the States regulatory update of Tennessees captives mark led by legislation from Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam that became law during this years legislative session. O September 1, TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak approved the first captive insurer application since t regulatory update. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/10/10/tennessee-michael-corbett-captive.html

Woman sentenced for TennCare fraud (Jackson Sun)

A Madison County woman has been sentenced in McNairy County after pleading guilty to charges of TennCa fraud. The Office of Inspector General announced that Jalesha Lashae Heard, 41, of Bethel Springs, pleaded gu to two felony counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of theft of services. She was accused of falsely reporti the number of children in her home, which allowed her to sign up for TennCare when she should not have qualifi for TennCare benefits. Heard is on probation for one year and must repay TennCare over $1,600. She also will n be able to apply for TennCare benefits in the future. The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began f operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution a recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare progra according to latest figures. Nearly 1,500 people have been charged with TennCare fraud. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20111011/NEWS01/110110312

State to sell estimated $584 million in bonds (Associated Press)

The state of Tennessee plans to sell an estimated $584 million worth of bonds this week, the largest sale in t state's history. The sale Tuesday through Thursday will use some of the proceeds to pay for new capital projec and infrastructure. These include economic development grants for Volkswagen in Chattanooga, W acker Chem in Bradley County, Hemlock Semiconductor in Clarksville and Electrolux in Memphis. These projects are expect to create 4,650 new permanent jobs, plus thousands more construction jobs and jobs in related industries. T proceeds will also finance improvements to various state-owned buildings, including a new research building the University of Tennessee-Knoxville campus, a new library for the University of Tennessee-Chattanoo campus, a prison in Bledsoe County and a new driver license center in Memphis. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37657851.story

Tennessee taxes post largest growth since 2006 (Associated Press)

An 8.3 percent growth rate in Tennessees monthly sales tax collections marks the states highest rate sin January 2006. The state Finance Department said in a release Monday that the state collected $555 million sales taxes in September, which reflects economic activity in the previous month. Thats nearly $13 million mo than projected. But corporate franchise and excise taxes fell $16 million below the budget estimate, holding t months total general fund collections to just $4.5 million above projections. 3

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111011/NEWS0201/310110045/Tennessee-taxes-post-largest-growth-sinc 2006?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

State tax collections continue to exceed budget estimates (Nashville Biz Journal)

September tax collections came in almost 4 percent over last year for the same month, as collections continued exceed budget expectations. Total collections for the month were $1.01 billion, according to the Tenness Department of Revenue, compared to a budgeted estimate of $1.0 billion. It was the 14th consecutive month to collections exceeded budgeted estimates, the state noted in a release. For the first two months of the fiscal ye state revenue is $1.8 billion, 5.3 percent ahead of the same two months in 2010. http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2011/10/10/state-tax-collections-continue-to.html

UT officials to discuss undocumented students (Times Free-Press/Trevizo)

After four years of not allowing undocumented students to enroll, University of Tennessee system admissi officers are going to revisit the issue. Admission representatives from the three UT system campuses Chattanooga, Knoxville and Martin -- will bring up the topic during their annual fall meeting in October, discussi whether there's any need or desire to move forward. "It's one of the items on the agenda, just to talk about it admission officers, it's not the board of trustees having a conversation," said Yancey Freeman, assistant vi chancellor for enrollment services at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He estimated that UTC had le than 20 undocumented students when it changed its practice in 2007 and those students were allowed to comple their degree. Until 2007, students illegally in the country had the option of going to Chattanooga State Commun College or UTC -- as long as they paid out-of-state tuition, which can be three times higher than in-state. But th changed when the three undergraduate institutions of the University System of Tennessee agreed to stop t practice. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/11/ut-officials-to-discuss-undocumented-students/?local

McPhee confident science building will retain priority on construction list (DNJ)

Before state money is allocated for capital projects for the 2011-12 budget year, the Tennessee Board of Regen and the University of Tennessee System have been asked to look at the projects scheduled for the next five yea In a memorandum dated Sept. 28, Richard Rhoda, executive director of the State of Tennessee Higher Educati Commission, and Gov. Bill Haslam have asked Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan a University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro to make a "fresh assessment of their respective systems' capi project priorities." The exercise will "position state government and higher education institutions to make significa progress toward addressing higher education's deferred maintenance needs, along with new facilities that enhan institutional mission and further the goals of The Complete College Tennessee Act." The memo states " important component of the statewide strategy to meet the goals of the CCTA is policy related to higher educati facilities." It called the exercise of review of capital expenditures "challenging" and "beneficial" as the state ponde investments in capital projects over the next few years. http://www.dnj.com/article/20111011/NEW S07/110110316/McPhee-confident-science-building-will-retain-prioritystate-s-construction-list?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Alexian Village of Tennessee plans $22.6 million nursing home (TFP/Carroll)

Alexian Village of Tennessee is expected to submit a $22.6 million proposal to replace its nursing home and mo it about 370 feet away from its current location. Located on Signal Mountain's brow, the 114-bed nursing hom would be moved from 671 Alexian Way to 622 Alexian Way, a public notice in Monday's Times Free Press state Matt Fox, chief executive officer for Alexian, did not return several calls for comment. The state must approve a nursing home renovation in excess of $2 million, even if the business is a faith-based nonprofit such as Alexia "There will be no change in the number of beds at the facility, no new services will be initiated and no services w be discontinued," according to the newspaper notice. The legal notice does not include a timeline for work on t replacement project. Alexian is expected to submit its proposal, also known as a certificate of need, by Frida After submission, the proposal becomes public record and goes to the Tennessee Department of Health for a 6 day review, according to Melanie Hill, executive director of the state's Health Services and Development Agency. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/11/1011-a1-226-million-alexian-plan-in-the-works/?local

Murfreesboro businessmen charged with sales tax evasion, other charges (DNJ)

Two Murfreesboro businessmen were indicted this month on state sales tax evasion and other charges followi an investigation by the Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Aaron Cl Watts, 68, and James Keith Watts, 44, were arrested today on charges of sales tax evasion, interfering with 4

Tennessee Department of Revenue officer, and theft of property, according to a news release from the Tenness Department of Revenue. James Keith Watts was arrested this morning by agents of the Special Investigatio Section at the office of Discount Tobacco Outlets, Inc., located at 1231 Salem Park Court. Aaron Cleo Wa surrendered himself early this afternoon to agents at the Rutherford County jail. Bond was set at $150,000 eac On Oct. 5, 2011, both Keith and Aaron Watts were indicted by the Rutherford County Grand Jury on 136 Class Felony counts for attempting to evade sales tax in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440(g) covering t period Jan. 1, 2004, through Sept. 30, 2005, for seven stores, located in the middle Tennessee area and operat by Discount Tobacco Outlets, Inc., the release from the TDR read. http://www.dnj.com/article/20111010/NEW S01/111010019/Murfreesboro-businessmen-charged-state-sales-taxevasion-other-charges

Burn permits required in Tennessee starting Saturday, Oct. 15 (Herald-Courier)

Fire season for East Tennessee fast approaches, and with it persons doing outdoor burning need to be sure obtain a burn permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division before they burn, fro October 15 thru May 15. A new option is available for persons to obtain a burn permit is the online permit syste which is accessible by going BurnsafeTN.org, and clicking on the BURNING PERMITS tab. Online permits will available for all counties in Tennessee, with the exception of Knox , Davidson, Madison and Shelby counties. Knox County burn permits are required year round by Knox County Air Pollution, the number is 865.215.5900. T online system will allow persons to negate overcrowded phone lines, and gives another cost effective method the Division of Forestry to issue permits. Restrictions for online permits are that online permits are only for deb piles 8ft x 8ft or smaller, and the permit is only for individual brush piles: persons seeking to burn large brush pil or multiple sets must call their local Forestry office for a permit. http://www2.tricities.com/news/2011/oct/10/burn-permits-required-tennessee-starting-saturday--ar-1373072/

Panel examines judge's actions in Sara Evans' divorce case (Tennessean/Gee)

Complaint filed by ex-husband of country star Sara Evans A panel that investigates ethical complaints again Tennessee judges is reviewing the actions of Williamson County Judge James G. Martin III in the divorce case country music star Sara Evans. A complaint against Martin was filed with the Tennessee Court of the Judiciary la month by Evans ex-husband, Craig Schelske, who continues to wage a campaign against lawyers involved in t case four years after the divorce was finalized. Schelske was found guilty of six counts of civil contempt last mon for violating a judges order not to discuss the case and related matters publicly. In his complaint against Mart which was given to The Tennessean by Schelskes sister Melody Taber, Schelske claims Martin was bias against him and violated his constitutional rights in proceedings that followed the divorce. The Court of t Judiciary has asked Martin to respond to the allegations. I have received the complaint, and I am preparing response, said Martin, who would not discuss the complaint further. Evans and Schelske divorced and signed confidentiality agreement in September 2007 after a bitter, yearlong legal battle that included allegations adultery and hidden assets. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111011/NEWS01/310010081/Panel-examines-judge-s-actions-Sara-Evans divorce-case?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Amazon Compromise Mirrors McNallys Grace Period Idea (TN Report)

Sen. Randy McNally, chairman of the Senate finance committee, says retailers still upset with Amazons t agreement with the state arent likely to get a better deal than the one negotiated by the Haslam administratio McNally, R-Oak Ridge, one of the key figures in trying to have the company start collecting sales tax fro Tennesseans, said further action in opposition to the deal is up to those other retailers, but he said, Certainly, was asked to give them advice, I would tell them that this is far and away the best deal they could get. Gov. B Haslam announced Thursday that the state has a new deal with Amazon, in which the online retailer will beg collecting sales taxes in 2014, while Amazon commits to increasing its job total in the state to 3,500 positions on investment of up to $350 million. McNally said he hopes this will settle the matter of Amazons tax status a suggests that the overall online sales tax issue should go through the courts to be resolved nationally, because believes Congress is unlikely to act to bring uniformity to the collection of state sales taxes. http://www.tnreport.com/2011/10/amazon-compromise-mirrors-mcnallys-grace-period-idea/

Teachers' new evaluation system to get close look from legislators (Tennessean)

The state House Education Committee is set to hold early November hearings on Tennessees new teach evaluation process amid concerns its a time-consuming, bureaucratic nightmare. Tennessee agreed to a new fo 5

of teacher evaluations more than a year ago as part of its drive for federal Race to the Top funds. The state w awarded $501 million and, as a result, teachers are being evaluated for the first time based on stude achievement scores and four classroom visits by an administrator or certified evaluator. But only three months in the school year, principals, teachers and local school boards are telling state legislators that the evaluations a taking too much time for administrators and causing too much stress on teachers. Its not right, its not workin said state Rep. Rick Womick, R-Murfreesboro, so were trying to change that. Teachers are expending too mu energy preparing lesson plans to meet a checklist covered in evaluations, Womick said. Likewise, principals a being required to be in classrooms or working on teacher evaluations too often. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111011/NEWS04/310110047/Teachers-new-evaluation-system-get-closelook-from-legislators?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

State Rep candidate crosses lines, has checkered past (Nashville Post/Whitehouse

Jeremy Durham, immediate past chairman of the Tennessee Young Republicans, announced recently that he w running for the Tennessee House of Representatives for a legislative district whose geographical boundaries h yet to be created. That left him with some explaining to do as the yet-unreleased district lines were defined by h as Franklin, Fairview and Spring Hill all located within the new state legislative district... Durham explained that had seen a map of newly drawn legislative boundaries for Williamson County, despite the fact that other potent candidates, voters and the entire state legislature had not. It is reasonable to assume that Durham had access maps, as State Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-part of Shelby County) noted on Durhams campaign Facebook page, Y reported over $50k in the bank for a seat that doesnt yet officially exist?!?! I thought I was doing well in my fi state rep race with $35k. Ill chalk up the difference to inflation. Looks like youve got this race in the bag. Cant w to have you in the legislature! http://nashvillepost.com/news/2011/10/10/state_rep_candidate_crosses_lines_has_checkered_past

With Healthcare Overhaul in Flux, Exchange May Pose Tough Call (WPLN-Radio)

Elected officials in Tennessee may have to decide next spring whether the state will run its own insuran exchange. Many pieces of the healthcare overhaul are still in the air, but next summer is a deadline to get fede money if the state opts to set up such an exchange. Two factors are frustrating the states timeline to decid Federal details on a prospective exchange are slow in coming, and it may well be next summer before t Supreme Court decides whether the insurance mandate stands. In the meantime, this month Tennessee Insurance Exchange Planning Initiative will offer a framework of how an exchange might look. That early sketch meant to give stakeholders something to weigh in on, says director Brian Haile, in part because it wont be perfe W e have very limited information both about what the rules will require of us and about what the market respon will be. And I think what were trying to do is enter this with a tremendous amount of humility based on tho limitations and say lets put something together that reflects our best thinking to date, know that its imperfect, a invite lots of public feedback. Haile says the planning initiative will offer a recommendation to Governor Hasla by the end of this year. http://wpln.org/?p=30627

Tennessee Democrats use Chattanooga photo ID denial in fundraising (AP)

The case of Dorothy Cooper, a 96-year-old Chattanooga woman who encountered problems in trying to get a fr photo ID for voting under a new state law, has gained national attention and is being used in fundraising by t state Democratic Party. As initially reported by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Cooper who had be voting since the 1930s went to a driver's license station to get a photo ID and was turned down because s didn't have her marriage certificate. She did have a birth certificate, her voter registration card and oth documents. In a fundraising letter last week, state Democratic Chairman Chip Forrester cites the case as example of how "the Republican photo ID law has suppressed another voter." He asks for donations "to supp our efforts to ensure people like Dorothy or your grandmother can be a voter on Election Day." Forrester al cites comments by House Republican Caucus Chairman Debra Maggart, sponsor of the photo ID bill, questioning contentions that the law will suppress turnout of "these people." http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/10/tennessee-democrats-use-chattanooga-photo-id-denia/?local

Nashville mayor's goal to double college grads will be challenge (Tennessean/Cas

Dean sees 5-year goal as a key to city's future Social and economic trends rarely sprint from the darkness into t sunlight in one swift burst. But Mayor Karl Dean hopes Nashvilles population of college graduates will do just th During his second inaugural address last month, Dean laid out an ambitious goal: doubling the citys number graduates. The experts say this should take 10 years, Dean said. I see no reason why we should not try to do 6

in five. There is nothing we as a city can accomplish that will have a greater or longer-lasting impact. While t mayor has little direct oversight of Metro schools and no control over any colleges, he said he can use the bu pulpit of his office to press the case and pull resources together. According to the U.S. Census Bureaus 20 American Community Survey data, 34.5 percent of Davidson County residents who are 25 and older have at lea a bachelors degree, and 6 percent have an associates degree. Approximately 180,000 of the citys more th 626,000 residents have a degree of some sort. Thats unlikely to double in five years. Certain strategies improving college completion have proved effective, but while Deans target is a good one, policymakers need take the long view, one expert said. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111011/NEWS04/310090102/Nashville-mayor-s-goal-double-college-grads will-challenge?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Kimball to offer city employees a state-sponsored insurance option (TFP/Lewis)

Municipalities across Tennessee are being given the opportunity to offer their employees a state-sponsored lon term care insurance program. On Thursday, the Kimball Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to of their employees the optional insurance. City administrators in Jasper, Tenn., are considering the same option their employees this week. "It's an opportunity that's been provided by the state to allow local governments to o into the long-term care insurance program," Kimball City Attorney Billy Gouger said. The insurance would go in effect when someone "develops a need for long-term care or assistance such as assisted living, nursing home ca or at-home care," he said. Officials said a municipality's only job is to honor a payroll deduction if employees en the program. Towns such as Kimball and Jasper are not committed to paying any premiums, Gouger said. [Kimball] is not going to be out anything, why wouldn't we give this option to the employees?" Kimball Alderm Jerry Don Case said. "Then it's up to them to say [yes or no]." http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/11/b5-kimball-to-offer-insurance-option/?local

States Adding Drug Test as Hurdle for Welfare (New York Times)

As more Americans turn to government programs for refuge from a merciless economy, a growing number a encountering a new price of admission to the social safety net: a urine sample. Policy makers in three dozen stat this year proposed drug testing for people receiving benefits like welfare, unemployment assistance, job trainin food stamps and public housing. Such laws, which proponents say ensure that tax dollars are not being misus and critics say reinforce stereotypes about the poor, have passed in states including Arizona, Indiana and Missou In Florida, people receiving cash assistance through welfare have had to pay for their own drug tests since Ju and enrollment has shrunk to its lowest levels since the start of the recession. The law, the most far-reaching in t nation, provoked a lawsuit last month from the American Civil Liberties Union, arguing that the requireme represents an unreasonable search and seizure. The flood of proposals across the country, enabled by t strength of Republicans in many statehouses and driven by a desire to cut government spending, recall the polit of the 80s and 90s, when higher rates of drug abuse and references to welfare queens led to policies aimed ensuring that public benefits were not spent to support addiction. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/11/us/states-adding-drug-test-as-hurdle-for-welfare.html?_r=1&ref=todayspape

A backlash against rising state fees (Stateline)

Want to renew your drivers license, go to a state park, or sue someone in civil court? Chances are youll p higher fees for those and other government services than you would have just a few years ago. Raising fees instead of taxes is one budget tactic many states have used to weather the weak economy. A backlash again fee increases is underway, however, as Republicans at the state level turn tea party enthusiasm against the risi cost of government transactions. In New Hampshire, Republicans succeeded in rolling back fees that went during the recession. Floridas Republican governor, Rick Scott, wants to do the same, at least for certain vehic related fees. Meanwhile, a wider effort from California to W est Virginia is aimed at changing both language a legalities so that fees and taxes are treated as one and the same. In New Hampshire, a legislature taken ov by Republicans this year slashed most fee increases enacted since 2007. For example, the cost of a marria license dropped from $50 back down to $45, and the cost of a saltwater fishing license slid from $15 to $10 state residents. Businesses saw fees drop, as well. http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=605726

Trial on TVA ash spill lawsuits starting 4th week (Associated Press)

The Tennessee Valley Authority's coal ash trial starts its fourth week with plaintiff attorneys cross-examining a TV consultant who says he was hired to find what caused the spill, not to place blame. Geotechnical engineer Willia H. Walton is to be back on the witness stand a third day Tuesday in Knoxville. Attorneys for property owners w 7

are suing contend TVA negligence in training, operations and construction caused the December 2008 disast Walton, who testified he has been paid $180,000 to testify as an expert for TVA, says a deep slime layer caus the disaster. The nation's largest public utility is trying to avoid lawsuit payouts from about 5.4 million cubic yards sludge spilling into the Emory River and onto surrounding property in the river community west of Knoxville. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37657833.story

STEM Initiative holding discussion meetings today in Chattanooga (TFP)

The first of several community discussion meetings for the Southeast Tennessee STEM Initiative will take pla this afternoon. The Southeast Tennessee STEM Initiative aims to help the region receive a grant from the state open a new science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, school. To receive the grant, school distric need to show a partnership between K-12 educational institutions and higher education institutions, business and philanthropic organizations. Today's meeting will start at 1 p.m. and will take place at the Chattanooga Ar Chamber of Commerce on Broad Street, according to a news release. Other discussion sessions will take pla Thursday and Oct. 18, 25 and 27 at 9:30 a.m. at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Business Development Cen on Cherokee Boulevard, the release said. More times may be added later. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/11/b3-stem-initiative-holding-discussion-meetings/?local

Anderson program offered for students uneasy in typical classrooms (NS/Fowler)

Students in Anderson County's 21st Century Workplace Program don't attend school, educators say. Instead, t students go to what's called the office, clock in, quietly work at their own pace in their own cubicles, and even e lunches there. The innovative program is located in a classroom in one corner of the Anderson County Career a Technical Center next to Anderson County High. It removes participants from the mainstream classroo atmosphere they dislike for varying reasons while providing frequent one-on-one interaction with teachers. "I like do things on my own, and before I came here, I wasn't even planning to go to college," said 17-year-old Victo McClure of Andersonville. But after scoring highly on her ACT tests, making her eligible for the state's lotte funded scholarship, "I realized I could do it,'' she said. McClure said she's now planning to study nursing at t Tennessee Technology Center in Jacksboro, Tenn., after she graduates. Now in its 16th year, the 21st Centu Workplace Program is thought to have been the first of its kind in Tennessee. Longtime educator Kathle Benedict came out of retirement to coordinate the effort. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/oct/11/anderson-program-offered-for-students-uneasy-in/

Orgel elected chairman of Shelby County unified school board (CA/Roberts)

The new unified Shelby County Board of Education chose as its first chairman a Memphis entrepreneur be known for running a company that has become among the most successful independently owned cellphone-tow companies in the nation. As one of the suburban board members who voted for W illiam E. "Billy" Orgel pointed o Monday night, the chairman will need "a lot of bandwidth" to manage a 23-member board tasked with governi Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools over the next two school years and bringing them together the 2013-14 school year. Orgel was one of seven new appointments made by the Shelby County Commission to unified board that also consists of the seven people who represent suburban Shelby County Schools and the ni Memphis City Schools board members. He took a page from former South Africa president Nelson Mandela a the movie "Invictus," saying it will be important for board members to remember that both Shelby County Schoo and Memphis City Schools have rich traditions. "Without listening to the other side, we don't accomplish anything the long run," said Orgel, president of Tower Ventures and also organizer and president of First Capital Bank Germantown. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/oct/10/memphis-businessman-billy-orgel-elected-chairman-s/

OPINION

Free-Press Editorial: Keeping Tennessee's word on sales tax to Amazon.com (TFP

Opinions differ on whether former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen was right to offer online retailer Amazon exemption on Tennessee sales tax collections if the company would build two multimillion-dollar distributi centers in Hamilton and Bradley counties. Some felt the deal gave an undue advantage to Amazon compared w "brick-and-mortar" stores in Tennessee that must collect sales taxes. They even questioned whether the sales t exemption was permitted by law. Others believed Bredesen was justified in offering the deal to Amazon to get it build here. There is nothing wrong, of course, with debating the pros and cons of particular incentives that a sta may use to attract business. But alarmingly, some opponents of the sales tax deal did not merely express opinio against it. They actually wanted Tennessee to go back on its word and force Amazon to collect sales taxes on the distribution centers in Hamilton and Bradley counties open. Fortunately, current Gov. Bill Haslam seemed understand that it would endanger Tennessee's reputation in the business community if our state reneged on t deal. He supported the sales tax deal previously negotiated by Bredesen. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/11/1011-b7-fp1-keeping-tennessees-word/?opinionfreepress

Sheila Butt: Jobs for Maury County and Tennessee (Columbia Daily Herald)

Many of you may not realize that almost 1,200 jobs have been committed to Maury County in the past year. Tech, is bringing approximately 400 jobs. GM has reinstated about 400 employees at the engine plant, Sekis Plastics in Mount Pleasant has added about 25 jobs and TRG Solutions is adding 300 jobs. At the state level, w are doing everything we can to make Tennessee a magnet for jobs. With tort reform having passed this year, bei a no income tax state, a right-to-work state and being one of the very lowest taxed states in the United States c make that happen! In Tennessee we are committed to free market dynamics and bringing business to our sta without penalizing those businesses who have been the backbone of our economy for many years. Our loc Maury Alliance is also constantly working toward job growth and recruitment to our area while our Chamber serving existing businesses. Haslam Agreement with Amazon That being said, let me share with you some of t details of the agreement between Governor Haslam and Amazon which was reached last week. Bear in mind th this agreement will require legislative action to implement. http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/articles/2011/10/10/opinion/03butt.txt

Sam Stockard: Haslam's deal with Amazon sign of online sales dilemma (DNJ)

Carping about government welfare and those lazy bums who won't work is a popular pastime in these parts. B what about corporate welfare? Think bank bailouts, big bucks for the auto industry and even the sweet dea designed to lure jobs to town. W ith the nation awash in unemployment, government leaders are giving some pre nice tax breaks to companies promising to create hundreds of jobs. It's hard to blame them because w companies pitting one city against another for the best incentive package, they have little choice. W hen people a losing homes and struggling to pay bills, nobody wants to take responsibility for turning away hundreds of job Faced with the prospect of trying to win over a company dubbing itself as Project Tango, the Rutherford Coun Industrial Development Board approved a 20-year tax break for a deal that would bring 1,150 jobs and a 15-ye package for a smaller 350-job facility. Murfreesboro also applied for a state FastTrack grant of up to $750,000 infrastructure. The morning the IDB approved the deal, I asked Rutherford County Chamber of Commer President Paul Latture if Project Tango was Amazon, the giant Internet retail company. "No comment," responded with a bit of shock on his face. Local officials were working under a non-disclosure agreement. http://www.dnj.com/article/20111011/OPINION02/110110312/Stockard-Haslam-s-deal-Amazon-sign-online-sales dilemma

Times Editorial: A reliable source of revenue (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)

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Perhaps, as they say, nothing is certain but death and taxes. It seems, though, that tourism revenue in Tenness

-- and Hamilton County -- while not certain is a pretty reliable source of income for residents, for businesses a for the bank accounts of government agencies across the state. That's welcome in good economic times. especially gratifying at the present time, when economic difficulties are the order of the day. Tennessee certain does well from tourism. The Tennessee Department of Tourism and Development reports that visitors to the sta spent about $14.1 billion last year. That's an increase of more than 6 percent in spending over 2009. Moreov everyone in the state shares in the benefits. State officials report that each of the state's 95 counties had increas in tourism dollars from 2009 to last year. For beleaguered state taxpayers, the influx of tourist dollars is good new State and local government collected about $1 billion in state and local tax revenue for the fifth consecutive year 2010, according to state officials. That's money that augments funds gathered through the levy of various in-sta taxes. The influx of outside money helps provide a significant amount of money for state and local governme thereby relieving some pressure on Tennesseans' pocketbooks. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/11/1011-b6-t2-a-reliable-source-of-revenue/?opiniontimes

Free-Press Editorial: Too much gun-related crime in Tennessee (Times Free-Press

We properly are guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States the right to keep and bear arms, and t overwhelming majority of Americans do not view that important liberty as an excuse for criminal violence. And y last year in Tennessee, 219 people were killed by people wielding firearms. In fact, Tennessee has the worst ra among all the 50 states of people victimized by assaults with firearms and the fifth worst rate of robberie according to FBI statistics. Only Washington, D.C., had a higher rate of gun-related violence than Tennessee. Tennessee in 2010, there were 4,682 robberies involving guns. There were also 8,231 aggravated assaults w firearms and a total of 13,132 gun crimes in our state, the population of which is 6.1 million. There were 214 g crimes per 100,000 Tennesseans. We want all of our law-abiding people to feel safe. But it is highly inadvisable pursue that goal by abridging the gun rights of responsible citizens. That makes it vitally important to impose fir meaningful sentences on those who use guns while committing crimes. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/11/1011-b7-fp2-too-much-violent-crime-in-state/?opinionfreepress

Wendi C. Thomas: You like sausage? You'll love this board (Commercial Appeal)

If you don't like sausage, you will not like the immediate workings of the unified and expanded public school boa Cylindrical processed meat is exactly what 23 men and women on the unified school board made at a laborio meeting Monday night. Simply witnessing the creation of these links and links of greasy sausages was enough clog your mental arteries. If you never developed an appetite for one community-wide public education syste then this laborious meeting -- with only the briefest of references to children -- would be proof that this whole eff was a horrible idea. But if you've sat through more than your share of school board meetings, you have earned t hind-end callouses required to endure the machinations of public education. The governance of public institutio such as these rarely, if ever, embodies the lofty goals for which the bodies are formed, in this case the critical a essential task of educating nearly 150,000 young minds. But to get there, you must wade through meetings a budgets and committees and, well, the minutia is mind-numbing. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/oct/11/you-like-sausage-youll-love-this-board/

Editorial: Bias against jobless must be stopped nationwide (Jackson Sun)

Conversation across America: Guess who got laid off today? What? You're kidding! And yet, as the ranks of t jobless grows, more and more are finding out that when they go for a job interview, they aren't wanted becau they don't have a job. Some ads now say: Unemployed should not apply. It is time to change that attitude and tell prospective employers and job agencies that they are discriminating against a massive talent pool that offe potential. The Jackson Sun's A1 story on Oct. 10 tells us that in America today, a record 4.5 million people, nea one-third of the unemployed, have been out of work for a year or more. Many have been told they're not want because they're jobless, and it doesn't matter what their work experience is. President Barack Obama's jobs would ban companies with 15 or more employees from refusing to consider, or offer a job to, someone who unemployed. The measure also applies to employment agencies and would prohibit want ads that disqua applicants just because they are unemployed. The jobs bill provision would give those claiming discrimination right to sue, and violators would face fines of up to $1,000 per day, plus attorney fees and costs. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20111011/OPINION01/110110309/Editorial-Bias-against-jobless-must-stoppe nationwide

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