images pulaski-giles county

Final Journey

Civil War hero gets fitting tribute

FORECAST: SUNNYSolar projects warm economy

SOUThERN COmFORT FOOdDiners have good restaurant options

Take a look at the area’s rich historic architecture in a

quick video.

What’s Online

SpONSOREd bY ThE GilES COUNTY ChAmbER OF COmmERCE

2011 | imAGESpUlASkiGilESCO.COm

pUlASki-GilES COUNTY, TENNESSEE

®

As Tennessee's oldest municipal

electric system, and the first system in the state to receive

power from the Tennessee Valley Authority, PES has a unique and unrivaled

history of service.

Giles County, with its industry-friendly environment and its beautiful countryside setting, is located near the interstate corridor between Nashville, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama.

PES currently serves nearly 15,000 customers and operates over 1,200 miles of line. We provide service to the City of Pulaski and the communities of Lynnville, Elkton, Minor Hill, Prospect, Goodspring and Ardmore.

Turn it on

With PES Energize the future is here.That means ... Lower prices. With far more choices

at fair prices, PES Energize offers “more bang for your buck.” And no contracts to trap customers.

Greater bandwidth. Only a pure fiber network can deliver our amazing Internet speeds.

Surfing in Pulaski has never been faster. Superior reliability. Fiber performance is not

limited by distance or by interference and shared bandwidth. It’s simply the best there is.

Local service and support. PES Energize is owned and operated by Pulaski Electric System. Service

fees will stay in Pulaski. PES Energize employees are residents of the community.

When you need help, just pick up the phone or come see us at PES. You’ll always find a friendly face.

www.pulaskielectric.org

www.energize.net

128 S. First St. • Pulaski, TN 38478

(931) 363-2522


www.energize.net

Tennessee Technology Center believes …that technology is the source, the foundation, and the force that moves our economy. There is no better institution to prepare for your career in the Advanced Manufacturing Education program or Solar Photovoltaic

Technology program than Tennessee Technology Center Pulaski.

Explore a Career in Advanced Manufacturing or Solar Photovoltaic Technology!

Manufacturing has cleaned up and tuned up, using more light, more technology, more precision, and more ingenuity to produce more refined

and more customized products with fewer, but more highly skilled workers. If you want to be in demand in a vital industry and work with sophisticated equipment to create cutting-edge products, advanced

manufacturing or solar PV technology could be for you.

Tennessee Technology Center 1233 E. College • Pulaski, TN 38478 • (931) 424-4014

www.ttcpulaski.eduTTCP is an EOE/ADA/AAE institution

www.ttcpulaski.edu

2 Pul aSki imageSPul aSkigileSCo.Com 3

pUlASki-GilES COUNTY, TN

®

pROJECT mANAGER mitch kline

AUdiENCE dEvElOpmENT diRECTOR lisa battles

pROOFREAdiNG mANAGER Raven Petty

CONTENT COORdiNATOR Jessica WalkeR

STAFF WRiTER kevin litWin

COpY EdiTORS Jill Wyatt

CONTRibUTiNG WRiTERS Renee eldeR, Joe moRRis,

caRson o’shoney, bRaxton shooP,

mEdiA TEChNOlOGY diRECTOR chRistina caRden

SENiOR GRAphiC dESiGNERS lauRa GallaGheR,

Jessica manneR, Janine maRyland,

kRis sexton, vikki Williams

mEdiA TEChNOlOGY ANAlYSTS chandRa bRadshaW,

lance conzett, michele niccoRe, maRcus snydeR

phOTOGRAphY diRECTOR JeffRey s. otto

SENiOR phOTOGRAphERS Jeff adkins, bRian mccoRd

STAFF phOTOGRAphERS todd bennett, antony boshieR

WEb CONTENT mANAGER John hood

WEb pROJECT mANAGER noy fonGnaly

WEb dESiGN diRECTOR fRanco scaRamuzza

WEb dEvElOpER i yamel hall

Ad pROdUCTiON mANAGER katie middendoRf

Ad TRAFFiC ASSiSTANTS kRystin lemmon, PatRicia moisan

i.T. diRECTOR yancey bond

i.T. SUppORT TEChNiCiAN bRyan foRiest

REGiONAl SAlES mANAGER chRis sWeeney

SENiOR ACCOUNTANT lisa oWens

ACCOUNTS pAYAblE COORdiNATOR maRia mcfaRland

ACCOUNTS RECEivAblE COORdiNATOR diana Guzman

OFFiCE mANAGER/ACCOUNTS RECEivAblE COORdiNATOR shelly milleR

ExECUTivE iNTEGRATEd mEdiA mANAGER

maRy ann staffoRd

SAlES SUppORT mANAGER cindy hall

COlOR imAGiNG TEChNiCiAN alison hunteR

ChAiRmAN GReG thuRman

pRESidENT/pUbliShER bob schWaRtzman

ExECUTivE viCE pRESidENT Ray lanGen

SENiOR v.p./SAlES todd PotteR, caRla thuRman

SENiOR v.p./OpERATiONS casey hesteR

SENiOR v.p./CliENT dEvElOpmENT Jeff heefneR

v.p./ExTERNAl COmmUNiCATiONS teRee caRutheRs

v.p./CUSTOm pUbliShiNG kim holmbeRG

v.p./viSUAl CONTENT maRk foResteR

v.p./CONTENT OpERATiONS natasha loRens

v.p./SAlES chaRles fitzGibbon,

heRb haRPeR, JaRek sWekosky

CONTROllER chRis dudley

CONTENT diRECTOR/TRAvEl pUbliCATiONS

susan chaPPell

CONTENT diRECTOR/bUSiNESS pUbliCATiONS

bill mcmeekin

mARkETiNG CREATivE diRECTOR keith haRRis

diSTRibUTiON diRECTOR GaRy smith

ExECUTivE SECRETARY kRisty duncan

hUmAN RESOURCES mANAGER PeGGy blake

RECEpTiONiST linda bishoP

Images Pulaski-Giles County is published annually by Journal communications inc. and is distributed through

the Giles county chamber of commerce and the Pulaski-Giles county economic development

commission and its member businesses. for advertising information or to direct questions

or comments about the magazine, contact Journal communications inc. at (615) 771-0080

or by e-mail at [email protected].

FOR mORE iNFORmATiON, CONTACT:Giles county chamber of commerce

110 north second street, Pulaski, tn 38478Phone: (931) 363-3789 • fax: (931) 363-7279

www.gilescountychamber.com

Pulaski-Giles county economic development commission

203 south first street, Pulaski, tn 38478Phone: (931) 363-9138 • fax: (931) 363-3408

www.gilescountyedc.com

viSiT Images PulaskI-gIles County ONliNE AT imAGESpUlASkiGilESCO.COm

©copyright 2011 Journal communications inc., 725 cool springs blvd., suite 400, franklin, tn 37067,

(615) 771-0080. all rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced

in whole or in part without written consent.

member the association of magazine media

member custom content council

member Giles county chamber of commerce and Pulaski-Giles county economic development commission

What’s Online imagespulaskigilesco.com

Final Journey

Civil War hero gets fitting tribute

FORECAST: SUNNYSolar projects warm economy

SOUThERNCOmFORT FOOdDiners have good restaurant options

Take a look at the area’s rich historic architecture in a

quick video.

What’s Online

SpONSOREd bY ThE GilES COUNTY ChAmbER OF COmmERCE

2011 | imAGESpUlASkiGilESCO.COm

pUlASki-GilES COUNTY, TENNESSEE

®

See more photos in our online photo gallery

Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog

Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail

Photos

Digital eDition

Facts & statsDig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

ViDeoGet a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions

Real estateLearn about the local housing market and get started finding your place


ON ThE COvER brian mccorda statue of sam davis

departments

4 Almanac

16 biz briefs

18 Chamber Report

19 Economic profile

20 health & Wellness

22 Arts & Culture

24 Sports & Recreation

26 Education

30 Real Estate

32 Community profile

33 Through the lens

2011 EdiTiON | vOlUmE 3

pUlASki-GilES COUNTY, TN

®

cOntents

Features

8 FiNAl JOURNEYcivil War hero gets fitting tribute

12 FORECAST: SUNNYsolar projects warm economy

14 A TASTE FOR bUSiNESSfood products one of several strong segments

28 SOUThERN COmFORT FOOddiners have good restaurant options

8

28all or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

please recycle this magazine

imageSPul aSkigileSCo.Com 5 4 Pul aSki

Welcome to Pulaskian introDuCtion to the area’S PeoPle, PlaCeS anD eventS

almanac

tools for successWhen searching for hard-to-find home décor and repair supplies,

look no further than abernathy hardware co., located on the square

in downtown Pulaski.

the store has been serving the community for more than 110 years,

and features its original 1889 interior. Paint, electrical and plumbing

supplies, garden tools and other home improvement items are

still stored along the walls, and can only be obtained by climbing

sliding ladders.

said to have helped farmers survive the Great depression, this

hardware store has played an important role in Pulaski's history.

to learn more, contact abernathy hardware co. at (931) 363-2593.

historic homestead

the matt Gardner homestead

museum honors a man born into

slavery who gained his freedom in

1865 and went on to build the first

school for african-american

students in elkton. Gardner

eventually became the pastor

of the new hope Primitive baptist

church of elkton.

today, Gardner's home honors

his life and legacy, and educates the

public about the african-american

experience, from slavery to

freedom. to discover more, go to

www.mattgardnerhomestead.org

or call (931) 309-9695.

the museum, in conjunction with

martin methodist college, will host

the traveling smithsonian exhibit

We Shall Not Be Moved oct. 25 to

dec. 6. the exhibit, which includes

a collection of memorabilia and

artifacts from the tennessee state

museum, will be on display at the

Gault fine arts center. it pays

tribute to african americans who

participated in sit-ins during the

civil Rights movement.

turkey here, turkey thereas the Wild turkey capital of tennessee, Pulaski is home to the

annual Governor's one-shot turkey hunt.

the event, which attracts hunters throughout the state, takes place

in five counties known for their large flocks – Giles, lawrence, lincoln,

marshall and maury. local guides take hunters to sites in these

counties, where they attempt to bag a turkey with a single shot.

each year, the event ends with a banquet and auction in Pulaski,

which raises money for clay-target trap teams at the local high school,

and a planned public shooting range in the region.Photo couRtesy of eaRl camPbell

imageSPul aSkigileSCo.Com 5

he's Got styleWith a location on north first street in Pulaski as well as in los angeles,

calif., Jack White catering provides food for a variety of occasions.

the company caters large events, private parties and weddings

with menu selections based on diet, style, theme and time period.

White's food-styling creations have been featured in a variety of

television shows and movies, such as The Social Network, Star Trek and

Date Night. but more than just his food has made it to the big screen:

White was cast in the film Iron Man 2, which hit theaters in 2010.

White recently recruited barbara Pollastrini, a close friend and

graduate of the famous cordon

bleu cooking school in Rome,

italy. White and Pollastrini have

developed new concepts such as

dinner with the chef, cooking school,

italian deli-cooking, homestyle/

rustic made-from-scratch cooking,

and meals where everything on the

menu is fresh and locally purchased.

visit www.jackwhitecatering.com

for more information.

more than a collegemartin methodist college is in the center of Pulaski – literally and figuratively speaking.

the college serves its students while also engaging Giles county residents, as it offers facilities for the

community to enjoy, including the new virginia and thomas Gault fine arts center. once the school's historic

old Gym, the cultural center features a variety of amenities for students, as well as a 128-seat recital hall and an

art gallery. martin methodist has the distinction of being an all-steinway school and has shown a commitment

to musical excellence by using only pianos designed by steinway & sons.

in addition, the college is a top employer in the area, positively impacting Pulaski's economy.

for more information about martin methodist college, visit www.martinmethodist.edu.

local treasureslewlew’s Gift shop, located

in lewter’s Whole supply inc.,

sells a range of gifts, including

antiques, frames, vera bradley

designs, lamps, jewelry, purses

and much more. new items

come in weekly and free gift

wrapping is available. store

workers will also build gift

baskets and deliver items

within the Pulaski area for

those who don’t have time

to make a trip. for more

about the gift shop, visit www.lewterswholesale.com/lewlew_s.php or call

(931) 363-6375.

www.lewtwerswholesale.com/LewLew_s.php


Pulaski in action

imagespulaskigilesco.com

Don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself how great Pulaski is in our quick videos at imagespulaskigilesco.com, highlighting a little bit of everything that Pulaski has to offer.


pOpUlATiON (2009 ESTimATE)Pulaski: 7,826, Giles county: 29,082

lOCATiONGiles county is in south-central tennessee,

just north of the tennessee-alabama state

line. Pulaski is the county seat.

bEGiNNiNGSGiles county was created in 1809 and formed

out of maury county from its immediate

north. Pulaski was established in 1809.

FOR mORE iNFORmATiONGiles county chamber of commerce

110 n. second st. Pulaski, tn 38478

Phone: (931) 363-3789

fax: (931) 363-7279


Pulaski-Giles county economic development

commission

203 s. first st.Pulaski, tn 38478

Phone: (931) 363-9138

fax: (931) 363-3408 www.gilescountyedc.com

pulaski at a glance

GILES

ALABAMA

TENNESSEE

31

207

65

Ardmore

Minor Hill

Elkton

Lynnville

Pulaski

Ethridgeh

Summertownm wisburggLeww

LawrenceeburgeLaw g

taking the stagethe Southern tennessee area arts

repertory theatre – commonly known as the Staar theatre and Center for the arts – offers live entertainment and presents a different play or musical every six weeks.

this nonprofit community theater organization, consisting of about 200 members, encourages the public to audition for productions and has recently presented popular shows including Annie and Little Women.

Performing in the historic opera house building on the square in Pulaski, formerly the morris harwell Building, the group has turned the facility's first level into a dinner theater with approximately 100 seats. the 1868 opera house is believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in the nation. the theater group plans to restore the top level performance hall, which has been empty since the 1930s.

Check out www.staar-arts.org to find out more about the Staar theatre.

Pulaski

Antoinette hall awaiting renovation

imageSPul aSkigileSCo.Com 9 8 Pul aSki

Statue of Sam Davis, the 16-year-old “boy

hero of the Confederacy” Staff Photo


CONFEdERATE hERO SAm dAviS REmEmbEREd, hONOREd WhERE

hE WAS CApTUREd ANd diEd

JourneystoRy by JOE mORRiS

Final

The Civil War ended more than a century ago, but standing on the windswept, open fields a few miles south of Pulaski near the Minor

Hill community, the conflict feels much more immediate.

boy hero of the ConfederacyThis is the spot where the story of courier

Sam Davis, the 16-year-old “boy hero of the Confederacy,” begins. Davis was captured here on Nov. 19, 1863, brought to Pulaski to be jailed and tried, and was hanged there on Nov. 27. Many of the sites along his final journey are memorialized on a trail that leads through the county, but the starting point is a place fraught with emotion for those who carry the war, and its heroes, close to heart.

“It’s a lonesome place,” says Cathy Gordon Wood, president of the Giles County 257, United Daughters of the Confederacy. “If you can

imagine the area as being wooded, which it was then, and him asleep under a tree, it can really take you back in time.”

Sam davis Trail has multiple Stops

The UDC has long acted as custodians of the Davis trail’s stops, caring for a marker erected at the capture site in 1926, as well as erecting a life-size statue of Davis in Pulaski’s courthouse square in 1906. It also remains involved in the activities of the nearby Sam Davis Museum, built in 1950 on the site of his execution. The UDC also is working with other groups to place a marker in Maplewood Cemetery, another trail stop, to commemorate Davis’ brief interment there.

These and other efforts by civic groups to keep Davis’ story alive have helped Pulaski and Giles County become a major stop for Civil War enthusiasts and history buffs alike, says Daniel Speer, director of the Giles County Economic

What’s Online For more of Pulaski and Giles County’s Civil War history, visit imagespulaski gilesco.com.

www.imagespulaskigilesco.com

bR

ian

mcc

oR

d

bR

ian

mcc

oR

d

bR

ian

mcc

oR

d

Ph

ot

o c

ou

Rt

es

y o

f G

ile

s c

ou

nt

y h

ist

oR

ica

l s

oc

iet

y


"if i had a thousand lives, i would

give them all here before i would

betray a friend or the confidence

of my informer."


Clockwise from top left: the Sam Davis museum is part of the tennessee heritage trail; maplewood Cemetery; many Civil War trails are located in tennessee; Sam Davis statue on the square in Pulaski; Portrait of Sam Davis

Development Commission.“People drive to Minor Hill to start on

the trail, and then get to Pulaski where the museum, the statue and the cemetery can all be walked to,” Speer says. “The Davis story really anchors our tourism programs – it’s an ongoing thing for us.”

Campbellsville, Anthony’s hill Among Other Civil War Sites

In addition to the Davis sites, history buffs can visit the site of the Battle of Campbellsville, a November 1864 skirmish between occupying Union forces and Confederates that preceded the battles of Nashville and Franklin; the Battle of Anthony’s Hill, which took place the following month in the aftermath of the Nashville-area fighting; and the Confederates’ last stand in Tennessee, which took place in Minor Hill a year and one month after Davis’ execution. From her Edwardian home on Sam Davis Avenue, local resident and historian Margaret Campbell says the steady stream of tourists keeps all this history alive for her, and adds to the pleasure of living in Giles County.

“The story of Davis himself is easy to become fixated on, because he was only a boy doing his duty,” Campbell says. “It’s a tremendous part of Giles County’s culture and history, and when people come through, they hear about it, they see our old homes and historic buildings, and we are reminded by them of how beautiful and unique it is here.”

For more about the history of Giles County, visit the chamber’s website at www.gilescountychamber.com.

Je

ff

Re

y s

. o

tt

o


by capitalizing on the state’s efforts to lure solar energy researchers and manufacturers, Pulaski and Giles County have become major players in Tennessee’s fastest-growing new industry.

These days, the city and county are home to start-ups working to provide new solar and photovoltaic-related technologies to businesses as well as companies that have retooled their existing operations to work in the field.

Richland, Outpost Create parking, Special-Use Arrays

A prime example is Richland LLC, host to the first solar parking lot in the Southeast. The lot has spaces with electric vehicle chargers, powered by a 20 kW solar array. The project was built largely with federal and state funds, and is serving as a template for similar facilities in Knoxville, Chattanooga and elsewhere.

Richland also has gotten into the burgeoning research and development market with its investment in Outpost Solar, which is bringing defense-related technology to the government and private markets while exploring new outlets for its designs as well.

“We wanted to develop and build kilowatt units into armored modules so there would be remote-area generation for power in hostile areas like Afghanistan,” says Wilson Stevenson III, president. “We started out with that focus as a joint venture between my company, BNL Technical Services LLC, and Richland, who came into play because of their custom-fabrication work.”

While Outpost didn’t begin as a traditional solar array company, it has gotten into the parking and rooftop systems

business because of strong encouragement from local officials and the larger business community.

“We are seeing this area embracing new trends and being real advocates for what we’re doing, and what we’re also trying to put together,” Stevenson says.

In fact, Outpost has been so successful that it’s now moving into new facilities, a 12,000-square-foot building that the company will upgrade and expand to create its own unique footprint. And other players in Pulaski and Giles County can easily replicate his company’s success, Stevenson adds.

“The county and Pulaski Electric System have put everything into place to allow companies to move forward,” he says. “The economics here are very attractive to investment by private companies.” Solar program At Tennessee Tech Center

The area’s academic community also has been riding the solar wave, getting out in front with programs and training facilities to prepare the workforce that these firms will need. At the Tennessee Technology Center at Pulaski, the Solar Photovoltaic Technology program launched in October 2009 has produced its first group of graduates, most of whom had post-graduation jobs lined up while they interned in the field, says Jim Dixon, the center’s director.

“The success of our program and the quality of instructor Clay Luna show us that we need to keep developing this program,” Dixon says. “Solar employers from here and all around the state are coming down here to have conversations with our students. They are excited at what we have available, and so we’re looking forward to working with all of them as we expand our program.”

SOlAR pROJECTS WARm pUlASki, GilES COUNTY ECONOmY

Forecast:

stoRy by JOE mORRiS

SUNNY


tennessee technology Center at Pulaski launched the Solar Photovoltaic technology program in 2009.


FOOd pROdUCTS: ONE OF SEvERAl STRONG SEGmENTS

business stoRy by RENEE EldERPhotoGRaPhy by bRiAN mcCORd

Anyone who has an appetite for business will find plenty on the table in Pulaski-Giles County.

manufacturingThe region’s central location and

low costs of doing business are among factors bringing a competitive edge to companies like Frito Lay. The famous snack maker employs more than 500 at its Pulaski plant, where workers stay busy baking delicious crackers, pretzels and popcorn, and putting the home-made flavor in popular Grandma’s Cookies. Meanwhile, SunDrop Bottling Co. provides the regional favorite soft drink, while also bottling several other brands, including 7UP, Sunkist, A&W and Country Time. Purity Dairies reflects the heritage of Giles County, once known as a dairy and agricultural center. All in all, manufacturing makes up about 37 percent of jobs in Giles County, and of course, good taste isn’t the only item on that menu. Goods made here range from electronic auto parts at Johnson Controls to CD cases

and other consumer packaging at Bert-Co., and workers of all skill levels are needed.

Getting TherePulaski's Abernathy Field Airport

has a 5,000-foot runway for business travelers in smaller craft. From downtown Pulaski, State Route 31 provides easy access to Interstate 65 and the Nashville International Airport some 80 miles away.

Small is bigThe community also takes pains

to welcome smaller businesses and start-ups. To encourage entrepreneurs, the Giles County Small Business Development Center provides customized assistance through one- on-one counseling. And as one of the country’s HUBZones designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, small companies following HUBZone guidelines receive priority consideration for federal government contracts, translating to additional revenue. Another plus for business

is Pulaski Energize, a service of Pulaski Electric System. Although it’s the oldest municipal electric system in the state, this utility’s forward-thinking approach includes a 100 percent fiber-optic network to carry high-speed data, TV and telephone service throughout the Pulaski area.

Retail OptionsIn the retail arena, shoppers will

find a host of dependable chain stores, such as Wal-Mart, where horse parking is available for customers, as well as many one-of-a-kind establishments. Col. Littleton, headquartered in Lynnville, is a specialty retailer selling accessories worldwide through a website and upscale department stores. Downtown Pulaski is practically a one-stop retail destination with stores such as the Clothes Pen children’s shop, Outlook department store, Abernathy Hardware and Reeves Drug Store. “We have a good variety; you just can’t go to the mall and find the things we have here,” says Clothes Pen clerk Paula Word.

A Taste for

bottom left: Sun Drop Bottling Co. in Pulaski is the third largest Sun Drop distributor in the u.S. bottom right: Col. gary a. littleton sells his products in catalogs such as Neiman Marcus, as well as his store in lynnville.


Biz Briefsa SamPling of BuSineSSeS – Big anD Small – that helP Define

PulaSki-gileS County’S Well-BalanCeD eConomiC Climate

ShARp mOTOR COmpANY & mURREY ChEvROlET bUiCk GmCBiz: Car dealershipsBuzz: You almost need a scorecard to keep track of all the Sharps and Murreys who have worked throughout the years at the Pulaski dealerships of Sharp Motor Company and Murrey Chevrolet Buick GMC. The success of their business ventures come from a combination of hard work, loyalty, tradition and the support of Giles County residents.

Sharp Motor Company was started in 1930 by Erskine Sharp and today sells Ford cars and trucks. W.P. “Bill” Murrey Jr., who married Erskine’s daughter, the late Sara Frances Sharp, is today chairman of Sharp Motor Co. while one of his sons, W.P. “Preston” Murrey III, serves as president. By the

way, Bill Murrey will be 86 years old in June 2011 and still works at the dealership every day.

Meanwhile, at Murrey Chevrolet Buick GMC, which opened in 1987, the day-to-day operations are overseen by James “Ed” Murrey and his brother, John. “Our success over the years at these two dealerships is thanks to the Giles County community and its supportive people – we get a lot of repeat customers,” John Murrey says. “We mostly draw from Giles County but also get some customers from northern Alabama and surrounding counties. And one thing we’ve been especially pleased with during this rough national recession is that we’ve never had to lay off any employee at either dealership.” www.sharpmotor.net

scorecard

bUSiNESS AT A GlANCE

$221 millionAnnual retail sales

$7,492Retail sales per capita

$17 millionAnnual hotel and food sales

2,134Total number of firms

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

From left: Ed, John, preston and bill murrey iii


lEG Up ThERApEUTiC RidiNG CENTERBiz: Horseback riding therapyBuzz: This nonprofit organization provides equine-assisted activities for both adults and children with mental or physical needs. Horseback riding has been proven to assist both the physical and emotional recovery of people with special needs, and Leg Up provides personalized care by tailoring lessons to the needs of the individual.www.leguppulaski.org

JOhNSON’S blUEbiRd CAFéBiz: RestaurantBuzz: The original Bluebird Café was a local hangout from 1936 to the mid-1990s. The Johnson family reopened the restaurant in 2007 and it’s again become a popular gathering spot. Breakfast and lunch are served Monday through Saturday, and lunch includes a buffet of comfort foods. (931) 804-6814

iNmAN’S STOp & ChAT mARkETBiz: Grocery storeBuzz: Inman’s Stop & Chat Market has become a Pulaski staple, operating in the area for years, offering an in-store deli and selling local products, including food and household supplies. The interior is decorated with plaques and trophies from high school championships and other notable town achievements, staking the store’s place in Pulaski’s history. (931) 363-1881

bRiNdlEY CONSTRUCTiONBiz: Construction companyBuzz: Established in 1960, Brindley Construction began primarily as a home-building company, and has since evolved into a full-service construction company that handles commercial, industrial and medical projects. Its services include building design, general contracting and construction management. The company has been rated one of the country’s largest multifamily builders by Professional Builders.www.brindleyconst.com/index.html

www.brindleyconst.com

18 Pul aSki

chamber reportagenCieS look to helP Small BuSineSSeS

Economic officials in Giles County are concentrating on small

businesses in 2011, even to the point of establishing a Giles County Small Business Development Center.

“About 94 percent of the 2,400 businesses in Giles County have nine employees or less, so we’re focusing on these existing small businesses to help them grow and become more

successful,” says Dan Speer, director of the Giles County Economic Development Commission.

Giles County currently has about 300 small-business chamber members, and Donna Baker, director of the Giles County Chamber of Commerce, says further networking of those businesses is one of the top priorities for the chamber in 2011.

On a FastTrac“Giles County has its own

service to help small businesses and entrepreneurs get started in an enterprise, or to expand one. That service is the Giles County Small Business Development Center (GCSBDC), located on the second floor of the Chamber of Commerce building at 110 North Second Street in Pulaski, Tenn. The center is a partnership between Giles County Chamber of Commerce, Martin Methodist College and the Giles County Economic Development Commission. Dr. Jack Forrest, director of the center, provides free one-on-one counseling, and is a certified Kauffman Foundation facilitator. He recently concluded his first 10-week class for the FastTrac New Venture program,” Baker says.

Regional mentalityDan Speer also points out that

Giles County leaders, along with those from neighboring communities, are beginning to brainstorm ideas that will help the economy of the entire region.

“There is a current effort to really promote the Tennessee Valley, which encompasses several rural municipalities in southern Tennessee and northern Alabama,” he says. “Even attracting entities such as performing arts theaters or other arts-related projects would benefit overall economic development. Giles County and the Tennessee Valley want to grow in a variety of different areas for the good of everyone.”

For more information about the Giles County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.gilescountychamber.com.

– Kevin Litwin



ECONOmiC RESOURCES

giles County

Chamber of Commerce

110 n. second st.

Pulaski, tn 38478

(931) 363-3789


the giles County Small

Business Development Center

110 n. second st.

contact the chamber

for more on this program.

giles County

economic Development

Commission

203 s. first st.

Pulaski, tn 38478

(931) 363-9138


WORkFORCE

8,444total workforce

71%White Collar Jobs

29%Blue Collar Jobs

mAJOR EmplOYERS

frito-lay

511 employees

Johnson Controls

305 employees

iNCOmE

$23,264Per Capita income

$45,354average annual household expenditure

GOvERNmENT OFFiCES

County mayor

222 W. madison st.

(931) 363-5300

City of Pulaski

203 south 1st st.

(931) 363-2516

County Clerk – giles County

Courthouse annex

222 W. madison st.

(931) 363-1509

www.rackleyhost.com

agricultural extension Service

132 s. second st.

(931) 363-3523

bUSiNESS ClimATEthe county government of Giles county and the city government

have an active pro-business attitude. Giles county offers businesses

highway accessibility and transportation systems, a strong

workforce, low business costs, and advanced information and

communication technology.

ECONOmiC pROFilE

hillside hospital

300 employees

timken

256 employees

magotteaux-Pulaski

217 employees

TAx STRUCTURE

2.5%City Sales and use tax

2.5%County Sales tax

7%State Sales tax

5.5%State Sales tax on food

9.5%total Sales tax

TRANSpORTATiON

Bus/van Service - SCtDD rural Public transportation(931) 381-2040 www.sctddtransit.org

giles County transportation (931) 363-6610

airport - Pulaski abernathy field(931) 363-6827 www.gilescountyedc.com


health & Wellness

From preventative services to treatment for acute illness, health-care providers in Pulaski and Giles county work to make sure residents have the resources they need to get well and stay well.

get healthy, stay healthyPrevention iS key, But helP iS here if you neeD it

hillside hospital in Pulaski

bRian mccoRd


hillside hOspitalat the center of the local health-care system

is hillside hospital in Pulaski, part of the lifePoint

hospitals system that operates facilities in 17 states.

hillside hospital has 95 patient beds and operates a

24-hour emergency room with life flight services for

the surrounding area. surgery facilities have been

enhanced with a recent renovation. new equipment

for diagnostics, including a 16-slice ct scanner, have

been added as well. special services available include

obstetrics and nursery facilities, diabetes education

and wound care, respiratory therapy, physical

therapy, a sleep-disorders clinic and more.

cOmmunity Outreachhospital employees reach out to the community

through a variety of programs aimed at helping

residents stay healthy. during national heart month

in february, residents were invited to a heart-healthy

dinner and a presentation by a staff cardiologist.

other special events have included health and

fitness programs for seniors and a well-attended

Women’s night out event called Lilies & Lace, which

paid special attention to women’s health needs.

lOng-term caremeadowbrook nursing home and nhc healthcare

in Pulaski serve individuals requiring longer-term

care. austin hewitt house and ivy crest, both in

Pulaski, offer assisted living.

hOme healthWhen services are needed outside of an

in-patient setting, a number of home health

agencies are located in the county that can

assist with medical treatments and physical

therapy. these include Reeves home health

care, amedisys home health care and nhc

homecare in Pulaski.

Wellnessof course, preventative health care starts

with diet and exercise. in Pulaski, curves offers

special workouts for women, while harvey’s Gym

provides aerobic classes and strength training.

Giles county also offers several walking trails and

a full range of activities through the Parks and

Recreation department.

– Renee Elder

Giles County is full of Givers. Despite a struggling economy that strained philanthropic efforts across the nation, the Relay For Life of Giles County, which benefits the American Cancer Society, topped its 2010 fundraising goal by 150 percent, raising a record $127,487. It has become one of the most anticipated events of the year in Giles County, and over the past six years, has raised more than $500,000 for the American Cancer Society research, education, advocacy and patient services.

The 2011 event will be held June 18 and 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. at the Giles County Agripark. For more information about the 2011 Relay For Life of Giles County, visit the website at www.relayforlife.org/gilestn.

hooray for relay

Here for all of your urgent care needs – with primary care available.

1414 W. College St.

Pulaski, TN 38478

(931) 363-3004 T

(931) 363-6004 FWALK-IN CLINICCare

Rapidwww.rapidcareclinic.net

www.rapidcareclinic.net


arts & culture

pulaski and giles county are rich with civil War history, and have an assortment of other culturally significant things to see and do. Whether you simply love to learn or indulge in the arts, culture is around every corner.

historical gemshiStory anD art unite to Create Cultural muSt-SeeS

hOme tO histOryhallehurst is the only neo-classical

style house in Giles county, and was built

in 1889 by the county's first millionaire

senator newton h. White. it has been

architecturally restored and is on the

national Register of historic Places. the

brown-daly-horne house is a Queen

ann style house built in 1855 and was

purchased by Governor John c. brown

in 1869.

Pulaski-Giles county not only has

dozens of entries on the national

Register of historic Places but also

numerous districts. the pulaski Courthouse Square historic district reflects victorian-style architecture.

the square dates back to 1811 and the

courthouse from 1909. one of the oldest

towns in the area, lynnville historic

district includes the city of lynnville, and

is named for lynn creek because linden

“lynn” trees grow along the banks. sam

davis avenue historic district honors

world-renowned confederate soldier

sam davis, who was condemned and

executed for spying. the south Pulaski

historic district, also known as the West

Pulaski historic district, includes three

streets that are laid out on the original

town plat.

the Trail of Tears, a vital part of

american indian history, also is present

here. two land routes pass through Giles

county and intersect in Pulaski – the bell

and benge trails. the bell trail ran from

east of chattanooga, tennessee to just

west of the arkansas state line, and the

benge trail ran from north alabama to

tahlequah, oklahoma.

dance and VOcal perFOrmances

although Pulaski-Giles county exults

numerous historical places, the culture

doesn't end there. there is a theater to

visit, classes to take and even an event

where you can sing your heart out.

The Southern Tennessee Area Arts Repertory (staaR) hosts musicals and

performance art. located in the 1868

opera house building, the theater focuses

on educating and enriching the lives of the

local community while also preserving

history. staaR offers 30 live performances

and events throughout the year.

the pulaski performing Arts Center strives to provide safe and effective

classes teaching students to love the art

of music and dance. the center offers

dance classes in ballet, pointe, tap and

jazz, as well as voice lessons, vocal

performance and music with mommie,

an interactive class for small children and

their moms. students participate in local

events such as Relay for life, recitals,

festivals and more.

the annual diana Singing Extravaganza is held the second friday

and saturday in June and september.

since 1969, participants have been

enjoying a cappella music in the diana

community. each show starts at 7:30

p.m. and continues late into the night

with campgrounds, a museum and gift

shop on-site. – Raven Petty

What’s Online

Discover more about the creative climate of

Pulaski and Giles County in the culture section at

imagespulaski gilesco.com.

Clockwise from top: Ballet practice at the Pulaski Performing arts Center; the vaughn ford mayer historic home on Sam Davis ave.; The Trail Where They Cried portrays a Cherokee family walking west on the trail of tears near Pulaski.

www.imagespulaskigilesco.com


bRian mccoRd

bRian mccoRd staff Photo


sports & Recreation


pulaski is a quaint town steeped in tradition, and finding something to do in the area is not hard. from hunting and horseback riding to parks and recreation centers, families have options in Pulaski and Giles county.

From hunting to horseback ridingPulaSki-gileS County familieS have Plenty of reCreation oPtionS

huntingstate leaders recently named Giles county the

Wild turkey capital of tennessee, and they have

the wild turkey population to back it up. the large

number of turkeys in the area has made Giles county

an increasingly popular choice among hunters. Giles

county is a host county, along with four others, for

the annual Governor's one-shot turkey hunt, which

attracts hunters from all over tennessee, along with

a few celebrities every year. the goal for the five-

county hunt, now in its ninth year, is to bag a turkey

with one single shot. hunting in the county expands

beyond turkeys, as hunters also come to the area for

deer, fox, quail and pheasants. deer hunters in the

area can join the Giles county deer hunters

association, established in 1970, the oldest and

largest deer-hunting club in tennessee, with a

membership of more than 350. the triple springs

Ranch in lynnville provides hunters with an outlet

for quail, pheasant and other game bird hunting.

equestrian interestshorses are a way of life in Giles county; nearly

every field in the area has at least one horse. the

county is home to many equine services and clubs,

from driving and dressing associations to trail-riding

clubs and numerous shows and rodeos. one

organization, the leg up therapeutic Riding center,

is a nonprofit that strives to "inspire the lives of those

with life challenges through the benefits of equine-

assisted activities that promote treatment of

emotional, behavioral, social, mental and physical

needs." visitors to Giles county can get their horse

fix by attending one of the community rodeos or

horse shows, or by riding on the many horse trails

in the area.

parks & recreatiOnthe parks in Giles county prove to be great

places for parents and children alike to spend

an afternoon. in Pulaski, the magazine Road

Park hosts a men's adult softball league, and

also contains tennis courts, picnic tables and a

kids playground. sam davis Park boasts football

and baseball facilities, along with track and work

out stations, while W.d. savage and Richland Park

round out the county park system with basketball

and tennis courts, softball fields and playground

equipment between the two.

outside of Pulaski, the Johnbarnes area, elkton,

lynnville and minor hill city parks provide the rest

of Giles county with playgrounds, basketball and

tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, horse and

rodeo arenas and much more. the main recreation

area in the county is sharewood Park and its Pulaski

Recreation center. families come from across the

county to enjoy the municipal pool, walking trails,

basketball gym and other activities. the center

offers an array of classes, from swim to quilting

lessons. the park also boasts an amphitheater

used for concerts, graduations and the annual

monster triathlon.

– Carson O’Shoney

giles County was recently named the Wild turkey Capital of tennessee. Photo couRtesy of sam hobbs


education

From its public school system to a private university and technical training programs, Pulaski-Giles county educational institutions provide students with the education necessary to be competitive in the global economy for decades to come.

tomorrow’s techies training todayPulaSki SChoolS PrePare StuDentS for CareerS of tomorroW

giles County high School students lift fingerprints in their forensic science class (top) and work on Project lead the Way, part of the veX robotics Program (bottom right).

Ph

ot

os

by

bR

ian

mcc

oR

d


public schOOlsPulaski-Giles county public schools are

dedicated to providing students with the best

education opportunities available. this devotion is

demonstrated by its adoption of a national program

called Project lead the Way. the curriculum of this

program focuses on science, technology, engineering

and mathematics. the program is designed to foster

ingenuity and creativity within students to promote

critical-reasoning and problem-solving skills.

there are eight schools in the county’s public

system, including Giles county high school, which

began offering engineering design classes in 2008.

it added Principles of engineering in 2009, and

the program was expanded to Richland school.

the program is now available to freshmen and

sophomore students who are at the algebra i

level. the district’s athletics teams have also

excelled. in 2009, the Giles county bobcats

won a state championship in football.

neW priVate schOOlGiles Preparatory academy is a new private

school being developed in the county. the school

would offer a one to 15 pupil to teacher ratio, grades

k-3 and incorporate non-denominational christian

teachings. the academy is located in Pulaski.

tennessee technOlOgy center at pulaski

the tennessee technology center at

Pulaski provides students with hands-on learning

environments and small class sizes to help them

develop the skills needed to obtain careers in several

high-demand job fields. among the numerous courses

the center offers, two programs are especially relevant

in today’s technology-driven economy: the advanced

manufacturing education program, which trains

students how to use the complex technologies found

in the modern manufacturing workplace, and the solar

Photovoltaic technology program, which teaches

students about the practical theory, design criteria,

installation guidelines, safety issues and maintenance

principles of photovoltaic solar structures.

martin methOdist cOllegefounded in 1870, martin methodist college is a four-

year liberal arts college affiliated with the tennessee

conference of the united methodist church. the

college strives to foster students’ intellectual, spiritual,

social and personal growth. in 1999, the college

aimed to increase its enrollment under a plan called

martin 2010, which included expanded programs and

services for students, as well as the renovation of the

college’s gymnasium. – Braxton Shoop

1020 W. College St. Pulaski, TN 38478 (931) 363-0000 www.richlandinn.com

Richland Inn of Pulaski

Deluxe full hot breakfastCable TV/HBO/CNN/MSNBC

USA Today newspaperFree local calls

Laundry and dry cleaningHealth club

Free wireless InternetBoard roomSuites with whirlpoolCoin operated washer/dryerRestaurant on premisesComplimentary beer and snacks

Richland Inn offers corporate, AAA and AARP rates, which include:

A mile away from shopping center, industrial park, golf course and the leading restaurants

Since 1986“History is our business and business is our history”

www.richlandinn.com


local flavor

Fresh from the garden or hot off the grill, there’s a tasty meal waiting in Pulaski-Giles county.

diners discover VarietyChooSe Something freSh-PiCkeD or CookeD to orDer

pass the menunot inclined to do your own cooking?

head for one of the area’s many

restaurants. sands Restaurant, owned

by barbara and morton Rudd, has been

a Giles county favorite for 44 years.

they offer a full menu for lunch and

dinner that features steaks, catfish and

local favorites, frog legs and the “sands

big burger,” homemade mini pies and

strawberry shortcake, fried green

tomatoes, fried pickles and fried green

beans. they also have weekly specials.

ck Grill on college street may be

Pulaski’s favorite stop for breakfast fare,

from french toast to country-fried steak

and eggs. and for lunch, try the buffet

of southern-style food at hickory house.

Get ready for a treat. this affordable

dining spot has been noted as having

some of the tastiest barbecue, catfish

and cornbread anywhere. folks in Giles

county don't just go to a local hospital

when they're hurting, they go to hillside

hospital when they're hungry. the

hillside hospital cafe is a popular

restaurant and catering service, offering

up a healthy variety of vegetables,

southern side dishes and tasty entrees.

Old-FashiOned FlaVOrevery meal comes with nostalgia on

the side at Reeves drugstore. their old-

fashioned lunch counter offers traditional

favorites like club, chicken salad and

Club sandwich and salad at Country kitchenPh

ot

os

by

bR

ian

mcc

oR

d


pimiento cheese sandwiches, as well as

sundaes, home-made fried pies and coke

floats from the soda fountain. lynnville’s

favorite soda Pop Junction is another

good bet for lunch or dinner. the eclectic

menu includes marinated chicken, pork

chops, barbecue, blts, Philly cheese

steak sandwiches and milk shakes that

draw customers from miles around.

march in and place orders at sarge's

shack, a restaurant in frankewing that's

known for its steaks, catfish and smoked

ribs but also offers pasta, fajatas and

burgers. the shack has been in business

for more than 20 years.

Fresh lOcal FlaVOrthe first stop for fresh veggies and

fruits is the Giles county farmer’s market.

the open-air market at the courthouse

square invites customers to shop for

local produce each saturday from march

through november. avid locavores will

also want to visit Pulaski-area farms such

as Rollins farm on Prospect Road for

honey and farm-fresh beef, limoland

on columbia highway for tomatoes and

pumpkins in season and Quiet breeze

farm, also on columbia highway, for

heart-healthy Piedmontese freezer beef.

special eVentsand remember to highlight your

calendar for the chance to taste a riot of

flavors created by contestants in Giles

county chamber of commerce's annual

chili cook-off that takes place each

october, as well as the fresh berries and

pies served up at the lynnville blackberry

festival in June. – Renee Elder

Want more?Sink your teeth into other stories about Pulaski and Giles County’s local flavor in the food section at imagespulaski gilesco.com.

Soda Pop Junction in lynnville

bR

ian

mcc

oR

d


victorian house located on Jefferson Street in Pulaski

sta

ff

Ph

ot

o


Real estate

pulaski-giles county is a magnet for families and individuals looking to slow down a little and enjoy the view. here, open spaces and friendly communities don’t come with a hefty price tag. the average cost for a single-family house in Giles county is nearly a third less than the statewide average.

neighborhoods make Value a top priority Community PriDe ComBineS With afforDaBle real eState

pulaskithe seat of county

government, Pulaski is home

to about 8,700 residents. cute

cottages are found within walking

distance of downtown, while

family-friendly neighborhoods,

such as northridge and millington

Place, offer spacious brick homes

with large yards. country houses

are sometimes available with 20

or more acres, perfect for the

gentleman farmer or horse lover.

lynnVillelynnville is one of Giles

county's oldest settlements.

once a bustling market town,

it has 59 buildings listed on the

national Register of historic

Places. in the center of town

is a railroad museum, with

revitalization efforts underway

to bring in more shops and

restaurants. slightly more than

400 people live in lynnville, with

subdivisions and farms offering

a range of residential options.

elktOnelkton, in southern Giles

county, was founded in 1808.

situated alongside the elk River,

the scenic town was once a

popular steamboat and stage

coach stop. it is now home

to more than 500 residents.

downtown elkton is just 2 miles

from interstate 65, providing easy

access to centers of employment

such as huntsville, ala., about

30 miles away.

minOr hillan incorporated city in

southwest Giles county, minor hill

has the feel of a rural community.

the city is home to about 480

residents, many of whom live on

larger tracts of land, and farm or

keep horses. city-sponsored

rodeos, horse shows and tractor

pulls are common. outdoor

recreation such as hunting and

fishing are also popular. minor hill

is about 18 miles from Joe Wheeler

state Park in Rogersville, ala.

ardmOreWith approximately 1,200

residents and growing, ardmore

straddles the line between Giles

and lincoln counties in tennessee

and sits adjacent to its sister city,

ardmore, ala. newer single-family

developments include ashton

lane subdivision and the upscale

mill Race estates. in addition,

there also are several apartment

complexes in ardmore. the tight-

knit community comes together

for a number of annual events,

including a Renaissance fair, car

shows and a christmas parade.

– Renee Elder

32 Pul aSki

24%age 19 and under

46%age 20-54

30%age 55 and over

82%White

14%Black

1%hispanic

3%other

ClOSEST AiRpORT

huntsville international

(256) 772-9395 ext. 1972

www.hsvairport.org

COST OF liviNG

$42,545median household income

$65,405median home Price

$600median rent for a two-Bedroom apartment

hOUSEhOld iNFORmATiON

7,826total Population

40median resident age

54%married

46%Single

ClimATE

89 FJuly average high

26 FJanuary average low

56”annual rain fall (vs. national average annual rain fall of 37”)

TimE zONE

central

TRANSpORTATiON

16 minutesmedian travel time to Work

SNApShOTPulaski is the county seat of Giles county. the community was

named for kazimierz Pulaski, a Polish patriot and u.s. colonial

army officer.

COmmUNiTY pROFilE

visit ouradvertisersBrindley Construction LLCwww.brindleyconst.com

Giles County – Pulaski Economic Development Commissionwww.gilescountyedc.com

Martin Methodist Collegewww.martinmethodist.edu

PESwww.pulaskielectric.org

Rapid Care Walk-In Clinic

Richland Innwww.richlandinn.com

Tennessee Technology Center at Pulaskiwww.ttcpulaski.edu

www.brindleyconst.com


www.martinmethodist.edu


www.richlandinn.com

www.ttcpulaski.edu


through the lens

besides virginia, tennessee

had more civil War battles than

any other state. there are lots of

unique stories from the battles

that happened in the volunteer

state, and new attractions like the

civil War trails and the sam davis

trail offer visitors a glimpse into

this tragic part of american

history.

sam davis was a young

confederate soldier from

tennessee who was captured by

union soldiers and arrested as a

spy, which made him ineligible

to be a prisoner of war. he was

hanged in Pulaski by union

forces on nov. 27, 1863 – just

after his 21st birthday.

Giles county erected three

memorials in honor of the local

hero and each is a stop on the

sam davis trail. historic items

from the civil War may also be

viewed in the museum of the

Giles county Public library in

downtown Pulaski.

FrOm Our phOtO blOg: pulaski-giles cOunty

Posted by bRian mccoRd

more Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at imagespulaskigilesco.com.

Colonel Gary littleton pulaski, TN

Soda pop Junction lynnville, TN

now that you’ve experienced pulaski-giles county through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit imagespulaskigilesco.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

get the story behind the photo

gen. John Calvin Brown, Confederate general during the Civil War and governor of tennessee from 1871-1875.

Ad Index 15 BrindleyConstruCtionllC

16 GilesCounty–PulaskieConomiCdeveloPmentCommission

C4 martinmethodistColleGe

C2 Pes

23 raPidCareWalk-inCliniC

29 riChlandinn

1 tennesseeteChnoloGyCenteratPulaski

www.martinmethodist.edu

images pulaski-giles county

Documents

pulaski imagespulaskigilesco

college pulaski

city of pulaski

solar pv technology

pulaski electric system

onwith pes

compulaskigiles county

local service