UNITED FIBER CAMPAIGN GIVES RESIDENTS THE POWER TO SPEED FIBER DEPLOYMENT ACROSS MIDDLE TENNESSEE SERVICE AREA

United Communications is excited to announce the launch of a new interactive fiber campaign and website aimed at giving customers the ability to help determine when and where United will deploy fiber-to-the-home services in the future.  To date, United has invested more than $90 million in their Middle Tennessee network and deployed fiber services to more than 5,000 locations across their Middle Tennessee service area.  As a result, they can deliver high-speed Internet with speeds up to 1 GIGABIT (1,000 mbps), digital TV and crystal -clear phone services to residents across their mainly rural Middle Tennessee service area.  

The ultimate goal of United's UniFi campaign is to identify the broadband needs of residents and businesses across the mid-state.  The new United UniFi campaign website gives residents and businesses the power to pre-register to express interest in United fiber service.  All that is required to register is a name, address, and product or service selection.  The site provides customers with an interactive map broken down into 3 distinct zones: existing fiber service locations, pre-engineered fiber areas that will require an established customer backer goal to begin fiber-to-the-home construction, and general areas of fiber interest under review for future fiber deployment. Once a customer is registered as a "UniFi backer" they have the ability to easily share the information with friends and neighbors who may be interested in signing up for United fiber services.  

"We are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish in order to bring fiber Internet and faster speeds to customers over the last few years, and we believe this new UniFi fiber campaign is going to be a game changer for future fiber deployment in our service area, said United Communications President and CEO, William Bradford.  "As a company who is literally in the trenches of broadband deployment, we know there is an extremely high demand for bandwidth across the state and we realize the need for broadband is only going to continue to grow.  The next critical step to expanding broadband, is to give customers the power to express interest in new services and faster speeds, and then meet that demand head on. Simultaneously, while the company pushes fiber service deployment across the area, we will also continue to focus our efforts making faster Internet speeds an option where fiber service is not currently available today." 

To learn more about United Communications UniFi campaign or to become a UniFi backer, please visit https://fiber.united.net. You can also follow United Communications on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date on fiber construction updates and information about United products and services.

TN Chamber launches program where employers can help employees further their education

State Chamber partners with GED Works as part of Workforce Development Initiative

NASHVILLE – Thanks to a program announced today by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Tennessee employers can now make it easier for workers to pursue their education. The new TN Chamber/GED Works™ program aims to create a better-educated and prepared Tennessee workforce as part of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Initiative. Data shows that over three hundred thousand Tennesseans are currently employed in the workforce and did not complete their high school education.

Launched nationally last year, GED Works helps adult learners attain their GED® credentials with the support of their employers. Just as importantly, it gives these employees momentum to pursue advanced education and training. The Tennessee Chamber is partnering with GED Testing Services to offer employers access to the program.

The TN Chamber/GED Works program includes everything an employee needs to prepare for and pass the GED. Participants are provided access to all the traditional benefits of the GED program, as well as online study material, connections to local adult education programs, and practice tests. The new program connects each participant with a GED Advisor specially trained to guide, engage, and motivate students – a successful model used by the TN Promise Mentors program at state community colleges.

 “An educated workforce is a top priority for the Tennessee Chamber and critical for us to address in order to continue to attract business to Tennessee,” said Bradley Jackson, President and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber. “High school credentialing is the most basic building block of a sound education, and that is why we are so excited about bringing GED Works to Tennessee.

“Our members know that having a properly-educated, well-trained workforce is key to their own success, just as it helps us recruit new employers. We are encouraging members to take advantage of TN Chamber/GED Works as part of our goal to help more adults earn high school credentialing.”

The Tennessee-tailored initiative represents the first state-level, business-endorsed promotion of the GED Works program, which currently serves some of the nation's largest employers and most recognizable brands – including Walmart, KFC, Taco Bell and Southeastern Grocers.

"Employers are attracted to GED Works because, unlike other employment-related costs, each dollar invested in an employee's education increases the competitiveness and value of their workforce," said Randy Trask, President of GED Testing Service. “Employers embrace GED Works because it enables employees to improve their career prospects, increase their earning potential, and hopefully find inspiration to continue their education and training."

The Tennessee Chamber was particularly attracted by the recent transformation of the GED program establishing  a pathway for postsecondary education. The newly-redesigned GED credential now includes a college ready score indicator endorsed by the American Council on Education, which allows colleges to place qualifying students in college-level courses – saving students time and money. In addition, the program provides graduates with resources and motivation to continue their education by connecting them with college and career pathway tools on GED.com, as well as postsecondary programs and scholarships offered by their employers.

Key Facts and Data About GED Works

·         Two of the top 10 companies listed on the Forbes Fortune 500 rankings for largest corporations participate in the GED Works program: #1 Walmart and #8 Yum Brands (Taco Bell and KFC).

·         Southeastern Grocers has enlisted in the program as well – ranked by Forbes as the 26^th largest private employer in the U.S.

·         GEDTS expects to announce up to four more major employers by the end of year.

·         More than 1,500 employees are currently enrolled in and working at various stages of the program, which typically requires 4-6 months to complete.

·         To date, 300 employees have successfully completed the program.

·         More than 6,000 employees have indicated interest in the program. 

What Are Employers Participating in GED Works Saying?

"Restaurant operators love that the GEDWorks and other Foundation programs help them recruit and retain high-quality employees who are interested in working hard to improve themselves. The KFC Foundation is proud to be able to support them and continue Colonel Sanders' legacy of helping people be their best selves through education.”

-- Krista Snider, Managing Director of the KFC Foundation.

About Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Founded in 1912, The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry is one of Tennessee’s oldest and most prominent business trade associations. Also serving as the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, the Tennessee Chamber works with local chambers of commerce across the state to advocate for a pro-business climate.  

About GED Testing Service

The GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 20 million graduates since 1942. The GED test is accepted by virtually all of U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the one official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high school diploma. GED Testing Service is a joint venture between the American Council on Education and Pearson.

About the GED Program

The goal of the new GED program that launched in January 2014 is to prepare adult learners for today's jobs and for entry into career and college training programs. The new GED test has two performance levels – one that is used to certify high school equivalency and another optional level that indicates readiness for college-level coursework

For more information visit the GEDWorks Media Kit web page, which includes: GEDWorks Press Release in English and Spanish, GEDWorks Infographic, Soundcloud Audio Clip, First GEDWorks Graduate Video, GEDWorks Student Profiles/Stories, Link to the GEDWorks Website.

* * *

Bradley Jackson, President & CEO

Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Tennessee Manufacturers Association

414 Union Street, Suite 107 Nashville, TN 37219

(Ph) 615-256-5141 

www.tnchamber.org   www.tnmfg.org  

Lewisburg Officially Names Calsonic Kansei Amphitheater in Rock Creek Park

Lewisburg Mayor welcomes Special Guests Calonic Kansei SVP Mike Layne, COO Eric Huch, Chairman Hideaki Watanabe, SVP Matt Mulliniks along with City Councilmen Steve Thomas and Artie Allen and City Manager Randall Dunn with the MCHS Chorus to the official naming of the Calsonic Kansei Amphitheater in Rock Creek Park. 

The City of Lewisburg official named the amphitheater of Rock Creek Park in honor of Calsonic Kansei and the company's contribution to the park improvements over the past year.
Calsonic Kansei not only serves as Marshall County's largest industrial employer, but  it is also a leader in community development partnerships with the City of Lewisburg. The company, which manufacturers dashboards and electronics in Lewisburg for the automotive industry, recently worked with the City of Lewisburg in planning and funding for several improvements to Rock Creek Park. The funding help provide underground utilities, new street lighting and the creation of the amphitheater in the park.
On Thursday morning, Lewisburg Mayor Jim Bingham welcomed special guests, Calsonic Kansei Chairman Hideaki Watanabe from Japan along with COO Eric Huch, SVP Mike Layne and SVP Matt Mulliniks to a ceremony to name the amphitheater - the Calsonic Kansei Amphitheater.
"We could not be more grateful to Calsonic Kansei for the funding and support that will provide a beautiful park area for the citizens of Lewisburg to enjoy for generations to come," said Mayor Bingham.
As a special treat, Elise Dumser and the MCHS Chorus performed a medley of 60s hits for the company and community dignitaries as a demonstration of what enjoying a show in the amphitheater will be for so many people from Lewisburg and Marshall County, as well as many visitors to the community and its events.

The MCHS Chorus performs a medley of 60s hits for Calsonic Kansei and community leaders 

Calsonic Kansei Amphitheater naming ceremony - The MCHS Chorus shares a photo with the dignitaries from Calsonic Kansei and the City of Lewisburg. 

Dale Carnegie Seminar on Workplace that Attracts and Retains Millennials

Lewisburg Site Receives Select TN Site Certification

Christos Industrial Site in Lewisburg Industrial Park Select TN Certified Site

44 sites have now been certified through the program

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development today announced five new Select Tennessee Certified Sites.

The Select Tennessee program was launched in 2012 to help Tennessee communities prepare available industrial sites for investment and expansion. The program sets rigorous standards to give companies reliable information when making location choices during the site selection process. To date, 44 sites have been certified. The five newest sites and their local sponsoring agencies are:

• 231 North Business Park: Shelbyville, Bedford County Chamber of Commerce (210 Frank Martin Road)
• Adamsville-McNairy North Industrial Park: Adamsville/McNairy County Industrial Development Board (Copeland Drive at State Highway 22)
• Christos Industrial Site: City of Lewisburg (Industrial Drive and Bob Davis Road)
• Industrial Park South Site Five: Pulaski/Giles County Economic Development Commission (Elkton Pike)
• Pellissippi Corporate Center Lots 11 and 12: The Development Corporation of Knox County (Kemp Fain Lane)

“While we can pitch companies on the advantages of Tennessee’s ready workforce, business-friendly climate and strong fiscal health, many times the make-or-break during economic development searches is a simple question: Do you have a readily available site?” TNECD Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “The Select Tennessee Certified Sites program helps our communities get a tangible product to put before companies looking to expand or relocate. These sites are vigorously vetted, so businesses know that their projects can proceed in a timely fashion with less risk. I congratulate the communities investing in their local assets and securing these newest certified sites.” 

The Select Tennessee program has certified forty-four sites in 34 counties. Eight certified sites have landed projects, which have together combined for nearly $979 million in private sector investment and more than 3,600 jobs committed.

The program acknowledges that companies seeking to expand or relocate their operations often eliminate less-prepared sites. Select Tennessee certification addresses this issue by ensuring sites meet high-quality standards. Among the qualifications needed for certification, industrial sites must have at least 20 acres of developable land, proper zoning to allow for ease of development, existing utilities onsite or a formal plan to extend to the site and truck-quality road access.

The hallmark of the Select Tennessee program is ensuring that Tennessee sites are primed for development, whether through marketing those ready for a prospect or providing guidance for uncertified sites to achieve a higher level of preparedness.

“The Select Tennessee Certified Sites program gives our local communities, especially ones in rural Tennessee, an advantage when competing with other states for economic development projects,” TNECD Assistant Commissioner of Rural Development Amy New said. “The communities with certified sites have invested in themselves and will be ahead of the game in recruiting new businesses and jobs.” 

“This certification isn’t a rubber stamp. Our communities go through a lengthy process to get certification,” TNECD Site Development Director Leanne Cox said. “Companies scouting a new location for their operations can feel confident that these new certified sites have been thoroughly vetted by economic development professionals and have the strong support of local community partners.”

TNECD has partnered with Austin Consulting to administer the program. 

“The Select Tennessee Certification Program continues to forge ahead and certify premier properties located in quality communities since 2012,” Frank Spano, managing director of Austin Consulting, said. “The Program will enter its fifth year in 2017 and continues to showcase the strengths of a very diverse state and all it has to offer to the industrial sector for both domestic and international companies considering a new location.”

Communities interested in participating in the program must begin the formal application process by sending their letter of intent to Select.Tennessee@tn.gov. More information about the program can be found at http://www.tnecd.com/sites/certified-sites/apply-now/.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community DevelopmentThe Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: TNECD.com. Follow us on Twitter: @TNECD. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TNECD.

UNITED CONTINUES FIBER EXPANSION IN MARSHALL COUNTYWITH GIGABIT INTERNET DEPLOYMENT TO THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN HALL AND BUSINESS DISTRICT

United Communications recently expanded its fiber network by delivering Gigabit Internet to the Chapel Hill Town Hall Administrative Complex and several additional customers located along the Chapel Hill business district.  The company has also partnered with the Town of Chapel Hill and the Marshall County Joint Economic and Community Development Board (JECDB) to ensure that any businesses planning to relocate to the area will have access to high-speed broadband services. President and CEO of United Communications, William Bradford indicated, “We are committed to giving our region the best possible communication services.  When this company was formed in the mid-1950’s that meant quality telephone services where no other provider would serve. Today it means delivering advanced communication services and Internet capabilities unsurpassed by any other provider in the area – regardless of size or location.” Mr. Bradford continued, “Fiber technology is the new gold standard for how people use digital communications services, and this technology will help fuel economic development as well as give our customers unparalleled service offerings. Fiber service will not only provide the capacity to handle current communication technologies, it will meet the increasing demands of the next generation of broadband innovations.”   United Communications is one of the first service providers in Middle Tennessee to offer this level of speed to customers.  “We believe expanding broadband is a great equalizing force for boosting rural economies. Today you don't have to live off a major highway or in a big city to find a good job, start a new business, or get a quality education, but you do need a high-speed Internet connection,” said Bradford. Chapel Hill Town Administrator, Mark Graves, stated he “strongly supports the effort to expand rural high-speed Internet access and is excited about the potential growth opportunities this technology will bring to the Town of Chapel Hill.  Access to broadband has become one of the driving forces in economic development, and I am thrilled to be one of the few rural Tennessee communities to have access to this type of technology”. This sentiment was reiterated by Chapel Hill Mayor, Danny R. Bingham, “I would like to commend United Communications for their vision and investment in our community.  This new service will provide a strong foundation for technological and economic growth in our area. It also offers our community the ability to run a business and enjoy an exceptional quality of life in today's technological world.” Plans are already underway to further expand United’s fiber network so the company can bring Gigabit Internet service to other areas and communities within its service area.  Customers can determine if their home or business has access to United Communications’ fiber network by visiting www.united.net.

Mentors Needed to Work with Third Class of TN Promise Students

tnAchieves, partnering organization for Governor Bill Haslam’s TN Promise, is currently seeking volunteers to serve as mentors for program’s third class of students.  TN Promise offers every high school senior the opportunity to attend one of the state’s 13 community colleges or 27 colleges of applied technology tuition free with a last dollar scholarship.  The program also pairs each applicant with a volunteer mentor to ease the transition from high school to college.

Tennessee’s Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Randy Boyd has been a mentor with the program since its inception in 2008.  “With the idea of eliminating the barriers keeping Tennessee students from entering the post-secondary pipeline, Tennessee Promise provides a last-dollar scholarship with mentor support to our state’s high school seniors,” said Boyd.  “It sends the message to students and families that college is within everyone’s reach regardless of zip code or socio-economic background.  It also communicates to business and industry that Tennessee is intensely focused on creating the workforce to meet their demands.”  TN Promise is one program of the state’s Drive to 55 initiative that aims to increase Tennessee’s adult population with a post-secondary credential to 55 percent by 2025.

In the first two years of the program almost 120,000 students have applied.  In the first year, 16,291 students began college TN Promise eligible.  The state’s college going rate increased 4.6 percent, more than the previous seven years combined.  Enrollment at the state’s community and technical colleges increased more than 20 percent and enrollment at all of the state’s public higher education institutions increased 10 percent.  This translates into approximately 4,000 new students entering the college pipeline. 

The scholarship dollars are important, and often creates excitement around going to college, but the support of the mentor can be critical to many students’ success.  Most of the students participating in the program are first generation college attendees and navigating the admissions and financial aid processes can seem overwhelmingly.  Mentors spend about one hour per month reminding students of deadlines, serving as a trusted resource, and encouraging students to reach their full potential.  The time commitment is small, but the impact can be life changing.

tnAchieves Director of Community Partnerships Graham Thomas explained the importance of the role of the mentors.  “Mentors provide the encouragement and support students need to be successful as they begin their college careers,” Thomas said.  “Mentors ensure barriers that might cause students to quit are overcome, processes that might prove to be intimidating are completed, and vocabulary that was foreign becomes everyday language.”    

tnAchieves needs more than 9,000 volunteers statewide to serve as mentors to meet student demand.  The program operates TN Promise in 84 counties and each county has a specific mentor goal that includes a need for 60 mentors in Marshall County.  To learn more and apply you can visit www.tnachieves.org or contact Thomas at graham@tnachieves.org or (615) 604-1306.  

Calsonic Kansei Presents $100,000 to City for Rock Creek Park Improvements

Pictured are (l-r) Sen. Jim Tracy, Rep. Billy Spivey, Mayor Jim Bingham and CKNA COO Eric Huch.

Calsonic Kansei has followed up its commitment to the City of Lewisburg of a year ago with a second $100,000 donation to provide improvements to Rock Creek Park. Last year, the company worked with the city to provide amphitheatre seating and underground utilities to Rock Creek Park and provided the city with a $100,000 donation to assist in the funding of the improvements. 

This year, the company, that is Lewisburg's largest industrial employer, donated another $100,000 to help the city acquire additional properties around the park and increase the park's footprint and green space. 

COO of CKNA Eric Huch presented Mayor Jim Bingham with a check for the project during MFG Day at MCHS where CKNA and other local manufacturers set up booths to interact with students about their companies, careers at their companies and the pathways to achieve those careers. 

Special Guest TN ECD Commissioner Randy Boyd joined the ceremony following the Commissioner's Tour of Spot Lowe Technology Center and his visit with students and industries during MFG Day at MCHS. Pictured are (l-r) Mayor Jim Bingham, CKNA COO Eric Huch and TN ECD Commissioner Randy Boyd.

Waste Management Heavy Equipment Operator Wanted

Columbia State Community College to host “Scholarship Saturday”

Columbia State Community College will host “Scholarship Saturday” on Saturday, Oct. 1 for area high school and home school seniors to sign up for Tennessee Promise, apply to Columbia State and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at all Columbia State campuses including the Lewisburg Columbia State Compus at 980 S. Ellington Pkwy, Lewisburg, TN 37091.

For More Information:
http://www.columbiastate.edu/news/details/2016/09/16/columbia-state-to-host-scholarship-saturday

Tour DaVita Bicycle Race Winds Through Lewisburg

Tour DaVita 2016 is September 24th-28th in Tennessee. Each September, about 500 DaVita teammates, physicians, patients, family members and Friends of DaVita pedal their way across 200 or so miles in a different part of the country every year, in a three-day cycling adventure. It’s our way of helping bring quality healthcare to those in need, while promoting a healthy lifestyle and having fun!

The 10^th Annual Tour DaVita will benefit Bridge of Life, which improves access to primary care and dialysis treatment in underserved communities around the world while also focusing on prevention of kidney disease through early-detection testing and education.

We’re celebrating TEN YEARS in the Tour DaVita saddle with an extraordinary journey through the state of Tennessee. This state has the Smoky Mountains to the east, Elvis’ Graceland to the west, and the heart of country music in the center. The Tour will include at least one visit to a DaVita dialysis center where we’ll chat with patients, high-five our teammates, and be reminded of the reason we ride – to raise awareness and funds to help people around the world.

Rock Creek Park:  Located in the center of Lewisburg, a beautiful small town nestled in the hills of Southern Middle Tennessee, the park provides a fun and charming setting to kick off this year’s Tour.

Rolling hills and fertile valleys dot the land of Middle Tennessee. It’s home to Music City and it’s rich in heritage, culture, and history. We will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Tour with two charming overnight locations, beautiful biking routes, and great company. This year’s Tour is sure to provide us the Ride of a Lifetime!

Sunday, September 25th:

Sunday's ride will take us through the rolling hills and fertile stream valleys of Southern Middle Tennessee as we cover 62 miles on a loop ride from our first campground, Rock Creek Park, to the south (View on MapMyRide).

Monday, September 26th:

Monday’s ride zig-zags its way north as it takes us through the heart of Middle Tennessee, offering lightly traveled roads and stunning scenery. We have two options today as we travel from Lewisburg to Franklin: a 68 mile (metric century) option (View on MapMyRide) and a 100 mile (century) option (View on MapMyRide).

Tuesday, September 27th:

Tuesday’s ride is a lollipop ride from Franklin to the west, taking us through Leipers Fork, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our route will take us along the old Natchez Trace, an important trading route for Native Americans and early European-American settlers. We will finish the Tour with a beautiful 67 mile ride

Earn Your Diploma for Free

UNITED EXPANDS FIBER NETWORK INTO BELFAST, TN

Expansion Brings Faster Internet Speeds And Digital TV To 300 New Homes And Businesses In The Area

United Communications has expanded their fiber network into portions of Belfast, TN, deploying faster Internet products to roughly 300 new homes and businesses.  United can now deliver Internet speeds up to 1 Gigabit to 140 of these recently upgraded locations, and an additional 160 homes and businesses to the UConnect suite of faster Internet service options, with speeds up to 50 MBPS. 

“As a service provider with a long history in Middle Tennessee, we are determined to bridge the gap of bandwidth availability in rural areas,” said William Bradford, the CEO of United Communications.  “We are thrilled to be able to expand our fiber services and provide faster Internet speeds to residents and businesses in Central Marshall County.  Expanding our UniFi and UConnect services in Belfast will bring faster internet, digital TV, and crystal clear phone service to businesses and residents in an area we have served for over 70 years ,” noted Bradford.  “ We are very proud that residents in these areas will now have access to products and services equal to, if not exceeding, services offered in many of the larger cities and towns in the state and certainly the country.”

The Belfast fiber to the home expansion in Central Marshall County includes structures between 2224 and 3040 Liberty Valley Road, and all adjoining side-roads, including Beard Lane, Valley Lane, Lasater Lane, and Grace Ledford Road.  The expansion also includes structures between 2228 and 1849 Fayetteville Highway from Belfast heading towards Lewisburg.  Many additional areas have also been recently upgraded to Internet speeds anywhere from 2 to 10 times faster speeds than what was previously available in this area. 

To confirm whether your location is included in our latest round of speed upgrades, visit www.united.net and type in your service address.

Truck Driving Job Fair, TCAT-S Meeting Industry Needs

UNITED COMMUNICATIONS EXPANDS FIBER DEPLOYMENT IN NORTHERN MARSHALL COUNTY

UniFi service and internet speeds up to 1 GIGBIT now available to over 230 additional homes. 
United Communications is pleased to announce they have deployed fiber-to-the home technology to over 230 new homes in the rural areas of Marshall County, West and North of Chapel Hill, TN.  “This is just the first of many areas where we plan to deploy fiber services under our newly announced Middle Tennessee Connectivity Initiative,” said William Bradford, the CEO of United Communications.  “Expanding in Marshall County is exciting for us as it brings gigabit internet, digital TV, and crystal clear phone service to businesses and residents in the area, vaulting them ahead of the services that are available in many areas across greater metro Nashville today.”

The fiber expansion in Northwestern Marshall County includes over 140 homes in and around the Azalee Acres neighborhood, including Abigail Court, Alyssa Drive, Angela Way, Azalee Lane, Dean Road, and portions of Pyles Road (4307 through 4579) and Thick Road (4295 and through 4406). 

The fiber deployment in Northeastern Marshall County includes over 90 homes and businesses in the areas around Blackwell Road and Mount Vernon Road between 5707 and 5870 Nashville Highway, including Jason Drive, Sidney Road, Villa Way, and portions of Mt Vernon Road (2515 through 2710) and Blackwell Road (2473 through 2499).  The expansion will also include all new homes in the new Warner Ridge Estates neighborhood as well.

To learn more and confirm whether fiber service is available in your area, please visit www.united.net. 

Middle Tennessee Connectivity Initiative

United Communications plans to work with local community and business leaders to develop a strategic plan for broadband deployment in underserved areas of Middle Tennessee. United hopes this initiative will help foster economic and community development through the following objectives: Deliver speeds up to 1 Gigabit Internet to interested businesses and critical community anchors. Deliver faster internet to residential communities where there is a proven demand. Educate the community about the potential benefits afforded by basic and advanced telecommunications services, including the potential for fostering distance learning, e-commerce, e-government, telemedicine, and overall economic development.   Create partnerships among community organizations and institutions that might benefit from broadband deployment. United Communications United Communications is a leading provider of advanced communications services delivering Internet, digital TV, and phone services to enterprise-class businesses and residential customers in Middle Tennessee. United Communications network includes more than 1,000 route miles of fiber backbone connecting in Nashville and Murfreesboro, and covering Nolensville, portions of Brentwood, College Grove, Chapel Hill, Unionville, Fosterville, Estill Springs, Belfast, and Flat Creek. To learn more, please visit www.united.net. United Communications’ fiber network uses fiber-optic cables made of tiny strands of pure glass – each about the diameter of a human hair – to transmit beams of light over great distances.  These beams are capable of carrying unprecedented amounts of high-quality data at virtually unlimited speeds.  As a result, United Communications can deliver unbeatably fast Internet speeds of up to 1 Gigabit (1000 mbps), stunning and dynamic high-definition TV, and crystal clear phone services to residential and commercial customers living in certain areas of Middle Tennessee.

Haslam, TN Dept. of Tourist Development Announce Another Record-Breaking Year of Economic Impact Numbers

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett today announced Tennessee tourism’s direct domestic and international travel expenditures reached an all-time high of $18.4 billion in 2015, up 3.7 percent over the previous year, as reported by the U.S. Travel Association. The announcement took place at the Sevier County Courthouse near the iconic Dolly Parton statue. Mountain Rukus from Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede provided music. 

For the 10th consecutive year, tourism topped $1 billion in state and local sales tax revenue, reaching $1.6 billion, up 7 percent over 2014. Tourism-generated jobs for Tennesseans reached 157,400, an increase of 2.9 percent. 

Top five counties include Davidson ($5.686 billion), Shelby ($3.196 billion), Sevier ($2.031 billion), Hamilton ($1.016 billion), and Knox ($1.014 billion), who were acknowledged during the event for all achieving more than $1 billion in travel expenditures. All 95 counties in Tennessee had more than $1 million in direct travel expenditures; 19 counties saw more than $100 million each. 

Tennessee is ranked in the Top 10 destinations in the U.S. for total travel, with more than 105 million in total visitation, a 3.9% increase over 2014, as reported by D.K. Shifflet & Associates. 

Guests spent a total of $21.98 million in Marshall County in 2015, an increase of 1.9% compared to 2014, generating a total of $1.35 million in state and $0.59 million in local tax revenues, increases of 7.1% and 4.3%, respectively. A total of 147 Marshall Countians are employed in tourism-related fields. 

“The hard work of Tennessee’s tourism industry, strategically led by the Department of Tourist Development and the Tennessee Tourism Committee, continues to produce record results,” Gov. Haslam said. “More travelers from around the world are visiting Tennessee each year, and the $1.6 billion in sales tax revenue and growth in jobs is good news for every Tennessean.” 

“It’s appropriate that today’s announcement takes place next to a statue of Sevier County’s own Dolly Parton, who graces the cover of this year’s Tennessee Vacation Guide,” said Commissioner Triplett. “Dolly’s music has played a major role in making Tennessee ‘The Soundtrack of America.’ People come to Tennessee for a variety of reasons including the music, but it’s the authenticity and Southern hospitality that our communities and partners deliver every day that keeps people coming back. The tourism industry’s continued economic impact growth is a result of visitor satisfaction.” 

The Tennessee Tourism Committee, appointed in 2011 by Gov. Haslam, is made up of tourism leaders in both the public and private sectors. The Committee is chaired by Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., and co-chaired by Jack Soden, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., and Sande Weiss, president of Music Road Resort. 

# # # 

Tennessee is the birthplace of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly, and rock ‘n’ roll— delivering an unparalleled experience of beauty, history, and family adventure, infused with music, that creates a vacation that is “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” Tennessee’s tourism industry generates $18.4 billion annually in economic impact, more than $1.6 billion in state and local sales tax revenue and more than 157,400 tourism-related jobs. 

Explore more at tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers by following “TNVacation” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube. 

UNITED DEPLOYS FIBER INTERNET TO HENRY HORTON STATE PARK

FIBER INTERNET ENHANCES THE PARK’S ABILITY TO HOST MEETINGS AND IMPROVES CONNECTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE INN.

United Communications has recently partnered with the Town of Chapel Hill and the Henry Horton State Park to bring new fiber technology to the popular local park. “This was a very rewarding project for us,” said William Bradford, the CEO of United Communications.  “It was clear that the Town of Chapel Hill Administrator and the Henry Horton Park Manager all shared United Communications’ vision to stimulate local economic development through the power of technology.  Henry Horton State Park is one of Marshall County’s critical community anchors we have recently upgraded to Gigabit Fiber Internet under our newly established Middle Tennessee Connectivity Initiative.”

In order to make this vision a reality, United Communications contributed over $5,000 in materials and resources and the Town of Chapel Hill allocated another $5,000 in order to build out new fiber connections to Henry Horton State Park.  “We believe local government and business partnerships like this are critical to driving broadband deployment and economic development in rural areas and economic development,” said Bradford.

“The addition of Fiber Internet and Wi-Fi throughout the park’s Inn will enable us to host more events and attract more visitors to the park who need high-speed internet as part of their stay,” said Park Manager Ryan Jenkins. “We hope this upgraded technology will set Henry Horton State Park apart from other regional locations and help grow our business tourism base.”

The Chapel Hill Town Administrator remarked “Since the day I was hired, we set out to leverage local resources to improve the quality of life for Chapel Hill residents, as well as attract new residents, businesses, and visitors.   The proximity of Chapel Hill to Nashville, Spring Hill, Shelbyville, and Lewisburg along with the attractions of the Henry Horton State Park and United Communications new fiber technology are critical factors to spurring economic growth in small towns like ours across America. We certainly hope this is just the first of many projects like this in our area.”   

The first ever Middle Tennessee Connectivity Summit will be held at the Henry Horton State Park where United, in partnership with local community and business leaders will discuss ways to enhance their partnerships and speed the delivery of fiber internet in the region.