No WhiteWash!

Another missed opportunity for East Tennessee Counties.

The close working partnership between the state of Tennessee, Memphis and Shelby County has led to the successful completion of this project,” said Commissioner Kisber.

I wonder if Sullivan County has considered getting cozy with State Officials to get new companies to settle in Sullivan County?

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen today joined with Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber, Memphis Mayor AC Wharton, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell and executives of Electrolux to announce the company’s decision to locate a $190 million facility for the manufacture of major cooking appliances in Memphis, Tennessee. The 700,000 square foot facility is expected to employ more than 1,200 workers when it is fully operational.  Commissioner Kisber added that taking other construction, procurement and additional supply chain activity into account, the project could result in an additional 2,260 jobs and $550 million in additional capital investment to the region.

“I’m very appreciative of Electrolux’ investment in Tennessee and the company’s confidence in the quality and productivity of Tennessee workers,” said Governor Bredesen. “Our efforts to support the company’s existing Tennessee operations have led to a close working relationship and I couldn’t be more pleased that partnership has led to additional investment by one of the world’s best known and most respected brands.”

“The close working partnership between the state of Tennessee, Memphis and Shelby County has led to the successful completion of this project,” said Commissioner Kisber. “Memphis is truly a global city and we’re pleased that a global company of the quality of Electrolux has chosen to invest here and to create job opportunities for thousands of Tennesseans.”

“We are very pleased to have found a great location for our new manufacturing center,” said Kevin Scott, president, Electrolux Major Appliances – North America. “Important decisions like this are never easy, but this one became very clear-cut for Electrolux because of the extensive support we received from state, city and county elected officials and governing bodies.”

“The people of Memphis and Shelby County are ready to go to work to make this facility the most productive and highest quality plant in the Electrolux portfolio,” said Mayor Wharton. “We’re committed to working together to create good quality jobs for the people of our community and this announcement is a great show of progress in that effort.”

“I’m gratified the senior leadership of Electrolux believes Shelby County is the right place to build upon the company’s remarkable success,” said Mayor Luttrell. “This announcement is the result of the strong partnership between the Governor, the state, the Chamber, Memphis and Shelby County and I believe it speaks volumes about the business climate of our community.”

The facility will be located in the Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park and Electrolux officials say it will be a world class facility built to LEED certification standards. Workers will manufacture the company’s Electrolux ICON®, Electrolux® and Frigidaire® product lines, including drop-in/slide-in ranges, wall ovens, specialty free standing ranges and cook tops. Construction is expected to begin in early 2011 with production to begin in mid-2012.

Electrolux also operates a manufacturing facility for free standing gas and electric ranges in Springfield, Tennessee. The Springfield facility currently employs about 2,900 people.

East Tennessee lost another one.  How about our local elected officials get busy and try to get new companies to come to Sullivan County, TN.  But, I guess they are busy building a new swimming hole (Aquatic Center),

Production Facility Will Create 170 Jobs in Bedford County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber announced today that SMW Automotive, a Tier 1 supplier of automotive chassis and suspension parts and subassemblies, will open a production facility in Shelbyville, Tenn. The 131,000 square foot Bedford County plant will represent a $26 million capital investment by the company and will create 170 jobs over five years.

“This announcement by SMW Automotive is a significant win for our state’s economy,” said Governor Bredesen. “I am very pleased to see this investment in our state by SMW Automotive, and I am confident our workforce will prove to be an asset for the company as it continues to grow.”

The Michigan-based SMW supplies safety-critical parts such as brake and chassis components for a broad range of vehicles manufactured by companies such as Nissan and Volkswagen. Other products designed and produced by SMW include steering knuckles, control arms, wheel hubs and brake corner assemblies. SMW has eight manufacturing plants in the US and other operations in Europe, South America and Asia. Its main engineering center is located in Troy and its validation laboratories in Warren, Michigan.

“Once again, the ripple effect from the presence of anchor companies like Nissan and Volkswagen has leveraged significant investment,” said Commissioner Kisber. “Tennessee’s strategy of identifying and securing business ‘anchors’ capable of generating follow-on investment like SMW Automotive means more high skill, good paying jobs are available for Tennesseans.”

“We are looking forward to launching this new plant close to our customers and suppliers. The Shelbyville area has a skilled, solid and reliable workforce, supported by the Tennessee Technology Center with CNC machining, metrology and assembly training programs,” said Tom Bane, director of manufacturing for SMW Automotive. “We have started our recruiting and training process. The plant will eventually employ 170 people based on awarded 2011-2012 business. The State of Tennessee and the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce have provided invaluable assistance to help us get this plant up and running in a very short time. SMW will use its long experience of starting new plants to make this launch flawless.”

Applications for production positions at the new facility will be accepted immediately, and production is scheduled to get underway this fall. Interested parties should contact the Tennessee Career Center in Shelbyville, 301 North Main Street, 931.685.5000.

I have previously written concerning the proposal that the City of Kingsport buy the old State Theater  See post Kingsport Developer gets in over his head, thinks old theater may be haunted and wants city to bail him out.

Now the completed study by the Cinema Preservation Group is out and can be read in its entirety in the link below.  Read and form your own conclusions.

Kingsport Economic Development Board recently voted to spend nearly $10,000 to fund a study to determine the economic impact of a restored theater in downtown Kingsport. The Cinema Preservation Group is now conducting the work.

KEDB Chairman Bob Feathers said he contacted Beatty about the possibility of the city purchasing or investing in the theater after learning that Beatty was considering nonprofit status for the facility.

Feathers said he believes some type of investment can occur to complete the theater project — regardless of what the economic development study shows.

Read more via City may consider buying State Theater building – Kingsport Times-News Online.

In the recent Kingsport Times-News article below, Mayor Dennis Phillips denies that the city plans to buy the State Theatre outright.  I wonder what Mayor Phillips has in mind when he stated “without an enormous expense to the taxpayers”?

Mayor Dennis Phillips said he hopes the study will encourage some individual or organization to invest in the State Theater, complete the renovations, and begin operating it for the benefit of the downtown district.

“I think if we can accomplish this without an enormous expense to the taxpayers, it certainly would be a service that is sorely needed,” Phillips said.

Asked about the Strand Theater, another Broad Street historic facility that has recently been used as a venue for live music and old movies, Phillips said the Cinema Preservation Group study could also be used by the Strand owners if they would want to market the facility one day. The Strand Theatre is owned by Restoration Church.

“I don’t know if the Strand Theater is available today. The Strand Theatre is a church,” he said.

But if the Strand were put on the market, “this report would apply … then it becomes a matter of economics of which one could be done at the least cost,” Phillips said.

He denied that the city plans to buy the State Theatre outright.

via Study envisions new future for State Theatre – Kingsport Times-News Online.

The report from the Cinema Preservation Group states that there are major problems when a non-profit theater is aligned too closely with city hall.  Below are two paragraphs from the study.  I would encourage you to read the entire report.

Non-profit theatres aligned too closely with city hall often fall prey to two particular problems. The first occurs when the theatre building comes to be perceived as a public facility. Various public entities feel that they should be allowed to use the facility for significantly discounted rates, or even for free. Though currently not an issue in the case of the State, this type of agreement is often adopted in order to ensure initial approval for restoration by the council and guarantee the allocation of funds for building renovations and/or other expenses. Severely discounted rates take revenue away from the theatre and occupy blocks of time that could be filled by other groups who would pay to use the building. The second problem arises when city residents perceive the theatre to be a municipal building. When this happens, it becomes extremely difficult to raise money from the community. Fundraising efforts are either simply ignored or opposed outright, and individual donors become wary of contributing to an entity they feel could and should be largely financed by tax dollars.

…….Though ticket and concession sales are the primary sources of revenue for a theatre, there are other means of earning revenue that must be explored. The vast majority of live theatres in America today will never be self-supporting, they can simply never make enough money on ticket sales and concessions to cover expenses. Even in good economic times many theatres are fortunate to earn 50% of their revenue from events. Two strategies for overcoming this revenue shortfall are fundraising and rental.

Read more via The Cinema Preservation Group Study

The survey that was used in the study is questionable because the Cinema Preservation Group chose to use the blog that is maintained by Kingsport’s Assistant Manager, Jeff Flemming.  The readership of Jeff Flemming’s blog in my opinion would show a bias for the city of Kingsport and would not reflect the majority views of the Kingsport citizens.  See Time Sensitive: How do you feel about State Theatre?  I am sure that the response would have been different if this blog posted the survey.

It is interesting that the Cinema Preservation Group is from Asheville, NC.  Prior to coming to Kingsport, Doug Beatty lived in the Asheville area.

Also, it is interesting that  Richard Rose, artistic director at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, sent a letter of support for the State Theatre restoration to Kingsport City Manager, John Campbell.  Rose said he reviewed the Cinema Preservation study.  It is also interesting that Doug Beatty lives in the Abingdon, Virginia area

See also DKA to partner with Restoration Church on Strand Theater project,

Drama unfolds at DKA press conference on old Strand Theater

Dandridge, TN will get 150 new jobs thanks to the efforts of city, county and state officials.  While these jobs are closer to Sullivan County, we have yet to hear anything about new jobs for Sullivan County.  Another missed opportunity for Sullivan County!

New Manufacturing Facility Creates 150 Jobs

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber along with BJS North America East, Inc., a Swedish furniture manufacturer specializing primarily in bedroom accessories, announced today the grand opening of a new manufacturing facility in Dandridge, Tenn. This move brings a $6-8 million investment to Dandridge, creating approximately 150 jobs.

“Governor Bredesen and I welcome BJS North America East to the Volunteer State,” Commissioner Kisber said. “We’ve worked hard to create a business friendly climate in Tennessee, and we are grateful for BJS North America East’s investment in our citizens and state.”

The company will celebrate the opening of the new facility with a ceremony and ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. at 1000 Industrial Park Road in Dandridge. In addition to the ribbon cutting, BJS will also be celebrating the production of the one millionth piece of furniture for Swedish furniture company IKEA. Local Jefferson County community leaders and several Swedish dignitaries will be in attendance at the ceremony.

With the help of city, county and state officials, the principles of BJS, Pär Lidåker and Kaj Johansson, have partnered with Klote International Corporation official Carl-Gösta Torstensson to bring this facility to Dandridge. The new manufacturing facility located in the Dandridge Industrial Park contains 95,000 square feet of production, warehouse and office space. Continue reading “BJS North America East Celebrates Grand Opening in Jefferson County” »

The data below shows that Johnson City has increased its retail sales share of the total retail sales in the Tri-Cities area.  The new retail establishments added in Kingsport in the last few years has not stopped its loss of market share.

Source:  Dr. F. Steb Hipple – ETSU

A developer comes from another state and buys the old State Theater on Broad Street in Kingsport, Tennessee.  This developer (Douglas Beatty) starts work to renovate the State Theater building and finds that with the economy and his other investments that it might be better to sell his unfinished State Theater building to the City of Kingsport.

Doug Beatty, the developer has stated that he wants to get out what he has so far paid for the building and renovations which is about $450,000.  He further states that the entire cost to renovate the building would be about $900,000.

It appears that Doug Beatty is well connected with Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Mallicote, BMA members and the Kingsport Economic Development Board recently voted to spend nearly $10,000 to fund a study to determine the economic impact of a restored theater in downtown Kingsport.

The Kingsport Times-News reports that Bob Feathers with the Kingsport Economic Development Board believes some type of investment can occur to complete the theater project — regardless of what the economic development study shows.  I guess the question is, why is the city of Kingsport spending $10,000 for a study when they are going to do what they want to do to make this developer happy.

Let the private sector take care of this. The city of Kingsport has no business bailing out someone who got in over his head.  I am sure that there are many folks in Kingsport would like for the city to bail them out of their current financial situation.

During the renovation process, Doug Beatty became aware of apparently paranormal occurrences inside.  According to L.E.M.U.R Paranormal Investigation website, Doug Beatty met with L.E.M.U.R and permitted an investigation.

Kingsport Times-News

“I need to,” he said. “I want to at least get what I’ve got in it so I can satisfy the bank note.”

The theater is now appraised at $1.6 million by private professional appraisers, and at $1 million for county tax purposes.

Beatty said work is still progressing on the theater. But he doesn’t want to invest in any more big-ticket items such as $30,000 in sheet rock or new theater seats, until he’s in a better position or the city moves forward with an acquisition.

“I’ve got two restaurants that I really have to tend to and make sure that they’re able to pay their bills and stay open. That’s really distracting me financially and time-wise from the theater,” Beatty said.

“I really want to get it done, but I’m at a point right now, because the economy has taken so long to come back, that I’m not sure how much more I can plow ahead without putting myself at risk. I want to make sure that I’m acting responsibly and cautiously as it relates to all the development we’re doing downtown,” he said.

Feathers said he believes some type of investment can occur to complete the theater project — regardless of what the economic development study shows.

“I sincerely doubt it will be dropped altogether. But you never know,” Feathers said. “Economies could drive something different from our perspective and what we’re trying to do from an economic development perspective.

“But from a priority standpoint, this is a very important component to what we see as a good fit for the community.”

The owner of the State Theater is DB3 Development Company, LLC and is North Carolina company.  DB3 Development Company, LLC is listed as a FOREIGN company according to the Tennessee Secretary of State.  Below is from the State of Tennessee website

According to Sullivan County, DB3 Development Co LLC also owns property at 227-229-23 Sullivan St.  It appears that there is construction work occurring at this location and the 2008 Sullivan County property taxes are not paid.

Let your Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman know your concerns about bailing out one of their pals.  Keep in mind the money spent to buy the State Theater will be your tax dollars.

email Kingsport BMA

• Mayor Dennis Phillips
• Vice Mayor Ben Mallicote
• Alderman Larry Munsey
• Alderman Jantry Shupe
• Alderwoman Valerie Joh
• Alderman Ken Marsh, Jr.
• Alderman Tom Parham

Feel free to leave a comment.

Update: This blog has sent the post below to 83 people via email or U.S.Mail that are in the list below.

Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman
Mayor of Sullivan County
Sullivan County Commissioners
Bristol City Council
Bluff City Mayor and Alderman
Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
Tennessee Legislators for North East TN
U.S. Congress Legislators for North East TN
Commissioner Matt Kisber- TN Economic & Community Development
Governor Phil Bredesen
Tennessee Candidates for Governor
NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership Board of Directors and Members

I am sure that the past and current elected leaders will want this graph and the facts below to disappear because it reflects on their lack of response to address the problem with Sullivan County and its cities in its declining population and other problems in the Sullivan County area.  This blog will continue to expose the facts and there will be ”No Spin” and “No WhiteWash! of the data presented on this blog.

Top Eleven Largest Counties Population – 1980 to 2030

Data for the graph and the table below is from the following links State and County Population and Population Projections for the State of Tennessee

Other Facts

• In 1980, Sullivan County was the fifth largest county and it is estimated that in 2030, Sullivan County will be the eleventh largest county.
• The population of Sullivan County is an older population and the median age for Sullivan County is 42.9 years, Tennessee is 37.2 years and Florida is 39.8 years.  The Percent 65 Years and Over for Kingsport is 20.1%, Bristol is 19.5%, Sullivan County is 17.8% and Florida is 17.4%.
• Sullivan County and its cities, (Kingsport and Bristol) have a large number of young adults leaving the area.
• The death rate for Sullivan County is more than the birth rate.
• Sullivan County birth rate is low as compared to the state.
• Sullivan County only gained 852 people between years 2000 to 2008 which gave a net gain of 0.56 percent growth.
• Average Household median income is low for the area.  Kingsport is $34,391, Bristol is $36,454, and Sullivan County is $37,559. Two people in the same household making the new Federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour would make $30,160 per year.
• The percent of poverty for those 65 and older in Sullivan County, TN is 12.2%, Kingsport is 11.6%, and Bristol is 16.2%. These percentages are 2007 numbers and could be higher due to the recession.  The household median income for 65 and older in Sullivan County is $28,070.
• The poverty level for Kingsport is 18%, Bristol is 14.6%, and Sullivan County is 15.8%.  These percentages are 2007 numbers and could be higher due to the recession.  Poverty level for 2009 is defined for a person’s income to be $10,830 per year.
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance survey rates the Kingsport MSA as having the highest cost of living, low median income and the worst job growth out of 10 major cities/metro areas in Tennessee.
• The area unemployment is high with Kingsport having the highest unemployment – See link for more details Jobs/Unemployment
• The Republican Party has continuously controlled Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District since 1881.  It appears for the most part that most of the new jobs are going to the more Democrat Party area.
• Kingsport has publicly stated that they would like to make Kingsport a destination city for visitors to the area while not addressing the real problems the area faces.  Spending the tax payers’ money to obtain a short-cut to generate revenue, in my view, does not help the average citizen. Spending money for a conference center expansion and aquatic center will not solve the area’s problems.  The aquatic center will not make any difference when one needs a job and there is not one available locally.  By the same token, if a job exists in the area and you need it badly, then the aquatic center does not enter the picture.
• The area has one of the largest employers (Eastman Chemical) in the state and a major tourist attraction (Bristol Nascar Race).  It appears that the elected leaders have become complacent about finding new good paying jobs because these two businesses have not increased the population and/or stopped the exit of young adults leaving the area.
• Kingsport is the largest city in Sullivan County and is proud of its reputation for having good schools.  Dobyns-Bennett High School has been named by Newsweek magazine as one of the top high schools in the country.  Having great schools apparently is not enough to keep the young adults from leaving the area in search of good paying jobs.
• Kingsport has built a Higher Education Center, but I have a concern that there will not be the needed jobs in the area for those who finish their education.  I am for education, but with the large number of students, and with nothing major coming in as far as jobs, many will leave to look elsewhere for jobs.  Increasing the percentage of college graduates in the area is good, but the percentage of college graduates might be skewed because of the number of college educated young people leaving the area and the fact that the large percentage of older folks that do not have higher education.
• It appears that local cities are striving to get new retail business into the area as an easy way to increase revenue.  Having retail is a quick way to get revenue, but as retail increases in a given city, then the share that retailers gets decreases because they have to share retail sales among many retailers.  I think a better approach would be to increase the flow of money into the area via good paying jobs, which would  provide for longer term stability for these retailers and this will also increase the standard of living for city/county citizens.
• Because of declining revenues or increased spending, cities in Sullivan County have chosen to annex new areas for the tax revenue, increase their population, and to enable the city to borrow more because of the increased asset value.  This helps the cities, but decreases the already low standard of living for the citizens.

Conclusion

The facts presented above may concern some that bringing out these issues will cause folks or businesses to avoid the North East Tennessee area.  The facts presented above are available to anyone who desires to do research.  I am sure that any large company would do their research before deciding to invest in Sullivan County.  I also feel that “enough is enough” and the issues need to be up-front and center stage to be addressed.  No more hiding the issues….deal with them head on so the region will begin to respond economically. Good paying jobs in my view is what is needed to restore what has been lost.

There must be lots of jobs and a few hundred will not do.  It should be a broad mix of jobs that would be attractive to different types of workers who have different skills or educational training.

We need elected officials that will not cater to special interests groups or use get rich quick schemes to get revenue into the local government.  Get the money flowing into the area via good paying jobs and then the region might become attractive to those job seekers. The current and past economic development efforts are not working and efforts need to be stepped up and action is needed now.  If the economic development people are not capable of delivering results, then they need to be replaced.  If local politics are hindering the economic development efforts, then that needs to be exposed and addressed.

If you are an elected official or economic development person and your views or lack of vision is holding up the region from rebounding, then you need to step aside.

What you can do?

• Go to BMA and Sullivan County Commissioners meetings and make your views known.
• Talk to your BMA or Sullivan County Commissioners individually.
• Talk to your neighbors and friends and get them involved.
• Send this post via email to your friends and neighbors.
• Talk to your U.S  Congress Legislators. and Tennessee Legislators
• Vote in the next election for those that can address the area’s problems
• Keep the pressure on the elected officials.
• Write letters to the editors at the local newspapers (Kingsport and Bristol).  Let this blog know if your letter to the editor is refused and provide a copy via the “You Report It! menu item at the top of the this page.
• Participate in local talk radio shows to express your views.
• Start your own blog.
• Now is the time to voice your concerns before taxes are raised in the future

Comments are Welcome

Please feel free to add comments via this blog

Now there are three states trying to get a Harley-Davidson motorcycle assembly plant.  It appears that Sullivan County is not in the picture for jobs that could help the declining population, young adults leaving the area, and high employment rate in the Kingsport area.  Where are the Sullivan County economic development people and what are they doing?

Indiana is trying to edge out Kentucky and Tennessee and land a Harley-Davidson motorcycle assembly plant that could employ at least 1,000 workers.

Economic development leaders in Indiana have met with executives of the motorcycle company and touted the state’s pro-business tax climate, a state official confirmed Wednesday.

Read more via State vies for Harley-Davidson site | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star.

Below is a series of ranking tables that compares the top 20 Tennessee counties that had the largest retail sales in 2008.  The top 20 counties listed below had retail sales that were $71,443,928,487 out of a total $90,007,566,528 for all 95 counties.  The entire data set can be viewed for all counties at this link:  2008 Retail Sales

Sullivan County is highlighted because of its declining population, low median wages, and young adults leaving Sullivan County.  The major cities in Sullivan County are Kingsport and Bristol. Sullivan County has one of the largest private employers in the state (Eastman Chemical) and as well as the Bristol Nascar race.

The tables below will  show that there are many counties that are doing much better than Sullivan County without having an Eastman Chemical or the Bristol races.

The problems as I see it have been ongoing for several decades. As an elected leader or involved in economic development, is this something that you are proud of?  This blog will continue to point out the problems and if elected leaders fail to respond to the problems….at least the world will know about Sullivan County.  The bottom line is that the Northeast Tennessee needs good paying jobs!!

Sullivan County has a history of being controlled by Republicans.  It just might be that this may be the problem.  Maybe we need Democratic leadership to get something done.

Also in Table 1 are links for the county websites.  Some county web pages are well done and project a good image for the county and some are rather plain and are lacking in information such as access to public documents (minutes, etc.).  You can be the judge as to which counties have the best website by clicking on the links below in Table 1.

The top 20 counties below in Table 3 had retail sales that were  $71,443,928,487 out of $90,007,566,528 for all 95 counties.  The entire data set can be viewed for all counties at this link:  2008 Retail Sales

Nine counties did better than Sullivan County in the Retail Sales per Person column and four of them were in East Tennessee.

Tables 5 and 6 below show the Estimated Current Property Values for the counties and shows how strong the property taxes are for a county.  The property values below include industrial and commercial, residential, farms, etc.

The property vales used in table 5 were taken from the 2008 Tax Aggregate Report of Tennessee.  The Estimated Current Property Value column in Table 5 includes the county and municipalities property values and are added together for one property value for the county in Table 5.

Williamson and Sevier Counties are clearly the big winners in Table 6. Washington County which does not have an Eastman Chemical but has more Property Value per Person than Sullivan County and is a smaller county in square miles.

In the above Tables 3 and 4, Bradley County rank was 17 for both retail sales and retail sales per person.  In Table 6, Bradley County has a rank of 5 and would indicate a strong manufacturing base.  Also Bradley County will be getting the $1 billion Wacker Chemie AG plant which will employ 500 – 600 people.

Hemlock Semiconductor Corp.,  plans to build a $1.2 billion facility near Clarksville (Montgomery County). That project is expected to open in 2012 and create 800 jobs.

Volkswagen plans to employ about 2,000 workers and invest about $1 billion in Chattanooga.

Eastman Chemical and the Bristol Nascar Races have been good for Sullivan County, but in my opinion the county, Kingsport, and Bristol have relied on it for far too long and have become complacent when it comes to economic development.

Sullivan County in Table 7 has the worst rank of the top 2 retail sales counties for population growth.  Over an eight year period from years 2000 to 2008, Sullivan County only gained 850 in population.

Sullivan County death rate is higher than the birth rate and the county gained only 850 in population in the time span of 2000 to 2008.  The gain has come from new arrivals to the area.

Sullivan County is considered one of the larger populated counties in Tennessee.  In 1994, Sullivan County was the fifth most populated county.  Because of the growth in other counties and the declining population in Sullivan County, the rank of Sullivan County is estimated to be 11 in year 2030

All data used in the above tables are from the links highlighted above in blue.

I would be embarrassed to be a current or past elected leader or those having been responsible for economic development in Sullivan County, Kingsport, and Bristol Tennessee.  The ongoing problem of several decades with the young adults leaving the area and the fact that Sullivan County and its cities have an older population has not been addressed to stop the pattern of a declining population.

I am sure that our elected leaders would not want to publicly discuss this subject, but this blog will continue to make the public aware of the situation.  In my opinion, having a company like Eastman Chemical and the Bristol Nascar Race is good for the area, but having them has made the area complacent and the leaders have not done enough to get other good paying jobs here.

There may be some who may be wondering why approach this subject because of the negative impact it may have on future people moving to the area.  My answer is that there are about two decades of not addressing this problem with results.  Enough is enough!!  Let’s get it out front and center so the citizens/leaders can understand the problems and find solutions.

The graph below is from the State of Tennessee and gives a comparison for Sullivan County against Tennessee.  The time span for the graph is from 1990 to 2000 and shows that Sullivan did lag behind in the number of young people residing in the county.  Note in the graph that it appears that the age bracket 18-24 shows that our young folks are leaving the area and the age bracket 25-44 only had a 0.1% increase.  The 65 and over age bracket in Sullivan County did better than the state with a 19.1 percent increase.

The last line in the graph gives the county rank and Sullivan County did not fare well.  In the 18-24 age bracket, Sullivan County came in as having the worst rank of all 95 counties in the state.  The 65 and over age bracket gave Sullivan County a better rank of 28.

Population Growth Rate (1990 to 2000) was 6.6% which gave Sullivan County a rank of 90 out of 95 counties.  The growth rate for years 2000- 2008 is .56%

*A rank of 1 indicates the best condition.

Population Growth by Age Bracket, 1990 to 2000

Using more current data from the U.S. Census shows that Sullivan County and its cities have a low birth rate, young adults are still leaving the area, high median age and a high percentage of older adults age 65 and over.

The age distribution graph below on the left shows that Kingsport has a greater number of young adults leaving the area and has more older adults.

The graph on the right compares Tennessee, Florida, and Sullivan County.  Most folks have an impression that Florida has a lot of retirement-age people, but Sullivan County has a larger percentage of older adults.

2005-2007 age distribution data from U. S. Census

The City of Kingsport uses a method of water meter turn on and off to keep track of its movement in the population.  This method is flawed since the young adults are more likely living with their parents and would not be picked up by the water meter method when they leave the area.

Sullivan County death rate is higher than the birth rate and the county gained only 850 in population in the time span of 2000 to 2008.  The gain has come from new arrivals to the area.

Sullivan County is considered one of the larger populated counties in Tennessee.  In 1994, Sullivan County was the fifth most populated county.  Because of the growth in other counties and the declining population in Sullivan County, the rank of Sullivan County is estimated to be 11 in year 2030.