West Tennessee Receives National Recognition
Norris says Great River Road Brings Economic Boost

     NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) announced today that West Tennessee will officially become part of the National Scenic Byways Program (www.bywaysonline.org)  at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this week. Scenic Byway status is coveted by tourism, community and economic development officials alike.

With this designation, one of only 125 distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as an American Byway (www.byways.org), West Tennessee officially joins the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri and Wisconsin as part of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Tennessee’s portion extends the 2,069-mile stretch by 185 miles, from Kentucky to Mississippi.

Norris represents most of that expanse along the Mississippi River. Senate District 32, which he fondly refers to as “the West Coast of Tennessee,” includes Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale and Dyer Counties. He serves on the Advisory Council of the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee (MRCT) (www.msrivertn.org) which spearheaded the effort to obtain the state and federal recognition.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced that state routes along the Mississippi River were accepted into the Tennessee Byways network on October 5, 2009, and the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation will officially make its announcement Friday, October 16 in Washington, D.C. at a ceremony at which Senator Norris will proudly represent the Volunteer State.

“This puts us on the map in more ways than one,” says Norris who is focusing his efforts on economic development and environmental restoration of the Lower Mississippi River Basin. “It acknowledges the significance of the recreational, historic, educational, cultural and economic benefits of our region and enhances our ability to market the best of West Tennessee and all its communities have to offer.”  A recent study indicated that over the next 20 years, the scenic byway could impact the West Tennessee economy by generating an influx of over $13 billion.

The Federal Highway Administration will also award an $80,000 grant which the MRCT will use in developing a unified branding campaign for the region. “Economic development is of primary importance right now. It has always been my goal is to capitalize on existing resources which make West Tennessee a world-class attraction generating new economic activity.”

Norris became Chairman-elect of the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) in August and has announced he is bringing the Conference’s annual convention to Memphis in July 2011. “This Great River Road will be a major attraction as we begin marketing that event,” says Norris.

First elected to the General Assembly in 2000, Norris became Senate Majority Leader in 2007.

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Overbey to speak to Elder Watch of Blount County

(NASHVILLE, TN), October 14, 2009  -- State Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) will speak to the Elder Watch of Blount County organization tomorrow, October 15.  The event will be held at 2 p.m. at the Everett Senior Center in Maryville.  Overbey will discuss recent legislation of interest to seniors, such as the Missing Senior Citizen Alert Program, the possible creation of a Department of Aging and efforts to prevent financial exploitation of seniors.

The media is welcome to attend.

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Highway Safety Grants Announced For Bradley County, Charleston

Chattanoogan.com
October 14, 2009

Sen. Dewayne Bunch, Rep. Kevin Brooks, and Rep. Eric Watson announced on Wednesday that Bradley County has been awarded highway safety grants of $46,248 for the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department to support their “Living Through Effective Enforcement” program, and
$5,000 for the Charleston Police Department to support high visibility law enforcement campaigns.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Office mission is to save lives and reduce injuries on Tennessee roadways through
leadership, innovation, coordination, and program support in partnership with other public and private organizations. The grant awarded will be used to promote this mission.

“These highway safety grants reflect a continued commitment to work with local and state agencies to make our roadways even safer than they are today,” said Gov. Bredesen. “The funds made available through these grants will support the efforts of many local and state highway safety partners to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes each year.”

Grant awards are issued to agencies that successfully applied for funding based on problem and statistical need. The GHSO notified agencies across the state that applications were being accepted for highway safety grants.

Applications were reviewed and scored by the GHSO and external highway safety advocates. The agencies that met the criteria for funding received awards.

“I am proud that we are able to help fund important programs at the state and local level that help reduce the number of traffic crashes on Tennessee roadways,” said Commissioner Gerald Nicely, Tennessee Department of Transportation. “These
grants will make a difference in the effectiveness of our highway safety partners.”

There are several elements that contribute to a sound and safe roadway system. Some of those aspects are an accurate traffic safety data collection and analysis system; well-trained and equipped law enforcement personnel; and effective emergency medical and trauma systems.

A major part of roadway safety is educating motorists about laws and good driving behaviors.

“Grants awarded by the GHSO are provided in areas of need,” reported GHSO Director Kendell Poole. “Statistics show our problem areas and we strive to put the funding where it will be most effective. We are dedicated to saving lives across
Tennessee and pledge to work with grantees statewide to accomplish our mission.”

The agency to receive funding in Bradley County is the Bradley County Sheriff's Department. Sen. Bunch and Reps. Watson and Brooks worked to secure these funds for Bradley County.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding for GHSO grants.

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Busy Week of Shelby County Speaking Engagements Ahead for Senator Norris

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) will cover several topics and much territory in Shelby County during a three-day stretch of speaking engagements in the area.  Among topics of interest and recent activity for Norris are the natural and historic preservation of areas along the Mississippi River, our state’s financial stability and economic future, and Tennessee’s role in international relations which Norris explored in-depth on a recent trip to China with the Southern Legislative Conference.  These subjects, and others, will be addressed by the third-term state Senator at various meeting and events in the coming days. 

On Tuesday, October 20, Leader Norris will address the newly re-established Collierville Republican Club to update them on the current state of state government and the political landscape as the 2010 elections draw near.  The meeting will occur at 7:00p.m. at Collierville’s La Hacienda restaurant on West Poplar Avenue. 

Tennessee’s economy and the strength of our small business community will be the primary focus when Norris speaks at the monthly meeting of the NFIB’s Memphis Area Action Council on Wednesday, October 21, at 11:30a.m. at Regions Bank on Poplar Avenue.  Norris is a 2008 recipient of the “Guardian of Small Business” Award given annually by the National Federation of Independent Business.

On Thursday, October 22, at Noon, Leader Norris will address a luncheon meeting of the Mississippi River Network when they meet at the Downtown Memphis Crowne Plaza.  A member of the Advisory Council of the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee, Norris is a proponent of several important Mississippi River initiatives and will discuss them with leading policy-makers and protectors of “Big Muddy” at this event.

Later on October 22, at 2:30p.m., Norris will participate in a panel discussion on the use of and potential for social media networks at Howell Marketing’s Leveraging the Conversation seminar at the Brooks Museum of Art on Poplar Avenue in Memphis.  An active Twitter user, Norris will specifically address “The Power of Social Media” during the panel.

Information regarding these events and others are always available on the Majority Leader’s website, www.marknorris.org.  It is updated regularly and includes the Senator’s schedule, biographical information, and contact information, as well as a host of other helpful items.

First elected to the General Assembly in 2000, Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, and Dyer.

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Building Commission moves forward on Elizabethton Hatchery and ETSU / Johnson City Downtown Clinic

(NASHVILLE, TN), October 9, 2009 – State Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) and House Speaker Kent Williams (R-Elizabethton) said today the Tennessee State Building Commission has granted approval of the preplanning phase of the Fish Hatchery Facility in Elizabethton.  The action taken by the Commission on Thursday will keep the project moving forward.  As House Speaker, Williams is a member of the Commission.

 “This project is a very good thing for Carter County,” stated Sen. Crowe.  “I appreciate the excellent work of Speaker Williams, Lt. Governor Ramsey and the other members of the State Building Commission and I look forward to working with them on other projects.”

The General Assembly allocated $800,000 for the project in the state’s 2009-10 budget. 

 “I believe that this project will be extremely beneficial to Carter County, as well as the surrounding areas,” said Speaker Williams.  “Studies show that we have a need for this project.  I am pleased that this action puts us one step closer to having a hatchery in Carter County.”

The project was recommended in a statewide hatchery evaluation study completed in 2004 and revised in 2009.  The approval is contingent upon final closing of property.

The Commission also moved forward on the selection of a designer to design and supervise the Johnson City Downtown Clinic at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.  The $6.9 million project will be funded through a federal Health Resource Service Administration (HRSA) Grant.  The project includes constructing a clinic on Innovation Park property. 

Senator Crowe represents District 3 consisting of Carter and Washington Counties in the State Senate.  Speaker Williams represents House District 4 which consists of Carter County.

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Tennessee Receives $3.4 Million to Support Special Education

(NASHVILLE, TN), October 8, 2009 --  Senate Education Committee Chairman Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) said today she has been informed that Tennessee has received a $3.4 million grant to help special education students.  The grant, which was awarded through the United States Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, will be used for instructional services for the students.

“This grant will be very helpful in addressing the needs of special education students,” said Senator Gresham.  “It will help in a variety of ways from increasing literacy skills to focusing on providing these students with the early intervention needed to put them on the right educational path for success in school.”

The four-year grant focuses on improving school and instructional climate, improving math outcomes for all students, improving early childhood outcomes for young children diagnosed with autism, increasing literacy skills, identifying and remedying existing inequities in the distribution of highly qualified teachers – including special education teachers and ensuring low income and minority children with disabilities are not taught by inexperienced, unqualified, or out-of-field teacher at higher rates than other children.
The grant will also allow the Department of Education to provide technical assistance and professional development for general and special education teachers to facilitate the use of evidence-based and scientifically validated teaching methods.   

“This money will simply help us improve educational opportunities for special education students in Tennessee,” concluded Gresham.  “I am very hopeful this grant will benefit many of our students.”

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Senator Ketron receives “Good Green Deeds” conservation award

            (NASHVILLE, TN), October 2, 2009  – Local State Senator Bill Ketron has been honored with an award for his work to protect Tennessee’s environment.  The “Good Green Deeds Award” comes from the Tennessee Conservation Voters (TCV), a statewide environmental advocacy group.  The group held a press conference in Nashville on Friday.

            TCV Board member Mary Helen Clark said Ketron was awarded the recognition for his work in protecting the environment from the harmful effects of a controversial mining practice called “mountain top removal.”
           
            “I am very honored to receive this conservation award,” said Senator Ketron.  “Our state has some of the most diverse ecosystems in the nation and it should be incumbent upon us to protect these resources for those Tennesseans who will follow us in the years to come.””

            The TCV is a statewide non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of Tennessee’s environment and preservation of its natural resources.  The group has several environmentally-oriented member organizations like the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association, the Tennessee Trails Association and the Scenic Tennessee Alliance. 

Sen. Ketron receiving award from TCV Executive Director Chris Ford

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Gresham says Building Commission put Megasite project in better form

(NASHVILLE, TN) -- State Senator Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) today said she was pleased that the State Building Commission proceeded carefully and thoroughly as they came to a positive decision to move forward with the “Megasite” project in West Tennessee.  The Subcommittee voted yesterday to spend $40 million appropriated by the legislature this year to purchase about 3,836 acres near Interstate 40 in Haywood County after receiving information from the Department of Economic and Community Development about the parcels of land to be purchased for the project. 

“As a sponsor of this legislation, I certainly wanted to make sure everything was done correctly,” said Senator Gresham.  “I appreciate the work of the Building Commission and their efforts to see that we were in the proper form before proceeding and that those wanting to address the panel both for and against the project were treated fairly.” 

“We all agree that West Tennessee needs job opportunities,” she continued.  “It is also important that everyone was treated fairly.  I think the Building Commission accomplished both of these goals and that we have a better project moving forward as a result.”

The full State Building Commission discussed the project Sept. 10, but did not take a vote because Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) officials were unable to provide information to identify exactly which parcels of land would be targeted for purchase. At the Sept. 10 meeting, members of the State Building Commission agreed to let the Executive Subcommittee make the final decision about the project’s approval.  The subcommittee planned to discuss the project at a meeting last week, but Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development officials requested another delay to work out remaining issues with property owners.
 
“I am hopeful that the megasite will be a success and bring new and better paying jobs to our area,” she concluded.

Senator Gresham represents eight counties in West Tennessee: Crockett, Haywood, Fayette, Hardeman, Chester, McNairy Hardin and Wayne. She and her husband Will live on their farm in Fayette County.

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Senator Yager presents Senate Joint Resolutions to two Fentress County Ovation Award Winners

(NASHVILLE, TN), October 1, 2009  -- Local State Senator Ken Yager presented Guy and Claudine Pinckley and Highland Manor Winery with Senate Joint Resolutions for receiving Cumberland Business Journal’s 2009 Ovation Awards.  Highland Manor Winery was chosen as the “Best Tourism-Based Economic Development Planning in the Private Sector.”  The Pinckleys were honored for being the “Best Corporate Citizens and Individual Philanthropists.”

“It is an honor for our General Assembly to recognize these worthy recipients for their Ovation Awards,” said Sen. Yager, who sponsored the resolution.  “Highland Manor is the oldest winery in Tennessee.  They are an exemplary business who brings tourists to our community due to their deeply rooted commitment to their customers.  I congratulate Gertie and Butch Campbell for this award.”

“Guy and Claudine Pinckley have made a significant educational impact on Fentress County,” he added.  “Their generosity has contributed to many students in our area achieving educational excellence.  They are very deserving of this recognition as the “Best Corporate Citizens.”

This was the second annual Ovation Awards program by the Cumberland Business Journal.  The goal of the annual Ovation Awards is to call attention to outstanding businesses, professionals, industries, nonprofits, agencies and individuals in the Journal’s 15-county readership area.

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