SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011 Tenn. Gov.

Bill Haslam has pep talk for developers (CA/Locker)

Gov. Bill Haslam gave state and local industrial development officials from across Tennessee a pep talk Friday about the difficulty of recruiting new jobs in the current economy but said they all must forge ahead. "As much as we're going to try to distinguish ourselves and differentiate ourselves, we are subject to the national economy and when the headwinds blow against us as a nation, we feel that in Tennessee as well," Haslam told the annual Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development. Despite that, he said he's learned some things as governor about job creation that he believed prior to his election. "The first is, we are very well-position in Tennessee to compete. ... The no income tax, the work environment we have, the geographic location -- when I'm out selling Tennessee, I don't feel like I'm selling something that's hard to do." Second, he said economic development officials have to "aggressively sell" the state and their communities despite the economy, and work create a Tennessee business environment that makes decision makers want to invest capital in the state, includi the major changes in liability law that he proposed and lawmakers approved this year. Haslam also said job creation is "inextricably linked" to education, that businesses already operating in Tennessee will be the major source of new jobs, and that he's convinced the state's new emphasis on existing businesses and a regional approach to growth is correct. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/sep/24/haslam-has-pep-talk-for-02/

Gov. Bill Haslam promotes eco devo policies, 'aggressive' sale of Tennessee (NBJ

Gov. Bill Haslam touted the states strengths and his administrations economic development strategy today, declaring that hes aggressively selling Tennessee and feels optimistic despite national headwinds. We are we prepared and well positioned to compete, he told a crowd of hundreds at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel downtown. Im proud of what we have to sell. The Republicans remarks were before a roomful of economic development professionals, government officials and business leaders attending his Governors Conference. Functions Thursday and Friday centered on a range of economic development topics, and the overall event promoted his Jobs4TN plan. That plan has emphasized catering more than in the past to existing, in-state companies as the states Economic and Community Development Department encourages business activity through tax incentives and other means. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/09/23/bill-haslam-republican-tennessee-economy.html

Haslam says incentives not currently part of talks with General Motors (NBJ)

Email Gov. Bill Haslams administration is in talks about a proposal to bring 1,700 jobs to General Motors Co.s Spring Hill plant, but so far, there are no plans for an incentive package to further coax the auto maker. W e are not talking about additional incentives to GM, the Republican said following remarks at today's Governo Conference. He went on to note that there are statutory tax credits that GM would qualify for with each job it creates through the full reopening of the Spring Hill plant. Officials with Tennessees Economic and Community Development Department noted that there is not currently a finalized jobs proposal for the state to consider in relation to other incentives that could be part of a larger proposal. News surfaced earlier this week of a proposed agreement between GM and the United Auto Workers union. While the deal is not final, its the boldest sign yet o GM reinvigorating the plant. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/09/23/incentives-gm-bill-haslam-spring-hill.html

Obama spills beans on Haslam wedding(Times Free Press)

It took President Barack Obama speaking during a nationally televised White House event on Friday no less to let the cat out of the bag that Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslams daughter, Annie Haslam, is getting married today. Democrat Obama thanked the Republican governor for joining an announcement about education, although he

noted Haslam obviously has some other things on his platter. Im especially appreciative because I found out tha his daughter is getting married, and he is doing the ceremony tomorrow, Obama said. So weve got to get him back on time. Indeed, Annie Haslam and David Colquitt are scheduled to tie the knot at 5 p.m. CDT at the governors residence. The couple met while attending Princeton University, according to their wedding website. Asked for elaborate about the festivities, the governor said, Ill leave that one alone, but confirmed he will be performing the ceremony. The rehearsal dinner was slated for Friday night at the exclusive Belle Meade Country Club. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/24/obama-spills-beans-haslam-wedding/?local

Haslam presides over marriage (CA/Locker)

Gov. Bill Haslam will preside over the marriage of his daughter, Annie Haslam, to David Colquitt tonight at the Tennessee Residence, the governor's official residence in Nashville. The couple met when both were freshmen Princeton University in 2005. Their rehearsal dinner was Friday night at Belle Meade Country Club in Nashville. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/sep/24/in-04/

Obama waives No Child Left Behind rules (New York Times)

With his declaration Friday that he would waive the most contentious provisions of a federal education law, President Barack Obama effectively rerouted the nation's education history after a turbulent decade of federal influence. Obama invited states to reclaim the power to design their own school accountability and improvement systems, upending the centerpiece of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law, a requirement that all students be proficient in math and reading by 2014. But experts said it was a measure of how profoundly the law had reshape America's public school culture that even in states that accept the administration's offer to pursue a new agenda, the law's legacy will live on in classrooms. Educators' work will continue to emphasize its major themes, like narrowing student achievement gaps, while educators' performance will be measured by standardized tests. Obama made his statements to a bipartisan audience that includedBill Haslam Tennessee, a Republican; Gov. of Gov. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, an independent, and 24 state superintendents of education. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/sep/24/obama-waives-school-rules/

No Child Left Behind opt-out ignites arguments (Tennessean/Hefling,Hubbard)

Nearly everyone agrees the fix needs fixing. The No Child Left Behind law that was supposed to improve American education has left schools grumbling at being labeled failures, state officials fuming and complaints everywhere about required testing. But President Barack Obamas response on Friday hes allowing states to opt out is starting a new round of heated arguments. There are questions about whether letting states bypass unpopular proficiency standards will help the nations schoolchildren. And even as Tennessee and other states clamor to use the new waiver option, some lawmakers say Obama is inserting politics into what had been a bipartisan approach to education. At the White House, the president said he was acting only because Congress wouldnt. He decried the state of U.S. education and called the No Child law a signature legacy of President George W. Bushs presidency an admirable but flawed effort that ended up hurting students instead of helping them. Obamas announcement, which Bill Haslam Gov. attended, could fundamentally affect the education of tens of millions of children. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/NEWS/309230124/No-Child-Left-Behind-opt-out-ignites-arguments odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Gov. Bill Haslam introduces President Barack Obama at No Child Left Behind even (NS/Colllins)

Gov. Bill Haslam introduces President Barack Obama at No Child Left Behind eventPreviousNext. See this entire gallery at full size.WASHINGTON Gov. Bill Haslam introduced President Barack Obama today at a Whi House event on school reform and praised the administration for giving states more freedom to carry out parts of the decade-old No Child Left Behind law. "As a Republican governor, I might not always agree with this administration on some policy issues or maybe even the role of federal government," Haslam said, standing besi Obama in the White House's East Room. "But when there are things we can work on together, then we should," Haslam said. "And this is one of those issues we simply can work together on." The Obama administration is allowing states to request an exemption from some of the basic elements of No Child Left Behind, which was 2

enacted under former President George W. Bush. States can ask the U.S. Department of Education to be exempted from some of the law's requirements if they meet certain conditions, such as imposing standards to prepare students for college and careers and setting evaluation standards for teachers and principals. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/23/haslam-introduces-obama-at-no-child-left-behind/?partner=popular

Haslam joins Obama in altering No Child law(Times Free Press/Sher)

Gov. Bill Haslam says he was happy to join President Barack Obama in a White House ceremony Friday as the president unveiled plans to let states opt out of some of the toughest provisions of the federal No Child Left Behin law.Some of you might be saying, We heard you in W ashington introducing the president. Last time we checked yall were in different parties and didnt quite see the world the same way. W hats up with that? Haslam told attendees at a state economic development conference later in the day. To be straightforward with you, theres nothing were doing in Tennessee right now as important as improving education, he said.Earlier Friday, Republican Haslam introduced Obama, a Democrat, in the White House East Room for the announcement. The landmark No Child Left Behind law was passed when George W. Bush was president. As a Republican governo I might not always agree with this administration on some policy issues or maybe even the role of federal government, Haslam said when introducing Obama. But when there are things we can work on together, then w should. And this is one of those issues we simply can work together on. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/24/haslam-joins-obama-altering-no-child-law/?local

Haslam backs Obama's No Child Left Behind waiver (AP/Schelzig)

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam on Friday joined President Barack Obama for a White House announcement that states will be given more freedom to opt out of key parts of the federal No Child Left Behind law. Haslam in his introduction of the Democratic president said the most informed education decisions are made at the state and local levels and that Tennessee has made significant strides toward improving standards. As a Republican governor, I may not always agree with this administration on policy issues or the proper role of the federal government," Haslam said. "But I do believe that when there are things we can work on together, we should." The changes to the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law will allow states to apply for waivers to the requirement th all children must show they are proficient in reading and math by 2014. The Obama administration will grant thos requests if states meet certain conditions, such as imposing standards to prepare students for college and career and setting evaluation standards for teachers and principals. http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110924/NEWS01/109240313/Haslam-backs-Obama-s-No-Child-LeftBehind-waiver?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

TBI seeks information in 2010 Decatur slaying (Times Free Press/Benton)

A year ago Friday, Roger Dale Selfs body was found by family and friends on his property on Five Points Road i Decatur, Tenn. Now, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is seeking information that could lead to an arrest in the killing. Investigators said Self had been missing since the evening before his body was found in a barn on his property where he stored hay and straw. Investigators determined Self was killed sometime after 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, 2010. An autopsy confirmed he was shot multiple times at close range with a .22-caliber handgun. Investigators believe Self either knew or was acquainted with his killer, according to TBI officials. Wed like to emphasize that it only takes one small piece of information that can lead an investigator to solve a case, TBI spokeswoman Kristin Helm said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/24/tbi-seeks-information-2010-decatur-slaying/?local

TBI issues alert for 2 missing girls in Columbia (Associated Press)

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says two girls missing in Columbia have been found. TBI on Saturday morning issued endangered child alert for 11-year-old Ambria Walker and 12-year-old Cheyenne Penix after they didn't return home Friday night. Police said at midmorning Saturday, the girls were located. The girls were reported missing after last being seen at Sports W orld Skate Center on Pulaski Highway. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/24/tbi-issues-alert-for-2-missing-girls-in-columbia/

Right Choices awarded $300,000 grant from Tenn. Dept. of Health (Dyersburg Sta Gazette)

Right Choices of W est Tennessee has been awarded a three-year $300,000 grant by the Tennessee Departme of Health to teach abstinence education in four at-risk counties: Dyer, Haywood, Lake and Lauderdale. The counties were four of 20 targeted by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) as being in highest need abstinence education services. "We are very excited to be given the opportunity to rebuild Right Choices a strengthen it for the future," said Life Choices Executive Director Reni Bumpas. Right Choices was established Life Choices in 2001 as a preventative program to teach abstinence education to students in grades 6-12. T program was federally funded through the Community Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) program from the U Department of Health and Human Services from 2006 until 2010. However, in 2010 with the change administration, it was decided that CBAE would no longer fund programs like Right Choices forcing the program dramatically reduce the services it provided in the next year. http://www.stategazette.com/story/1766441.html

Republican redistricting plan places two veteran, black Democrats in same Hous district(Nooga)

The Republican-controlled Tennessee legislature's redistricting plan will merge two Hamilton County Democra districts, forcing one of the two veteran incumbents to evaluate whether to seek another term. Rep. Tomm Brown, D-Chattanooga, said the plan to take part of District 29 to increase the percentage of minority voters in h District 28 seat will cut one Democrat and one black legislator from the House. "There are two issues," Brown sa "There's a Democrat issue and an African American issue. My job is to protect the integrity of the voting power the African American community. If to do so means keeping two districts, I will look hard at the shape of (propos plan)." Favors said taking minority voters from District 29 and placing them in District 28 will increase Brow percentage of minority voters to more than the 50 percent required. http://www.nooga.com/17778_republican-redistricting-plan-places-two-veteran-black-democrats-in-same-housedistrict/

Voter ID laws target rarely occurring voter fraud (Associated Press/Gamboa)

Several states adopted new laws last year requiring that people show a photo ID when they come to vote even though the kind of election fraud that the laws are intended to stamp out is rare. Even supporters of the new laws are hard pressed to come up with large numbers of cases in which someone tried to vote under a false identify. "I've compared this to the snake oil salesman. You got a cold? I got snake oil. Your foot aches? I got snake oil," said election law expert Justin Levitt, who wrote "The Truth About Voter Fraud" for The Brennan Center for Justic "It doesn't seem to matter what the problem is, (voter) ID is being sold as the solution to a whole bunch of things can't possibly solve." Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin have passed laws this year that allow voters without the required photo ID to cast provisional ballots, but the voters must return to a specific location with that ID within a certain time limit for their ballots to count. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/24/voter-id-laws-target-rarely-occurring-voter/

Health care reform will bring coverage to more Tennesseeans (Times Free Press/ Flessner)

Health care reform will bring more money and health care coverage to Tennessee, but it will also mean longer lin and wait times for most people to see a doctor. That's the conclusion of a study by Tennessee's biggest health insurer on the sweeping health care package adopted nearly two years ago and scheduled to be implemented ov the next three years. "Since the number of providers will not increase in the short run, there will be a strain on th system's ability to supply services," said Dr. Steve Coulter, president of the BlueCross-funded Tennessee Health Institute and author of the study of health care reform in the Volunteer State. "That may mean, generally speaking worse access to services for those who are currently insured." But while lines may be longer at physician offices and hospitals, more people will have access to such services. The BlueCross study estimates that 683,000 more Tennesseans, including 63,168 in Hamilton County, will gain health insurance by 2014 under the so-called 4

"Obamacare" plan. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/24/health-reform-to-bring-coverage-to-more-but/

Dean begins 2nd term urging Nashville to double college grads (Tennessean/Cass

Nashville should set a goal of doubling its number of college graduates in the next five years, Mayor Karl Dean said after taking office to start his second term Friday. W hen a citys population of college graduates goes up, both income and gross metropolitan product goes up as well, Dean said in his inaugural address to an estimated crowd of 500 people on the Public Square in front of the Metro Courthouse. ... The experts say this should take 1 years. I see no reason why we should not try to do it in five. There is nothing we as a city can accomplish that will have a greater or longer-lasting impact. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/NEWS/309210147/Dean-urges-Nashville-double-college-grads? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

Dean inaugurated, sidesteps pos property tax increase (Nashville City sible Paper/Garrison)

Delivering his inauguration address Friday before a few hundred onlookers at the downtown public square, Mayo Karl Dean called Nashville a city on the rise, trumpeting the theme of his largely unchallenged re-election campaign.He painted a bright future: Nashville is on course to be one of the great American cities of the 21st century. But Metro Nashvilles sixth mayor also alluded to a potentially rocky budget cycle come spring as the cit grapples with a stressed economy, declining tax revenue and a continued demand for basic services. Navigating future budgets a second-term challenge that will undoubtedly be one of the mayors greatest comes as Met departments have already had to work with less in recent years. Our budget constraints are real, Dean said, wit the newly elected Metro Council sitting behind him. And for the foreseeable future, our Metro departments are going to have to remain extremely prudent.Tough decisions lay ahead, he said. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/print/537623

Possibility of 5 percent cuts have Clarksville councilman concerned (The Leaf Chronicle)

Mayor Kim McMillan has asked city departments to prepare for a 5 percent expense reduction in preparation for cuts in federal and state spending. The possible cuts do not require the City Council's approval, but are designed to make sure all the departments are operating as tightly as possible to help build the city fund in the case there are reductions from the federal and state governments, according to a press release from the Mayor's Office. A 5 percent cut would add up to just under $3.4 million out of the over $67.5 million budget that was approved by the City Council before the new fiscal year, according to the release. Bill Summers, Ward 10 city councilman, said he and some of the other council members are concerned that this is being announced toward the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year, leaving nine months and less money to cut the $3.4 million out of. http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110924/NEWS01/109240315/Possibility-5-percent-cuts-Clarksvillecouncilman-concerned?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Mourners share their memories of mayor: Residents line up to pay respects at Bob Conger's visitation (Jackson Sun)

Many of the people who came to pay their respects to the family of former Jackson Mayor Bob Conger on Friday remembered him as a fair man with a great personality. Conger died on Tuesday; he was 83 years old. A long line of people some who knew him well and others who didn't waited to sign the guest book duri the first hour of visitation at the George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel on Friday afternoon. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110924/NEWS01/109240321/Mourners-share-their-memories-mayorResidents-line-up-pay-respects-Bob-Conger-s-visitation?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

101st Combat Aviation Brigade, SEALs share tragic anniversary (The Leaf Chronicle)

Recently, the Leaf-Chronicle received a message from Capt. Nick Craig of Bravo Company, 5th Battalion of t 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. One year ago this week, on Sept. 21, 2010, the W ings of Destiny Brigade and 5

the United States Navy SEALs suffered a devastating loss as the result of a helicopter crash in Qalat, Afghanista Capt. Craig asks for prayers for the families left behind. Beyond that, he asks simply that we take a moment reflect and remember those whose passing should not go unnoticed. http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110924/NEWS08/110924002/101st-Combat-Aviation-Brigade-SEALsshare-tragic-anniversary?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

Crusade aims to lower baby deaths in North Nashville (Tennessean/Wilemon)

Myra Hardin stepped forward to save babies in her North Nashville neighborhood on Friday. She went door to door with more than a dozen volunteers, distributing fliers and brochures in the 37208 ZIP code, where one of every 80 babies will die before reaching a first birthday. I want to know why, said Hardin, a retired licensed practical nurse. There is no single answer, officials with the Metro Public Health Department say. Theyve focuse on this neighborhood for the past two years, identifying birth-age and pregnant women who live there and providing prenatal and follow-up care through the federally funded Music City Healthy Start program. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/NEWS07/309240048/Crusade-aims-lower-baby-deaths-NorthNashville?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Blues story to be told as hall of fame site set(CA/Risher)

With a bona fide blues music exhibit still perhaps a couple years away, the Blues Foundation's new home on Sou Main already has trappings of a tourist draw. Arrayed on walls and massive wood beams are classic posters promoting concerts and recordings by the likes of Bessie Smith and Slim Harpo; guitars signed by blues musician and rock stars; even a whimsical plaster impression of Rufus Thomas' face. The foundation has unveiled plans t crank up outreach to blues aficionados and casual visitors alike with exhibits, including a Blues Music Hall of Fam in the Hotline Records building at 515 S. Main. A campaign is under way to raise money to transform the 12,000 square-foot, two-level (street and basement) condominium into exhibit halls, visitor center, gift shop and offices fo the worldwide organization. A goal hasn't been set, but the board has discussed $3.5 million. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/sep/24/blues-story-to-be-told-as-hall-of-fame-site-set/#comments

Sumner school board chief sets budget goal (Tennessean/Easton)

Hendersonvilles District 3 school board member Don Long was unanimously chosen to lead the 11-member bod for a third term. I hope that this next year will be a little easier than the past, but I think working together well ge there, Long said. Long on Wednesday said the public can expect a lot more discussion on school funding throughout the next year following this years budget crisis. Were going to take a routine and systematic approa so that everyone is well aware of what our needs are as we go and when we get to budget time, he said. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110923/NEWS04/309230102/Sumner-school-board-chief-sets-budget-goal odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Fundraiser, rally bring Michele Bachmann to Fran.klin(Tennessean/Giordano)

Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann stuck to her campaign talking points as she arrived Friday for a Christian rally held at the Old Natchez Country Club about five miles north of Franklin. The event preceded a $1,000-per-person fundraiser held later at a private home. The Minnesota congresswoma took a few moments to talk to the media before entering the event, which was open to donors for $125 but closed to reporters. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/NEWS/309230129/Fundraiser-rally-bring-Michele-BachmannFranklin?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Government paid $600 million in benefits to dead people (AP/Hananel)

The federal government has doled out more than $600 million in benefit payments to dead people over the past five years, a watchdog report says. Such payments are meant for retired or disabled federal workers, but sometimes the checks keep going out even after the former employees pass away and the deaths are not reported, according to the report this week from the Office of Personnel Management's inspector general, Patrick McFarland. In one case, the son of a beneficiary continued receiving payments for 37 years after his father's dea in 1971. The payments totaling more than $515,000 were only discovered when the son died in 2008. The government has been aware of the problem since a 2005 inspector general's report revealed defects in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Yet the improper payments have continued, despite more than a half dozen attempts to develop a system that can figure out which beneficiaries are still alive and which are dead, the 6

report said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/23/government-paid-600-million-benefits-dead-people/? breakingnews

Report scorns Fannie Mae for robo-signing (AP/Kravitz)

Fannie Mae missed chances to catch law firms illegally signing foreclosure documents and its government overseer did not take the right steps to ensure Fannie was doing its job, according to a federal watchdog. The Federal Housing Finance Agencys inspector general said in a report Friday that Fannie failed to establish an acceptable and effective way to monitor foreclosure proceedings between 2006 and early 2011. FHFA then faile to ensure it was complying with demands that it clean up its programs. Mortgage industry employees including law firms employed by Fannie Mae signed documents they hadnt read and used fake signatures on foreclosu cases. The practices, known collectively as robo-signing, resulted in a suspension of foreclosures last fall and a probe by all 50 state attorneys general into how corners were cut to keep pace with the crush of foreclosure paperwork. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/BUSINESS/309240054/Report-scorns-Fannie-Mae-robo-signing? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Business

Amazon Wins Reprieve on California Tax in Exchange For Jobs (Wall Street Journal)

California Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday signed compromise legislation granting Amazon.com Inc. a reprieve fro collecting state sales tax after the company offered the promise of thousands of jobs, a development that comes the online retail giant takes up a broader sales-tax fight on multiple fronts. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903791504576589200485919880.html? mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection

UT: Tennessee economy wont improve until 2013 (MBJ)

Despite some gains in the short term, a new study from the University of Tennessee suggests there wont be significant improvements to the states economy until 2013. 2011 Tennessee Business and Economic The fall Outlook report, issued by UTs Center for Business and Economic Research, says the states housing market wil continue to struggle and that the economy risks being further hampered by the financial crisis in Europe. "Economic growth has slowed but has not stalled," wrote Matt Murray, CBER associate director and author of the study. "A slight pickup in growth is anticipated in the third and fourth quarters, but annualized growth will come in a disappointing rate for the year as a whole. The outlook for 2012 is only slightly better." http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2011/09/23/ut-tennessee-economy-wont-improve.html?s=print

Spring Hill GM workers embrace contract (Tennessean/Williams)

Members of the United Auto Workers local here have approved a new national labor contract with General Motor on an 82 percent yes vote, union leaders said Friday night a small step leading toward reopening of the GM assembly plant here. Michael ORourke, president of UAW Local 1853 in Spring Hill, said local workers get it. This contract is all about jobs. Among terms of the proposed four-year contract between the United Auto Workers and GM, Spring Hill is supposed to get two midsize vehicles to assemble. One would arrive sometime next year and bring 600 jobs; the other would come in 2013 and add 1,110 jobs. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/BUSINESS03/309240042/Spring-Hill-GM-workers-embracecontract?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

HomeBack Virginia lender alleges fruad, files suit against First Tennessee (Kingsport Times-News)

A Virginia-based lender has sued First Tennessee and a host of other financial service companies in connecti with investment products it alleges were marketed falsely. First Community Bank, which is based in Bluefield, V but has operations in Johnson City, alleged that it lost at least $100 million on products linked to First Tennessee 7

investment banking business and its broker-dealer; to SunTrust Capital Markets; and to Morgan Keegan and oth institutions. The lawsuit was recently filed in Knox County Circuit Court and accuses the defendants of frau negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment and violation of the Tennessee Securities Act. http://www.timesnews.net/article/9036148/virginia-lender-alleges-fruad-files-suit-against-first-tennessee

Sand Mountain faciity damaged by April tornado (Times Free Press/Martin)

Coleen Pridemore was listening to Chattanooga radio station WMBW-FM Thursday morning when she heard abo a tornado rebuilding effort at the Sand Mountain Bible Camp. On Friday morning, Pridemore, with a nail apron around her waist, carried two-by-six boards over to concrete blocks laid for a cabin. I kept telling myself I need to get involved [in tornado cleanup], said Pridemore, who lives in Rome, Ga. I hadnt done anything. But when I heard about this on the radio, I decided to come. Pridemore is an example of the loosely organized group that ha come together from various places in Georgia to help disaster victims on Sand Mountain. Fridays group of about 20 volunteers included members of First Baptist Church in W oodstock, Ga., the Carl Black Automotive Group, which has dealerships in Georgia, Tennessee and Florida, and friends of both groups. They planned to stay overnight and continue working on the project today. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/24/sand-mountain-faciity-damaged-april-tornado/?local

United Way launches 2011 annual campaign (NBJ)

The United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has launched its 2011 impact campaign. This years push, the organizations 90th annual campaign, aims to raise more than $15 million to support education, financial stability and health initiatives. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/09/23/united-way-launches-2011-annual-campaign.html

Vanderbilt strikes partnerships with three suburban hospitals (Tennessean/Ward)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has partnered with three other not-for-profit hospitals across Middle Tennessee in a still-evolving project the hospitals say will boost medical services in suburban markets. Affiliation agreements with Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tenn., and NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield could lead to a joint approach in areas such as cancer treatment, cardiovascular services, high-risk pregnancies, diagnostic imaging and perhaps medical office development. Specific services could vary by location and are still being discussed, officials said Friday. It will let us be partner instead of competitors, said Dennis E. Miller, CEO of the 185-bed W illiamson Medical Center. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/BUSINESS05/309240040/Vanderbilt-strikes-partnerships-three-nes

VUMC goes big (Nashville Post/Duncan)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has dramatically broadened its reach with the announcement that it has partnered with three major Middle Tennessee hospitals. The link-ups with Williamson Medical Center, NorthCres Medical Center in Springfield and Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia were all announced today and wil allow the various players to, as John Howser director of new and communications for VUMC put it, create new jointly operated programs and services in the counties where these hospitals reside. http://nashvillepost.com/news/2011/9/23/vumc_goes_big

Memphis-based business bank planting Nashville stake (Nashville Post/Lombaerd

A young bank with dual headquarters in Memphis and the Jackson, Miss., area, has recruited a veteran Middle Tennessee to lead its charge into the local market. Joining Metropolitan Bank, which has grown its assets to abo $560 million since May 2008, is Bill Menkel, who until recently ran Peoples State Bank of Commerce. Menkel als is a former Nashville and Memphis regional president for the former National Bank of Commerce and president and CEO of Magna Bank. Curt Gabardi, president and CEO of Metropolitans parent company, first met Menkel i 1986 at the former Commerce Union Bank. He said expanding into Nashville has been in the banks plans since inception and that his team wants to build a statewide footprint. He and Menkel are looking to recruit several commercial bankers, a private banker and other staffers in the coming year. http://nashvillepost.com/news/2011/9/23/memphis_based_business_bank_planting_nashville_stake

Memphis-based Metropolitan Bank hires Bill Menkel, plans Nashville push (NBJ)
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A $560 million community bank currently operating in Memphis and parts of Mississippi is looking to stake its clai

in Nashville.Metropolitan Bank, which is co-headquartered in Memphis and Ridgeland, Miss., has tapped former National Bank of Commerce and Magna Bank executive Bill Menkel to lead its move into the Nashville market. T president and CEO of the bank, Curt Gabardi, is known in Nashville banking circles, and his ambitions to enter th market have been the subject of local speculation in recent months. Menkels time with NBC he served as During Nashville president and CEO and later president and regional executive of the Nashville and Memphis market. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/09/23/memphis-based-metropolitan-bank-hires.html?s=print

Tom Ingram named to Andrews Institute at Lipscomb (Tennessean/McClain)

Tom Ingram, an influential adviser and lobbyist for corporate and government interests, has been appointed leader-in-residence at the Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership at Lipscomb University. Ingram is founder of Th FIRST Group in Washington, D.C., and The Ingram Group in Nashville. His current clients include Gaylord Entertainment, National Healthcare Corporation, Eastman Chemical, Corrections Corporation of America, Louisiana Pacific, Google, Exxon, General Electric and American Airlines. Ingram will contribute to Lipscombs masters in civic leadership program and help develop a statewide leadership initiative. Toms breadth of experience and national reputation make him a perfect fit for the Andrews Institute, said Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/BUSINESS/309240036/Tom-Ingram-named-Andrews-InstituteLipscomb?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s

Tom Ingram named leader in residence at Lipscombs Andrews Institute

Veteran lobbyist Tom Ingram has been named the leader-in-residence at Lipscomb Universitys new Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership. Lipscomb, a 1968 Lipscomb graduate, will develop a statewide leadership initiative contribute to the Institutes new masters in leadership program and will host discussions with business and politic leaders. Ingram will begin those discussions on Nov. 15 with a conversation with John Seigenthaler. Ingram signed on last month as general consultant to presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman. Nashvilles Tennessean recen called him the most influential person in Tennessee politics who does not hold elected office. He continues as a advisor to Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Governor Bill Haslam after successfully guiding their statewide elections. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/09/23/tom-ingram-named-leader-in-residence.html

Linda Goodspeed named CIO at ServiceMaster

The ServiceMaster Co. announced Friday that former Nissan executive Linda Goodspeed will become senior vic president and chief information officer, effective Oct. 3. She will report to Hank Mullany, ServiceMasters chief executive officer. Goodspeed replaces CIO Dan Marks, who has been with Memphis-based ServiceMaster for 1 years in various IT roles. He will continue as vice president and technology officer and be responsible for enterprise architecture, identifying and implementing new technology solutions, IT planning and cost managemen Goodspeed comes from Nissan North America, a $40 billion subsidiary of Tokyo-based Nissan Motor Co., where she served as vice president, information systems and CIO. She managed a team of 1,500 employees and helpe improve on-time IT project delivery from 44 percent to more than 95 percent, according to a press release. http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2011/09/23/linda-goodspeed-named-cio-at.html

VW keeps Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport busy (Times Free Press/Pare)

Parts of Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport on Friday looked much like a parking lot for airplanes. Volkswagen brought in hundreds of people for a global meeting of company managers at the new $1 billion assembly plant in Chattanooga. Pam McAllister, who manages TAC Airs fixed base operation at Lovell Field, said VW didnt want lot of comment about its meeting. But, she said, about 10 planes were parked outside TAC Airs facilities on Frida Across the main runway, at least seven planes, many of them big aircraft in size, were parked in front of Wilson A Centers operation. The German automakers managers flew into the city earlier this week for a high-level strateg session and to check out the plant that officially started producing the all-new Passat this spring. Martin Winterkorn, the companys chief executive, said earlier that about 250 VW officials, managers and their spouses were to be in the city. McAllister said the number of aircraft is probably one of the biggest collections she has se at Chattanoogas airport. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/24/vw-keeps-chattanooga-metropolitan-airport-busy/?local 9

Clayton Bancorp seeking new HQ (NS/Flory)

A local lender is looking for a new place to call home. On Thursday, Clayton Bancorp CEO Jim Clayton said the bank holding company is in the market for an existing or new building for its headquarters. The lender currently is based in the One Centre Square building at 620 Market Street, but Clayton said the bank has grown so big that employees are scattered in three buildings and multiple floors. In recent days, bulldozers have knocked down buildings near the intersection of 17th Street and Ailor Avenue fronting Interstate 40 that are owned by Clayton Bank & Trust, and Clayton said there's a "pretty good" chance the lender will develop a building on the 17th Stree site, "unless there's some compliance issues." http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/23/clayton-bancorp-seeking-new-hq/

Porn images lead to suspension of Chattanooga Fire Department training chief(Times Free Press/Burger)

A Chattanooga Fire Department training chief received a 10-day suspension after investigators searched his c computer and found six pornographic images that were sent to his email account. Investigators discovered t images while they looked into a womans allegations of sexual battery, fire department officials said Friday. Mack Moore, a 24-year fire department veteran, will serve the unpaid suspension within a month. He did not retu a message left on his cell phone Friday night. The womans original complaint against Moore was not sustained the Chattanooga Police Department. The police department was asked to look into any questions of crimin wrongdoing, as well as conduct an internal affairs investigation, because of Moores high rank within the f department. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/24/porn-images-lead-suspension-chattanooga-fire-depar/

Blount County public defender appointed to represent former deputy (NS/Wilson)

The Blount County Public Defender's Office was appointed today to represent a former law-enforcement officer accused of shooting his wife to death earlier this month. Danny Ray Brewer, 37, appeared this morning before General Sessions Judge Michael Gallegos, who assigned the defender's office to represent Brewer and set another hearing for Sept. 30 to determine how the case will proceed. Brewer is accused of shooting his wife, Jennifer Brewer, 29, at their Sevier Avenue apartment Sept. 8. Jennifer Brewer was taken to Blount Memorial Hospital where she died. Danny Brewer was arrested at the scene. At next week's court date, the defendant coul face a preliminary hearing, or motions could be entered in connection with the case. Brewer is a former deputy w the Blount County Sheriff's Office, having served separate two-year stints separated by a three-month period whe he was an officer with the Rockford Police Department. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/23/blount-county-public-defender-appointed-to/?print=1

Morgan County man indicted in Wartburg police captain's death (NS/Fowler)

A Morgan County grand jury has returned a reckless homicide indictment in the death of a Wartburg Police Department captain last spring. Eddie Dean Patterson, 30, of W artburg, is accused of killing 58-year-old Ralph Braden. Braden, with the Wartburg Police Department more than 20 years, was injured April 22 while grappling with Patterson while Patterson was trying to escape from a window of his mother's Sunnyside Estate apartment i Wartburg. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/24/morgan-county-man-indicted-in-wartburg-police/

OPINION Greg Johnson: Voter ID requirement should be simple to understand

Forgive me simplicity: in Tennessee, one must present a photo ID to buy a beer, board a plane, open a ba account, cash a check and, in some cases, use a credit card. So, given the seriousness of the times and t sacredness of the act, why not require a photo ID to vote? Is this really that hard? For the public good, Tenness doesn't want people who ought not be drinking, ought not be smoking, ought not be using someone else's ID, finagle the system. Why, given recent history in Tennessee and suspicious circumstances in Illinois, is it difficult understand the need for integrity at the ballot box? http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/23/greg-johnson-voter-id-requirement-should-be-to/?partner=popular 10

Guest Columnist: Partisan elections for judges bad for business(NS/Buttrey)

Earlier this year, Tennesseans spoke out. Under the leadership of Gov. Bill Haslam, they made it clear that t state needs civil justice reform as an important way to attract and keep jobs and businesses. By overwhelmi majorities, both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly agreed and the Tennessee Civil Justice Act will so be the law of the land. However, now is not the time to relax in our quest to make Tennessee the No. 1 state in j creation and retention. Our new tort reform law is likely to improve our No. 19 status in the next U.S. Chamber Commerce survey. That is critical. The Chamber poll of corporate leaders is considered most influential amo those making decisions about where to locate and/or create more jobs. But according to the American Tort Refo Association, more than 30 new tort reform laws were passed across the country this past ye http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/24/doug-buttrey-partisan-elections-for-judges-bad/

Editorial: This time, MCS board got it exactly right(CA/Calkins)

You've got to be kidding me! Can you believe the nerve of the school board? The economy is collapsing. Teache are being laid off. And some elected officials think this is the moment to give a great big wad of money to superintendent who already brings home a six-figure salary? And, no, I'm not talking about Kriner Cash. T Memphis City Schools board didn't give him his ridiculous bonus. I'm talking about John Aitken, the superintende of the Shelby County Schools, whose contract was extended well beyond the time he'll be needed -- until 2015 putting the taxpayers on the hook for nearly $400,000 in severance pay. So calm down, people. Give the Memph City Schools board a break this once. When two normally reasonable school board members (Betty Mallott a Martavius Jones) proposed that Cash be given a bonus, and one of them (Jones) said the bonus should be in t amount of $41,250, the other members of the board reacted the way most of you would have reacte http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/sep/24/scs-can-take-cue-from-city-prudence/

Editorial: Poverty war gets harder (CA)

For the most accessible illustration of the number-one problem in America, it turns out, Memphians don't have look very far. Census figures show that Memphis ranks as the most impoverished large metro area in the natio with nearly one in five residents living on an income below the federal government's definition of poverty. T erosion of the country's middle class, aggravated by an unemployment rate that has stubbornly remained at close to 10 percent for more than two years, is one of the strongest setbacks in years to the country's soc economic and political life. And no place in the country -- not New Orleans, not Washington, not Detroit -- has be hit harder than Memphis or is experiencing a slower recovery, if, indeed, a recovery is what this is. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/sep/24/editorials-poverty-war-gets-harder/

Editorial: When in doubt, try $ (CA)

Family Rewards, a conditional cash transfer program that got mixed reviews during a three-year trial in New Yo City, should get a thorough tryout in Memphis. It will get one with the launch of an $11.5 million initiative calling cash incentives for teens who attend school regularly, get good grades and go to the doctor and dentist. Paren are rewarded for getting their GEDs and holding down jobs. Funded largely by private sources, the program limited to pre-selected families on public assistance or food stamps who have children in high school. With t launch, Memphis is following in the footsteps of New York City, which suspended its Family Rewards program the spring of 2010 after a trial that produced modest improvement but has yet to demonstrate long-term system change. Philosophically it's hard to argue with the idea. It makes sense that providing a taste of success to you people and adults whose lives have been limited by poverty will encourage achievement later on. As Mayor A Wharton noted in a press conference announcing the initiative this week, showing Memphians that there is a w out of crippling, multi-generational poverty can affect such factors as the crime rate and educational success. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/sep/24/when-in-doubt-try/

Editorial: Revenues easy to find in plugged tax loopholes (NS)

The new mantra among lawmakers who don't want to face up to the necessity of tax increases or the rapid diminishing returns of spending cuts is tax reform: Let's eliminate the unnecessary loopholes, the tax brea deductions and credits for people and businesses that probably shouldn't have had them in the first place. That makes for great political rhetoric, but it will be a suicidal politician who storms out of the partisan trenches lead that particular charge. The disturbing reality is that eliminating those collective loopholes would balance t federal budget and more. Like an overly fermented batch of Swiss cheese, the U.S. tax code is close to being mo hole than cheese. 11

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/sep/22/revenues-easy-to-find-in-plugged-tax-loopholes/

Editorial: Auto-emissions testing gets easier, 'greener' (Tennessean)

Thousands of W illiamson County drivers now know they have clean-running vehicles without ever visiting emissions station. They simply accelerated onto the interstate past a state-of-the-art roadside emissions testi vehicle. Many drivers were surprised to receive a notice in the mail that their auto emissions were tested remote and were clean. But once they learned about the process and took the next step of mailing in the payment for t test, they were thrilled that technology had saved them from having to wait in line at the emission station. I am already hearing positive reaction from Williamson residents. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/OPINION03/309240008/Auto-emissions-testing-gets-easiergreener-?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|s

Editorial: GOP hopefuls seek traction (Times Free Press)

In debate after debate among the Republican contenders for president, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas and form Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney continue to garner the most attention -- which is not surprising consideri Perry's position atop the polls, followed by Romney. Their prominence in the GOP field was on display again Thursday night's debate. It's not that none of the other Republican hopefuls -- including Michele Bachman Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Gary Johnson, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum -- had nothing of val to say. In fact, Cain, Santorum and some of the others got strong applause for their conservative stands on variety of issues. But barring a late entry by another candidate, it appears more and more that Perry and Romn will be the candidates to beat, and that ultimately one of them will be the challenger to Democrat President Bara Obama in 2012. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/24/gop-hopefuls-seek-traction/?opinionfreepress

Editorial: Georgia seeks NCLB waiver (Chattanooga Times)

Georgia is among the first states in the nation to seek a waiver of a much-debated provision in the No Child Left Behind Act. The U.S. Department of Education will consider the request, made possible earlier this month when federal officials set forth rules that allowed states to make such pleas. Allowing a request, however, should not be tantamount to granting it. The Georgia request, according to State School Superintendent John Barge, will ask for a waiver in the manner in which the state's schools are measured for yearly progress. Currently, Georgia schools -- and all others across the nation -- are measured by the Adequate Yearly Progress system. That requires all students in a school -- regardless of race, economic class, disability or language spoken -- to meet certain benchmarks. Meeting those standards has proved difficult in many schools in many places. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/23/georgia-seeks-nclb-waiver/?opiniontimes

Letter: State must come to the people to provide voter identification (Tennessean)

Ive been following the letters about the voter ID issue and the problems some may have in obtaining a card. A understand it, there are 95 counties in the state but not all have an office where a valid ID can be obtained. At o time in rural counties, state employees used to come once a month to the county seat and provide the service, but that was apparently stopped due to budget considerations. Why cant that practice be revived? If the state wants to mandate that a photo ID is needed to carry out ones constitutional right to vote, then fair and equ access must be provided to all. In my home county, no office exists, and the nearest is some 30 miles away. Th is an unfair hardship on elderly, poor and disabled voters. What I have proposed is a fair solution and would go long way toward leveling the playing field. But it will most likely be pooh-poohed because it is too simple a makes too much sense. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110924/OPINION02/309240057/State-must-come-people-provide-voteridentification?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|s ###

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