Clarksville Leads the Nation in Economic Stability - Erika Kurre Local Fox News
As cities across the country struggle to keep their budgets in the black, one middle Tennessee city is among the fastest-growing in the nation! Clarksville is not only expanding, it's recovering from the recession quicker than others.
Clarksville-Montgomery County planning director David Riggins says, "We're not at all surprised we've been ahead of the curve." While most cities are in the red, Clarksville has a green light for growth. Riggins says, "Where other places have become stagnant or actually gone backwards in the economy, we've at least held our own and in some cases advanced." Riggins is talking about his hometown where real estate values are on the rise, as the ninth fastest growing city in the nation.
A Moody's report rated Clarksville as one of just 23 cities in the country, where the recession is turning around. Mayor John Piper believes there are several reasons and attracting business is key. Piper says, "We have an education system-- both through our school system and APSU, which has been a great partner with hemlock. We have a workforce at ft. Campbell which turns out highly qualified people that are willing and capable of working. And with the southern hospitality, it's just a great combination."
Among the most recent additions to the economy-- a 77,000 square foot nursing and rehabilitation center. TN Health Management COO Mark Davis says, "We operate 31 other facilities here in Tennessee but this is the largest investment we've made so far." Health Management chose Clarksville to grow and expand-- putting dozens of Tennesseans to work as early as next week. Davis says, "There's gonna be a few new jobs. I'm gonna say about 30-40 new jobs will be created." This 14-million dollar investment is just one of several developing in Clarksville now. The biggest among them-- Hemlock Semiconductor Group now in it's construction phase. City officials say their hard work is paying off. Piper says, "Its just continuing to do the things that seem to be working." Mayor piper also credits Ft. Campbell for the city's stability. Clarksville has reorganized it's debt and is also building a 30-million dollar marina, along with new trails and pedestrian ways.
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