While Clarksville has a cozy feel, the types of businesses moving in, as well as the announcements from existing industry, are proof that Clarksville is one of Tennessee’s most important metropolitan areas.

Located 45 miles northwest of Nashville at the Kentucky border, Clarksville is home to the U.S. Army’s Fort Campbell military base, which is itself home to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). In September 2005, the military operation deployed 24,000 soldiers to Iraq.

“Community support for military families was amazing,” says James Chavez, president and CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council. “This type of deployment could have been devastating to a city. But home ownership is up and most families stayed.

“Clarksville has continued to hum.” County Mayor Douglas Weiland says he worried how the deployment would affect the county’s economy.

“It has made a difference,” he says. “You notice less folks in restaurants and stores, and you notice that the traffic is calmer. But the surprising factor is that we have not seen an economic downturn as a result. Sales tax collection is a good indicator of the economy, and our sales tax collections have been steady.” Chavez agrees. “Our sales tax receipts are good,” he says. “And our lodging tax collections are growing.”

While Clarksville has a cozy feel, the types of businesses moving in, as well as the announcements from existing industry, are proof that Clarksville is one of Tennessee’s most important metropolitan areas.

“We had five substantial announcements in the past year totaling more than $80 million and adding 270 new jobs,” Chavez says. “This speaks to the quality of the workforce here and our ability to produce.”

Bridgestone Metalpha USA announced a $45 million expansion project at their facility in the Clarksville-Montgomery County Corporate Business Park. The expansion will add 35 new jobs as well as 125,000 square feet of space to the existing 690,000-square-foot facility, increasing capacity by 6,000 metric tons. Metalpha, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holdings, is one of the world’s largest producers of steel cord used in the production of radial tires.

“Metalpha’s success locally is a testament to both their quality operation and our community assets,” says Mike Evans, executive director of the industrial development board.

Trane American Standard is expanding its Clarksville plant with a $20.5 million investment. The HVAC manufacturer is adding 20,000 square feet to its facility and hiring 100 new employees. Trane is Clarksville’s largest privately owned industry, with more than 1,200 employees.

Tile manufacturer Florim USA announced a $15 million equipment expansion at its Clarksville facility, adding 100 new jobs. “This expansion represents the conversion of the entire plant to porcelain tile,” says Mirco Migliari, Florim USA president and CEO. “It includes the latest technology, allowing us to greatly increase production and also produce commercial grade and size tile.” Florim USA currently produces approximately 60 million square feet of tile each year. Once the expansion is complete, company officials estimate production to increase to 70 million square feet.

Chavez says the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County offer the same incentives to existing and new industries.

“We want to get you here, and when you’re here, we want you to grow here,” he says.

To attract new industry to the area, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Corporate Business Park is about to complete 1,000-acre expansion.

“This represents a $30 million investment,” Chavez says. “We feel we can fully serve any new prospects as well as existing industries that are needing room for expansion.”

Weiland says two companies have put the park on their “short list,” and many more have come and looked. We have found out we are being seriously considered by two businesses,” he says. “They are auto-related companies. Not auto manufacturers, but auto-related.” “We are close to signing a couple of prospects,” Chavez says. “Having the 1,000-acre addition has significantly increased industrial inquiries in our area.”

Weiland says the site is in the final stages of being certified a megasite, a certification that will attract mega manufacturers to the area.

Attracting businesses and expansions is important, but having a plan in place is key.

Mayor Don Trotter’s Twelve Point Plan for Economic Growth has set up a blueprint for the future. Its goal is to “grow the economy of Clarksville by improving the wages of our citizens, while expanding our tax base, relieving the tax burden of our working families.” The first point is to increase the number of white-collar jobs in Clarksville. During 2005, the City of Clarksville with the Downtown District Partnership created a Community Revolving Investment Fund to create high-end housing in downtown Clarksville.

“The Clay Powers Company is building condominiums and lofts in a development downtown,” Chavez says. “Young couples and families are the target market. You can walk to work. It’s a movement that mirrors what is happening in Nashville.”

Chavez says in addition to high-end offerings, the housing market in the area is strong.

“We are seeing development at all levels,” he says. “From executive estates to starter homes, we are seeing subdivision developers continue to plan new housing options.”

Another goal of Trotter’s is to create business venture zones throughout the city to attract clusters of businesses with similar infrastructure needs. Last year, the Clarksville Center Redevelopment District Ordinance was created to cluster services within a designated district and offer incentives for job creation and development.

Other goals include reclaiming old industrial sites by offering tax incentives for property owners to convert unused properties; assisting small manufacturers in their efforts to expand exporting capabilities; creating a local entrepreneur awareness program; developing a minority economic development initiative; developing a Women in Business council; and working with educational providers to broaden education and training for the area’s workforce.

The Montgomery County School System is one of the state’s largest with an enrollment of 27,000. It is also one of the largest employers in the area (second to Fort Campbell), with 3,300 employees.

“We have been recognized nationally and across the state for our high level of accountability,” says Sandra Husk, Director of Schools for Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. “We monitor data and make decisions on improvement to instruction, transportation and finance. And we have been intensely working on a strategic plan.” The school system’s strategic plan has four components, the first of which is to increase achievement.

“We’ve made dramatic gains with those students who in the past have struggled,” Husk says. “And a competitive environment helps companies by creating a more qualified workforce,” she adds. Another component of the plan is to increase the system’s efficiency and effectiveness, saving taxpayer money by better using time and resources. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is the only system in the state that has earned ISO 9001 Certification, an evaluation system based on international standards of quality used in business and manufacturing.

“This is a continuous improvement system,” Husk says. “It is part of our accountability component. We are reviewed every six months to business standards. Only ten schools in the nation are certified.” Other components include creating leadership development both inside the school system and by working with Leadership Clarksville, and a strong focus on increasing public support of student achievement. Such public support is one of the goals of the Partners in Education (PIE) program, which is sponsored by the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce and matches businesses and schools for greater learning opportunities.

“Formerly known at the Adopt-a-School program, PIE allows businesses to support schools with funds or other resources they may have,” says Chamber Executive Director Christy Batts. “The program has been in place for well over 10 years and has created a good way for businesses and schools to work together.”

“The PIE program has developed into a meaningful and valuable partnership, with business and industry’s involvement closely aligned with our school’s accountability and improvement plans,” Husk says. “More than providing refreshments for Teachers’ Day, these companies are supporting and involved in student achievement through hands-on activities such as mentoring and tutoring.”

The school system has 18 elementary schools, six middle schools and six high schools, and continues to score above state averages according to the State of Tennessee Report Card. A new elementary school is under construction and will be ready for the next school year. A new middle school is proposed to open in the fall of 2007. Other schools in the district are being upgraded with additions or renovations.

Clarksville has nine private schools. In addition to a workforce-minded school system, Clarksville has two more education-related advantages over other cities when it comes to business recruitment: Fort Campbell and Austin Peay State University (APSU), both of which generate highly trained, highly educated adults ready to take on any career task.

APSU is the fastest-growing university in Tennessee, with a Fall 2005 enrollment of 8,813 students. The school offers 50 majors and 122 concentrations. Last summer, APSU established the state’s only Institute for Global Security Studies. The program covers agroterrorism, ecoterrorism, forensics, geoterrorism, international politics, law enforcement/homeland security, military history and language/ideologies. In January, the school became the state’s only university to offer a Master of Arts in Military History.

The school pumps more than $165 million into the local economy each year and creates hundreds of jobs. APSU also offers cultural and recreational opportunities with events in music, theater and art, as well as athletics.

A $9 million renovation of the McCord Building is scheduled to be completed in July and will house the School of Nursing, the School of Geosciences and the GIS Center. An $11 million state-of-the-art recreation center will be completed next fall and will include a climbing wall, indoor track, three multipurpose courts, three racquetball courts, workout facilities and indoor tennis court. Other opportunities for higher education can be found at Draughons Business College, Miller-Motte Business College and the Tennessee Technology Center.

The Big “T”

Tourism is a bonafide industry in Clarksville, says Chavez. “Our numbers continue to increase thanks to an aggressive staff effort.” “We go after and get a lot of group tour business,” says Theresa Harrington, executive director for the Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “And we’ve done many more group tours this year than last year.”

One of the most popular group tours is the Soldier for a Day, held with the cooperation of Ft. Campbell.

In addition to tours, Harrington coordinates sporting tournaments. The Kick-It 3v3 Soccer Shoot Out regional tournament will be held at Heritage Park. It attracts more than 200 teams. Kick-It is a quick three-on-three soccer game that hosts groups of all ages.

“Seven tournaments will be held throughout the country,” Harrington says. “The Clarksville event will be the one held in the Southeast.”

“Clarksville also coordinates annual festivals that attract thousands.” Rivers and Spires (held each April) and Riverfest (held each September) are the area’s two largest festivals, both featuring music, entertainment, and arts and crafts.

“We never saw a decline in tourism after Sept. 11, 2001,” says Harrington. “We’re located on an interstate and kept seeing traffic on the highway. We are a great stopover for those who are on their way from North Carolina to Branson, or for those on their way to Atlanta from St. Louis.”

Area attractions include the Cumberland RiverWalk, the city’s riverfront path that features a permanent exhibit illustrating the significance of the river in Clarksville. Clarksville’s historic downtown is a mix of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and a theater. Historic Collinsville is on the outskirts of Clarksville and is a 40-acre living history museum. And Beachaven Vineyard and Winery offers tours and tastings as well as a live Jazz on the Lawn series.

In 2007, the Wings of Liberty Museum will open at Fort Campbell. The 80,000-square-foot building will house an interactive museum with artifacts and a 200-seat IMAX theater.

Harrington says the area’s 2,700 hotel rooms offer good saturation. “We have a couple of hotels under construction right now,” she says, “but we can handle the overnight accommodations of our conventions or tournaments with what we currently have.”

Health Care: Gateway Health System is a 206-bed acute care facility. Services include emergency, cardiology, cancer care, surgery, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care and rehabilitation. More than 150 physicians support the community with 35 specialties and sub-specialties.

Transportation: Clarksville is located on I-24, within a one-day drive of 76% of U.S. markets. Clarksville is also served by U.S. Highways 41A and 79; and State Routes 12, 13, 48, 76, 112, 149, 236, 237 and 374.

Truck: Montgomery County is served by three trucking companies with terminal facilities.

Railroad: Rail transportation is provided by R.J. Corman Railroad (shortline) and CSX Transportation (mainline).

Water: Clarksville is located on the Cumberland River with channel depths to nine feet.

Air: Outlaw Field in Clarksville has two asphalt runways, at 6,000 and 4,004 feet for private and corporate flight service. It accommodates 40,000 annual flights. Commercial service is available at the Nashville International Airport, just 45 minutes away.