Mid-South businesses and governmental agencies have released the following information about charitable work, professional training, committee appointments, business growth and more.
New business growth continues across TN
The number of new businesses grew more than 10 percent during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same time last year, according to a new report released by the Secretary of State’s office.
There were 11,480 new entity filings in the first quarter of 2018, representing a 10.7 percent increase compared to the same time the year before. Initial filings have now had positive year-over-year growth for 26 consecutive quarters. Domestic limited liability corporations (LLCs), which were up 13.3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2017, account for nearly two-thirds of all new entity filings.
“Quarter after quarter we continue to see the positive effects of having a business-friendly state,” said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Businesses big and small are choosing our great state because of the welcoming policies we have in place.”
The Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report is created to provide a periodic snapshot of the state’s economy based on a variety of information, including new business data from the Division of Business Services.
As of April 1, 2018, there were 273,437 active entities in Tennessee, representing a 5.5 percent increase compared to the same time last year.
Among the state’s four largest counties, Davidson County has the largest initial filings year-over-year growth at 13.7 percent. Shelby County came in second at 8.5 percent, with Knox County trailing just behind at 8.3 percent. Hamilton County saw a 3.3 percent increase. The four counties account for 6,618 new entity filings during the first quarter of 2018, which is a 9.8 percent increase compared to the same time in 2017.
In April, the state’s tax revenues for the current fiscal year were up 3.8 percent overall. The national economy is showing mixed, but positive signs with solid gains in employment and housing.
Saint Francis Hospitals donate $19.1K to Food Bank
As part of the annual Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive held earlier this summer, which collected more than 170,000 servings of cereal, Saint Francis Hospitals in Bartlett and Memphis raised $19,128.59 to benefit the Mid-South Food Bank. Hospital representatives presented the funds raised to a representative of the food bank on Aug. 8.
The funds are enough to provide 57,000 meals. Estella Mahue-Greer, food bank president and CEO, said the money will be used for the backpack program for school-age children and for food boxes given to senior citizens. She also noted that more than 41,000 people in the food bank’s 31-county service area are at risk of going hungry every day, so the donation will be put to good use.
3 Weichert agents complete Fast Track training course
Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. announces that two Weichert affiliated agents in Arlington have successfully completed its Fast Track training: Agent Walter McTyre and Agent Albert Ticer, both at Weichert Realtors – SPM in Arlington. For more information, contact Missy Spore at (901) 800-8273 or missy@weichertspm.com.
The training helps quickly bring new Weichert affiliated agents, as well as current agents interested in taking a refresher course, up to speed on the latest information and technology available to real estate professionals so they can better communicate with clients to offer the best service available.
For more information about Weichert, visit Weichert.com. For information on franchise opportunities visit WeichertFranchise.com.
Newk’s to collect cancer donations, offer new soup
Starting Aug. 20 and continuing through September, Newk’s Cares is kicking off its fifth year of efforts to raise awareness for ovarian cancer and raise funds for its research. Newk’s Cares is the ovarian cancer awareness movement founded by the fast-casual restaurant chain Newk’s Eatery.
One in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
Lori Newcomb, wife of Newk’s Eatery CEO Chris Newcomb, was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer in 2013. To date, Newk’s Cares has raised over $720,000 for ovarian cancer research through partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (OCRFA).
She said, “I believe women should listen to what their bodies are telling them to truly take care of themselves, and to find a doctor who will also listen to them and their symptoms. Even though the symptoms may be vague, your body is trying to tell you something. Early detection is the key to incrementally increasing the survival rate.”
The following initiatives will take place across all Newk’s Eatery’s 121 locations:
- Beginning Aug. 20 through the month of September, Newk’s iconic collectible black cups will turn teal, the color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness. Guests can donate to support ovarian cancer research and education both in-store and through online ordering. All funds collected between September 3 – 30 will be donated to OCRFA.
- For September, Newk’s is introducing a new seasonal Thai Chicken soup that features numerous cancer-fighting ingredients, including mushrooms, carrots, turmeric, garlic and green and red bell peppers, which contain antioxidants that can help reduce the risks of cancer. This soup will remain in all Newk’s Eatery locations through March 2019.
For more information, visit NewksCares.com and follow Newk’s Cares on Facebook, which will feature the brave faces of ovarian cancer survivors and their stories throughout September.
Southeast Financial Credit Union appoints new committee member
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Southeast Financial Credit Union has announced the appointment of Troy Crawford to its Credit Appeals Committee. Crawford is a licensed real estate agent and has owned and operated OnTrak Personal Training in Franklin, Tenn., for over 17 years. Together with his wife, he founded We Heart Babies, a non-profit organization established to promote awareness and provide financial support and assistance for families of babies born with congenital heart defects. Crawford was appointed to the committee at the Credit Union’s annual meeting of members earlier this year.
“We are very excited to bring Troy on board,” said Jeff Dahlstrom, credit union president. “He embodies the spirit of community and brings great expertise and energy to the table.”
Southeast Financial’s Credit Appeals Committee is composed of volunteers appointed by the Credit Union’s board of directors. Along with the board, committee members dedicate countless unpaid hours to representing and serving their fellow members.
Southeast Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution established in 1936. For more information, visit southeastfinancial.org.
