Hard work brings success to business woman

Photo by Rick Harris Lori Cogan, co-owner of Evergrow, Inc., works with two employees on a project. Although tough economic times forced her business to downsize, she now employs the same amount of workers she had before 2000.

By Lesley Jenkins
star staff
ljenkins@starhq.com

   Without a career goal in mind, a young California woman enlisted in the Army where she found a love for writing and drive to be successful in the business world. She was recruited after the Army to work for MedMark in Johnson City.
   Lori Cogan worked for the medical marketing company for a year before it declared bankruptcy and left her and her husband, Dan, also a MedMark employee, without careers.
   They re-evaluated everything and decided to stay in the area and jumpstart their own business in marketing. At the age of 29, she had a lot of learning to do -- how to work together, doing commercial work and growing to do other work.
   They did marketing for prestigious Tri-Cities businesses Mountain States Health Alliance, Sycamore Shoals Hospital, Bristol Motor Speedway, Milligan College, and Citizens Bank.

Kathy's Consignments owner says customers in the mood for spring

Photo by Dave Boyd Kathy's Consignments features a variety of name-brand clothing. Pictured, owner Kathy A. Bowers.

By Greg Miller
Star Staff
gmiller@starhq.com

   Customers at Kathy's Consignments have been in the mood for spring, according to Kathy A. Bowers, the store's owner.
   "Everybody's done with winter," Bowers said. "They're done with the cold weather. They want spring shoes. They want spring tops. They don't even want to look at it if it's not spring. They don't want anything to do with winter."
   Kathy's Consignments features a variety of name-brand clothing. "I have name-brand ladies jeans, tops, dresses, pocketbooks, shoes, and children's clothing," said Bowers. "Later on, I'll be getting in some men's clothes.

Amy's Candles offers new 'scent'-sations

Photo by Abby Morris Amy Hamm, owner of Amy's Candles, hand pours a candle in her Roan Mountain home.

By Abby Morris
Star Staff
amorris@starhq.com

   If you love the ambiance that a sweet smelling fragrance accompanied by the soft flicker of a glowing candle provides for your home or work place, then Amy's Candles has something for your tastes, no matter what your scent preference is.
   Amy Hamm runs Amy's Candles out of her Roan Mountain home and all of the candles which the business offers are hand poured and are triple-scented to provide for the best possible quality in a fragrant candle. With more than 140 scents to choose from -- such as Cinnamon Bun, Watermelon Patch, Mulberry, Sandalwood, Forest Pine and Banana Nut Bread -- customers are sure to find something they will enjoy.

Citizens Bank moves forward into the new era of consumer payments

Photo by Dave Boyd John Bentley (center), an Assistant Vice President at Citizens Bank, manages the check processing area and its new check processing equipment. Pictured with Bentley are Wendy Fox, a Customer Service Representative in the bank's electronic banking department, and Rick Winkle, an Assistant Vice President, whose duties include managing the electronic banking function, the Internet banking service and ATM network services.

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, they made a big impact on the nation's banking system.
   The nation fought back, and last year, Congress passed the new Check 21 legislation. That legislation, according to Scott Greer, COO and CFO of Citizens Bank, will allow the Federal Reserve and member banks to be able to exchange digital images of checks, as opposed to the physical checks. "This will greatly improve the efficiency of the system," Greer said.
   John Bentley, an assistant vice president at the bank, manages the check processing area and its new check processing equipment. "All of the checks that we receive throughout all of our branches come into the centralized area and John's department captures those checks through a machine that takes the picture, the image of those checks, then that image is made available to customers through the Internet, by CD Rom and by printed images of the checks that we'll provide with statements," Greer said.

Bittersweet & Company deals in low-carb products

Pam Huber, owner and manager of Bittersweet & Co., is eager to sell the community on low-carb and sugar-free foods. Her store is stocked with a variety of foods for those shying away from sugary snacks, breads, cereals etc.

By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
rhardin@starhq.com

   Pam Huber is quick to admit that she has an entrepreneurial spirit -- one of the factors in her opening a new business in town. She in February opened Bittersweet & Company, located on E Street at the intersection of Pine Street.
   The store deals in low-carb food items. Inside the store, which has a homey, country-store atmosphere, are shelves of items, which range from bread mixes, cookies, cereals, salad dressings, jams and jellies, crackers, an assortment of breads, tortillas, bagels, pizza crusts, coffee flavors, cranberry and praline sauce, etc. All of the foods are either sugar-free or low-carb.
   The business has been in the planning for almost a year. "My husband and I went on a low-carb diet following his heart surgery, and it was difficult to find low-carb products.

Carter County Bank to open new branch; expands loan department

Photo by Rick Harris Carolyn Davis will be the branch manager of Mountain Community Bank, Linville, N.C., where Carter County Bank plans to open its newest branch in May.

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Carter County Bank will open a new branch, Mountain Community Bank, in Linville N.C., in May.
   Carolyn Davis will be the branch manager of Mountain Community Bank. "She has 24 years of banking experience, and we are very lucky to have her on our team," said David Mahaffey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "She was born and raised in Banner Elk and knows the area and the community's needs very well.
   "As Vice President, she will be the officer in charge with primary responsibilities of lending and business development in the market area. Mountain Community Bank will operate with a branch operations manager who will be responsible for the everyday operational matters of supervising tellers and new accounts platform, three tellers, a customer service representative and an additional consumer lender.

Chamber President Williams: 'Bridge building' important for growth

Photo by Dave Boyd Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce President Scott Williams addresses attendees at the ChamberÕs February breakfast in the Franklin Health & Fitness Center's Pine Room.

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   "As far as the Chamber is concerned, I think one of the big things we've got to do this year is build bridges," said Scott Williams, President of the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.
   "We've got to build relationships. Keith Young and David Bautista have been working very hard with the Visioning Committee and the vision for Elizabethton and Carter County.
   "I want to take the next step and take that visioning process and work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, with our city government, with the county government, with interested parties within our community and say, 'How can we come together, and how can we start building relationships, in order that we can have a common vision, in order that we can have a common goal and direction for our community to grow and to prosper?'"

Local bed and breakfast offers taste of history

Photo by Abby Morris Antiques such as this poster bed and old-timey furnishings such as the bathtub in the background add charm to the rooms at Gen. Wilder's Bed and Breakfast.

By Abby Morris
Star Staff
amorris@starhq.com

   If you are looking to get away from it all for a few days and possibly take a walk through history, then Gen. Wilder's Bed and Breakfast in Roan Mountain may be just the place for you.
   Named for the house's builder, Gen. John T. Wilder of Civil War fame, the Bed and Breakfast offers all the quaint charm of a Victorian manor while offering the comforts of home which is how Wilder, who had frequent guests at the residence according to the Bed and Breakfast's owner Cathy Hyder, would have wanted it.
   "Gen. Wilder was a very influential man in East Tennessee and by East Tennessee I mean from Chattanooga on up," she said. In addition to being a famous Civil War general, Wilder was also instrumental in getting the Tweetsie Railroad for the region and he also helped get the street car system in Johnson City started which eventually led to the creation of the city's electric system.

Andrew Instruments may be county's best-kept secret

Photo By Kristen Luther Dewey Cornett, owner of Andrew Instruments, sands and levels a mountain dulcimer.

By Julie Fann
STAR STAFF
jfann@starhq.com

   Inside a small garage that sits beside their family home in Valley Forge, the Cornetts work 15 hours a day amid piles of sawdust building quality musical instruments that have gained national and international recognition.
   "We just don't have a sign. We kind of like being hidden. A guy came in here two or three days ago, and he said, 'I've been through here a million times, and I would have never known you were here'," said Dewey Cornett, who followed his passion and started Andrew Instruments 10 years ago with his wife and two friends.

High Tech laser equipment used at Star Buildings System

Photo by Rick Harris Workers for Star Buildings Systems use innovative technology to cut down the man-hours per ton.

By Lesley Jenkins
star staff
ljenkins@starhq.com

   With industry struggling to survive tough economic times, at least one local industry has been growing in the past three years of the businesses locating in Carter County.
   Star Buildings System, member of the Metal Building Manufacturing Association, began production in July 2000 and has been growing ever since. Elizabethton Plant Manager Mark Fritz employed 115 workers in March 2002 and increased that number to 148 presently. He expects to hire about 10 new employees by the end of 2004.

Watauga Preservation rebuilds the past into homes of the future

Photos Courtesy of Watauga Preservation Charles Norman III, owner of Watauga Preservation, transforms 18th and 19th century homes made from hand-hewn beams into modern homes that have historic value and character.

By Julie Fann
star staff
jfann@starhq.com

   Watauga Preservation is in the business of taking homes of the past and adapting them to meet the culture of the future. While that may sound esoteric, it's as common and utterly American nowadays as what you see on HGTV -- like using old, wooden clothes pins to make a decorative shelf.
   Charles Norman III buys and sells antique lumber, 18th and 19th century hand-hewn beams, to customers wishing to build a new home that looks, and is, old. "I take an old barn, old homes that maybe used to be one-room cabins, take them down, tag the logs, repair damage, then place them inside a newer, larger structure. It's kind of an adaptation. You're taking an old, antique cabin and putting in a new floor system, a new foundation," Norman said.
   Most of the materials Watauga Preservation buys are from large barns in the Northeast and Midwest. Though his business currently operates from 80 percent material sales, Norman hopes to move much more toward construction.

Digital camera, computers are new tools for Best Portraits

Photo by Dave Boyd Jack and Vella Tester are owners of Best Portraits and Photography, located on E. Elk Ave. Jack does the photography, while Vella is office manager and in charge of displays.

By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
rhardin@starhq.com

   The word "digital" is one of the hottest buzzwords today. Adding "digital" to any product means cutting-edge technology, and this is certainly the case with cameras.
   "Things have changed drastically during the years that I have been a photographer," said Jack Tester, who with his wife, Vella, own Best Portraits and Photography on E. Elk Avenue.
   It has shifted dramatically away from traditional film-based cameras to digital cameras. "We are the only full-time studio in Elizabethton that is completely digital," Tester said from his relatively new studio. "We moved two doors down the street to this building (formerly Religious Book Store) last year. We have lots more room here." The building has a large studio with several backdrops for portraits.

Lindberg Estep says two-way traffic needed in downtown

Photo by Dave Boyd Lindberg Estep has a good perspective of downtown from the front porch of his business on E. Elk Ave. "We need to make it easier for people to get to town," he said.

By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
rhardin@starhq.com

   Located at the tip of downtown on the west end is a little one-room building with a front porch. A wisp of gray smoke curls upward. Inside, a fire burns slowly in an old pot-bellied stove. The coal pile outback is getting low.
   "That's not all I got," says Lindberg Estep, whose office is located inside the one-room building. "I got 40 more ton back there," he says as he points down the railroad track. Estep Coal Company and Lindberg Estep have been a fixture in downtown for 58 years. "I've been here a long time -- during the good times and the bad times. I've seen a lot of change," he said.

Mills Greenhouse: Serving the community for about 25 years

Mills Greenhouse has been in business for about 25 years. Pictured, Johnny Mills, who along with his wife, Carla, owns the business.

By Greg Miller
Star Staff
gmiller@starhq.com

   Mills Greenhouse, 2755 U.S. Highway 19-E, has been in business for about 25 years.
   "I started this business with very little idea of what I was doing or where I wanted to go with this business," said Johnny Mills, who along with his wife, Carla, owns Mills Greenhouse.
   "The business was started on land that was a cow pasture and a tobacco patch. I am very proud of the fact that I was able to develop a business that allowed me to support my family and to stay in Elizabethton. As Carla and Hannon got more involved with the business, we were able to grow and expand into other areas such as landscaping and water gardens.

Produce Patch has garden variety of fruits, vegetables

Produce Patch, owned by Tim and Renee Orton, has a garden variety of fruits and vegetables. Pictured, Renee Orton, Krystianna Orton, Timothy Orton, and Debbie Cole.

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Produce Patch, owned by Tim and Renee Orton, has a garden variety of fruits and vegetables.
   "We've got green Vidalia onions, leaf lettuce, and half-runner beans" said Renee Orton. "We've still got Naval oranges from Florida. We've got Stayman Winesap apples, New York cabbage, white sweet potatoes and red sweet potatoes."
   In addition to the Stayman Winesap, other varieties of apples include York, Cameo, Granny Smith, Golden and Red Delicious, Gala, Red Rome, Red and Golden Utah, two varieties of pears, and Idaho and Russett potatoes...

Weight Loss Success uses proven remedies, time-tested medications

Robin Kinley

By Julie Fann
star staff
jfann@starhq.com

   Weight Loss Success in north Johnson City provides a weight loss program for those struggling with serious weight gain that includes time-tested medications, vitamins and minerals, according to Robin Kinley, owner.
   A certified pharmacy technician since 1989 who has worked in weight loss management for four years, Kinley said she opened the business six months ago because she enjoys helping others achieve a goal that is so important for living a happy, healthy life.
   "I really enjoy it. It's so rewarding to see people come in and get to their goal weight. It's just great to help people," she said. Kinley operates the clinic with seven employees.

Weather Tamer had 'very good year' in 2003

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   JOHNSON CITY -- "We had a very good year last year," said Jim Andes, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Weather Tamer.
   "We had our second best year in 17 years in business right here in the Tri-Cities. We're looking forward to increasing that by 20-25 percent here this year."

M&M Nails offers beauty for hands, feet

By Abby Morris
Star Staff
amorris@starhq.com

   Whether you are getting ready for a special occasion or just looking to pamper yourself, M&M Nails has the answer for the beauty needs of your hands.

Merry Mary has antiques and catering service

By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
rhardin@starhq.com

   Mary Shepherd grew up in Elizabethton, but moved away when a young married woman. The ties to home were never cut, so, in the early 1990s, Mary and her husband, Frank, moved back to Elizabethton.

The Mall at Johnson City launches new gift card program

By Lesley Jenkins
Star Staff
ljenkins@starhq.com

   The Mall at Johnson City has a busy schedule ahead for 2004 as it works toward a better tomorrow by adding new stores and scheduling helpful events for the community.

Jimmy Hoffa and wines galore rest at Colonel Steve's Liquor Store

By Thomas Wilson
STAR STAFF
twilson@starhq.com

   JOHNSON CITY -- On a typical day outside Colonel Steve's Wine and Liquor Warehouse, 701 W. Market St., the "colonel" himself can be found in his rocking chair welcoming patrons to the liquor store bearing his name.

Chinese medicine still helping area residents after 10 years

By Abby Morris
Star Staff
amorris@starhq.com

   If you are looking for something to supplement your regular health care regimen, then New Paradigms Health Care may be what you are looking for.
   With an herbal dispensary, three licensed and certified massage therapists, yoga classes and a certified acupuncturist the individuals at New Paradigms Health Care can help you on your way to achieving your health and fitness goals.

Alexander: Business at Edward Jones office on Hudson Drive has been very good

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Since the Edward Jones office located at 401 Hudson Drive opened in July 2002, business has been very good, according to investment representative Curt Alexander.

HVCU has served the community for more than 70 years

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Happy Valley Credit Union (HVCU) celebrated its 70th birthday in 2003.
   That milestone was celebrated with a birthday cake and prize giveaways, according to HVCU manager Christine Bartz. "We also ran specials on many of the available financial services that we provide," Bartz said. "We were also recognized by the Tennessee Credit Union League and even received some beautiful floral arrangements from our friendly competitors here in town."

Local dairy going out of business after 58 years

By Megan R. Harrell
Star Correspondent

One of only five active dairy farms in Carter County is going out of business. This week, after nearly 60 years of producing milk, the Allen family will send its cows to their milking parlor for the last time.

Accounting firm helps clients build financial future

By Abby Morris
Star Staff
amorris@starhq.com

   One local accounting firm is helping its clients build their financial future.
   "We offer many services," said Melissa Crockett of Blackburn, Childers and Stegall, PLC. "We provide audit and tax services to clients -- both business and professional. We do have estate planning as well. We have some people who specialize in medical practices management."

Three centuries of service highlight Burke, Powers & Harty firm

By Thomas Wilson
STAR STAFF
twilson@starhq.com

   BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Tracing its roots back to the late 19th century, the insurance firm of Burke, Powers, & Harty, Inc. on Volunteer Parkway has enjoyed over a century of success as an independent insurance company.

Elizabethton Federal plans to build, renovate

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank plans to begin renovating its facility in downtown Elizabethton and construct a new bank on Highway 19-E in Mountain City, according to Shirley Hughes, President and Chief Executive Officer.
 
Connie's Boutique: 'Business With a Servant's Heart'

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   According to its slogan, Connie's Boutique is a "business with a servant's heart."
   "I will work for you," said Connie Bowery, owner of the business. "Whatever you're asking for, I will try to get it for you. If you ask me for a certain brand name...I'll do my best to try to get it for you.

Bridges Cafe opening soon

By Lesley Jenkins
star staff
ljenkins@starhq.com

   A cafeteria style restaurant will soon be opening its doors to customers. A relaxing view of the Doe River welcomes customers to the new Bridges Cafe at 630 Broad St.
   The restaurant was expected to open on March 15, but due to renovation the opening has been postponed.

Gas Shack offers propane gas products useful year round

By Lesley Jenkins
star staff
ljenkins@starhq.com

   Warmer temperatures are just around the corner. Heating bills are dropping drastically. People are trading in soups and chili for outdoor barbecues. The Gas Shack is here to serve customers no matter what season it is.

Local Save-A-Lot sees increase in sales; remodels store

By Greg Miller
Star Staff
gmiller@starhq.com

   The local Save-A-Lot store experienced about a 10 percent increase in sales from 2002 to 2003, according to Mike Folden, the store's manager.
   The store was remodeled earlier this year. "We have new decor inside the store and a better layout," Folden said. "We put in the Save-A-Lot decor, which is a lighter color as opposed to the orange we had in here. It's a lighter, softer color for the customers. We cleaned up the aisles, reset the entire store to make it more customer friendly.

Snap-on Tools' Elizabethton facility expanded

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Snap-on Tools Elizabethton facility has hired about 140 workers since last September.
   Those workers were among 200 employees who received basic safety training at the Tennessee Technology Center (TTC) in the Watauga Park. The training was completed in January, according to Mike Cole, facilities manager at TTC.

Stacy's Carpet garners 'record year in sales'

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Last year produced great results at Stacy's Carpet.
   "We had a record year in sales, the best that we've ever had," said Leanna Morgan, who operates the carpet showroom.
   Morgan says that Stacy's Carpet would like to see an increase in the foot traffic in the company's showroom and for the company's name to become more well known.

Get the feeling at Phil Bachman Toyota

By Thomas Wilson
STAR STAFF
twilson@starhq.com

   JOHNSON CITY -- An auto dealership with one of the most popular franchises in the world is seeking to reshape how customers think of car dealers.
   "We want to be different than your normal car dealer," said Bill Benton, general manager of Phil Bachman Toyota here. "We want people to know we really care."

Southern Finance experiences growth

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Exceptional growth in loan volume and revenue in light of a very sluggish economy were among last year's highlights at Southern Finance, 112 S. Sycamore St.

Dry Master helps businesses, residents make a good impression

By Abby Morris
Star Staff
amorris@starhq.com

   If making a good impression in your home or at your office is important, Dry Master can help you put your best foot forward.
   Dry Master offers a variety of services -- for both commercial and residential cleaning -- to help keep your floor looking the best it can, according to Natalie Cox, who along with her husband Eddie owns the business. "We can polish, wax and buff hardwood floors," Cox said. "We also offer two different types of carpet and upholstery cleaning. We have carpet and upholstery dry cleaning as well as steam cleaning."

Grindstaff: Details big factor in construction of small buildings

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   "Whenever I go out on a job, I get every detail that I possibly can from a customer," remarked Brian Grindstaff, the owner of Brian's Buildings. "Whatever they tell me that they want, is what they get."

Local pharmacist: More medicines available than in years gone

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Many more medicines are available from local pharmacies today than there were many years ago, according to Larry Proffitt, owner of Burgie Drugs.

Architect firm helps build for tomorrow

By Abby Morris
Star Staff
amorris@starhq.com

   When building for tomorrow, you have to have the right blueprint and the experts at Beeson, Lusk and Street architectural firm have the knowledge to help you achieve your needs and goals.

EDBA working to bring new look, new life to downtown Elizabethton

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Elizabethton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) is working hard to bring a new look and new life into downtown Elizabethton, according to John Bunn, EDBA president.

Watauga River Industrial Park is home to businesses and schools

By Rozella Hardin
STAR Staff
rhardin@starhq.com

   There are approximately 20 businesses, including industrial firms and educational institutions, located within an area that encompasses the Watauga River Industrial Park to the Hunter Bridge.

Edward Jones approaching 20 years of service to Elizabethton

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Next December, Edward Jones will mark two decades of service to Elizabethton.
   "It's a big, big milestone for me personally," said Dave Wortman, Edward Jones investment representative, located at 504 E. E St. "When I came here 20 years ago, the only other Edward Jones office (in this area) was in Greeneville. Just in the Tri-Cities area, we now have about 25 Edward Jones offices. I'm talking about Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Greeneville, the immediate Tri-Cities area.

The Martha Washington Inn upgrades facility

   ABINGDON, Va. -- The Martha Washington Inn, an historic inn featuring 62 guest rooms, made much progress during 2003.
   The facility, a news release states, "added a business center with all office features and wireless Internet through the building." The inn added $500,000 in upgrades to all guest suites, including new heating and air units, wallpaper and bedding.

NCCU plans to open branch in Johnson City

From Staff Reports

   Northeast Community Credit Union (NCCU) is planning to expand to Johnson City, with a 2,000-square-foot branch at 313 W. Oakland Ave.
   "We look forward to opening our Johnson City office in the spring with a full service branch with a drive-up, ATM, two drive-through lanes, safe deposit boxes and a night depository," a news release states. "We will offer all of our products and services at the branch."

Hampton Pharmacy installing 'point of sale' system

   A point-of-sale system will be installed at Hampton Pharmacy.
   According to a news release, the system "will allow for all store items to be on a scanable inventory. We hope to have it installed within the year."

Phil Bachman Toyota to host food drive for Second Harvest

From Staff Reports

   Phil Bachman Toyota is hosting a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank through March 25.
   Those who participate by bringing canned food items to the Phil Bachman Toyota dealership may register to win tickets to the Charter Communications Pole Day, Sharpie 250 or the sold out Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Three sets of tickets are available and the winner will be announced during Food City Family Race Night at Meadowview on March 25.

Gentiva offers variety of health-related services

From Staff Reports

   KINGSPORT -- Gentiva Health Services offers a variety of health-related services.
   The Web site (www.gentiva.com) states, "Our customers include managed care organizations, employers, governmental agencies, hospitals and individuals, who rely on us as their single source for a variety of home health services."

East Tennessee ATV & Equipment offers Bombardier line of ATVs

From Staff Reports

   East Tennessee ATV & Equipment, 500 Railroad St., is a dealer for the Bombardier line of ATVs. Jason Clawson and his father, Eddie Clawson, own the business.

First Vantage goal is to be 'bank of choice'

   First Vantage Bank/Tri-Cities or Tri-City Bank was founded in 1933 as the Farmers Bank of Blountville. It's goal is to remain the "Bank of Choice" throughout the Tri-Cities region.

Cindy's Crafts reaches all-time high in Internet international sales

   JOHNSON CITY -- Cindy's Crafts reached an all-time high in Internet international sales in 2003, according to a news release. The business also saw an increase in church clientele.

ETSU Innovation Lab renovates and fills 4,000 square-foot addition

   JOHNSON CITY -- A 4,000-square-foot renovated addition to the East Tennessee State University Innovation Lab is now occupied by three new companies and the expansion of two existing incubator companies.

Thomas Weems Architect, serving the community since 1996

   JOHNSON CITY -- Thomas Weems Architect, AIA, has been serving the community since 1996.

Hathaway-Percy, Tetrick Funeral Homes have provided many decades of service

From Staff Reports

   Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home and Tetrick Funeral Home both have many decades of providing service to families in Elizabethton and Carter County.

Develop your new image for spring

   New Image Weight Loss Clinic wants to help area residents with a new image for spring.
   New Image's goal is to help their clients work toward a more healthy lifestyle. "Unfortunately, today's society creates an overweight person and, in the same breath, puts them down," said owner Connie Hicks.
   New Image Weight Loss Clinics provide their clients with a variety of programs, which are available with or without an appetite suppressant, Phentermine. The clinics, according to Hicks, tend to see a higher success rate with the use of Phentermine.

Ritchie's Appliance has background of family commitment

From Staff Reports

   Ritchie's, Inc. has been part of the Elizabethton community since around 1934 when Ralph X. Ritchie sold generators and radios door-to-door. Now, Ritchie's still takes a personal approach to doing business, working individually with customers to extend credit and offer a variety of payment options.

Hampton Trailer Sales and Parts has served the community since 1968

From Staff Reports

   Hampton Trailer Sales and Service has served the community for approximately 26 years. Bill Pearce, A.C. Malone Sr. and A.C. Malone Jr. started the business in 1968.

Yates Remnant Shop has served the community since 1962

   Yates Remnant Shop, 510 E. Elk Ave., has been serving the community since 1962.