Jim Street poses in front of the Amazon distribution center in Bristol, Va. designed by his firm, J. A. Street & Associates. Photo by A.J. Kaufman By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor J.A. Street & Associates is a locally owned general contracting firm serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Nearly four decades old and based in Blountville, they have about 140 employees and are a respected industry leader in the design and construction of commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. Some of Street’s noteworthy projects are the Bristol Hotel, Amazon Distribution Cen ..read more

By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor As the Business Journal explores “Home Economics” and all facets of buying, selling or living in a home — along with the intrinsic value of home ownership — this edition, we sat down with leaders from some of the area’s most prominent financial institutions to discuss the current state of affairs. In a complex region such as the Appalachian Highlands, relying on experienced experts can be beneficial. Michael Trippeer Existing since 1934 with nearly a dozen Tri-Cities locations, Citizens Bank has its roots in Carter County. The bank’s Assistant Vice President ..read more

By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor In what could be a seismic shift, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced on March 15 that it had settled with groups of home sellers accusing NAR — and brokerages requiring their realtors to be NAR members — of violating antitrust laws by setting inflated commissions for real estate agents and artificially increasing home prices. The NAR agreed to pay $418 million in damages to the plaintiffs, eliminate the industry-standard 6% commission, and curtail rules that required the seller’s agent to make an offer of payment to the buyer’s agent. Altoge ..read more

Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark in Elizabethton. Photo by A.J. Kaufman By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor On June 4, the Appalachian League kicks off another summer of affordable entertainment across the Tri-Cities and beyond. And there are new additions, including some economic drivers and large construction endeavors on the horizon. The Johnson City Doughboys, who claimed the 2023 league championship, will host the 2024 Appalachian League All-Star Game at TVA Credit Union Ballpark on July 22-23. This signature event will be broadcast on national television. Johnson City has consiste ..read more

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The Creeper Trail in Abingdon, Va. By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and the Appalachian Highlands as a whole are desirable places to live and work; one reason is the bountiful outdoor activities residents can enjoy, no matter the season. With spring here and summer not far behind, the significant impact of outdoor recreation on local economies is worth showcasing, as the region’s natural assets have become a driving force behind a burgeoning tourism industry. Local leadership is thrilled about the future of the Southern Gap Initiative in Grundy, Va., es ..read more

Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently visited Abingdon for a listening session among business leaders and the public. From left are Sen. Todd Pillion, Sen. Travis Hackworth, Del. Jed Arnold, Del. Israel O’Quinn, Youngkin and moderator Beth Rhinehart, president and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. Photos by A.J. Kaufman By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor On the first day of spring, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin journeyed around the Appalachian Highlands — from Wise to Cedar Bluff to Abingdon. Youngkin ended his busy day with a listening session at the Southwest Virginia Education Center regarding e ..read more

By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor For our annual healthcare edition, “The Power of Healthcare”, the Business Journal had the opportunity to visit with Ballad Health Chairman and CEO Alan Levine for a wide-ranging interview on current topics. In his current role since Ballad’s February 2018 formation, Levine oversees operations of facilities in more than two-dozen counties and multiple states. Business Journal: Quality indicators and performance data from recent years analyze Ballad’s services and ratings received. Many are higher than other state or regional hospitals. Tell me more about how ..read more

By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor A coalition of business groups are requesting that President Joe Biden withdraw new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) late fees rules that they deem punitive. The CFPB rule would cap the amount of fees financial institutions can charge for late credit card payments – new guidelines aim to reduce fees to a flat $8 rate — but opponents believe the regulation will hurt consumers and hinder economic growth. In a letter sent to the president, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, and a half-dozen congressional leaders of banking, financial or small business committ ..read more

Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy Photo by A.J. Kaufman By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor As he marks six years in office come September, Washington County, Tenn. Mayor Joe Grandy anticipates a busy 2024. The Business Journal recently sat down with Grandy to reflect on a successful 2023 and look ahead. As recent highlights, Grandy mentioned the Jonesborough K-8 School opening in January and Tennessee College of Applied Technology’s Boones Creek Extension last autumn. The satellite version of TCAT provides workforce development opportunities and now holds classes on construction, nursing and c ..read more