Images Bartlett & Northeast Shelby County, TN: 2009

2009 | IMAGESBARTLETT.COM | VIDEO VIGNETTES TM

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OF BARTLETT AND NORTHEAST SHELBY COUNTY, TENNESSEE

PERFECT 10 Performing arts center celebrates decade of success

LIFE IS GOOD Flourishing life sciences industry generates jobs

Triple-Crown Town Atmosphere here remains attractive, active and accessible SPONSORED BY THE BARTLETT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2009 EDITION | VOLUME 4 TM

OF BARTLETT AND NORTHEAST SHELBY COUNTY, TENNESSEE

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BARTLETT BUSINESS

F E AT U R E S 6

24 Life Is Good

TRIPLE-CROWN TOWN There is plenty to love about Bartlett, but the top qualities are the three A’s: This city is attractive, active and accessible.

Top RX is Bartlett’s oldest life sciences firm. This business sector now includes more than a dozen companies.

26 Biz Briefs 28 Chamber Report

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ICONIC EATERIES

29 Economic Profile

Three restaurants here are legendary for steaks, barbeque, catfish and more.

D E PA R TM E NT S 14

ACTIVE KIDS ARE HAPPY KIDS Sports, dance lessons, music, arts and crafts keep kids here active and learning.

4 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Bartlett area culture

19 Portfolio: people, places and

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PERFECT 10 The Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center celebrates a decade of staging quality programs.

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GOLF FOR ALL

events that define Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County

30 Health & Wellness 36 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

Quail Ridge Golf Course stands out for its rolling terrain and challenging play.

35 HOME SCHOOLING Southwest Tennessee Community College makes higher education accessible here.

ON THE COVER The Gotten House Photo by Todd Bennett

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What’s More lists, links and tips for fo orr newcomers o n new

OF BARTLET T AN D NORTH E AST S H E LBY COU NT Y MANAGING EDITOR KIM MADLOM COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, JESSY YANCEY ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER MATT BIGELOW STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS PAMELA COYLE, BETSY WILLIAMS, JOE MORRIS, JESSICA MOZO, KATHRYN ROYSTER DATABASE PROJECT MANAGER YANCEY TURTURICE DATA MANAGER RANETTA SMITH REGIONAL SALES MANAGER CHARLES FITZGIBBON INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER HUNTER NASH SALES SUPPORT MANAGER SARA SARTIN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN M CCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN SMITH PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS ASST. PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR HAZEL RISNER PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JESSICA MANNER GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER, JANINE MARYLAND, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER WEB PROJECT MANAGERS ANDY HARTLEY, YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN RYAN DUNLAP, CARL SCHULZ COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA BANASIK, SARAH MILLER, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY

CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./TRAVEL PUBLISHING SYBIL STEWART V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS MANAGING EDITORS/BUSINESS MAURICE FLIESS, BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/CUSTOM KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/TRAVEL SUSAN CHAPPELL PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, RICHIE FITZPATRICK, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY WALDRIP COMMUNITY PROMOTION DIRECTOR CINDY COMPERRY DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH IT SYSTEMS DIRECTOR MATT LOCKE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE CUSTOM/TRAVEL SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS SALES COORDINATOR JENNIFER ALEXANDER EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Images of Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County is published annually

by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce 2969 Elmore Park Road • Bartlett, TN 38134 Phone: (901) 372-9457 • Fax: (901) 372-9488 www.bartlettchamber.org VISIT IMAGES OF BARTLETT AND NORTHEAST SHELBY COUNTY ONLINE AT IMAGESBARTLETT.COM ©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

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IMAGESBARTLETT.COM

1 WEB SITE EXTRA

MOVING PICTURES VIDEO 1 INSIDE LOOK Join us on a virtual tour of Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County through the lenses of our award-winning photographers at imagesbartlett.com.

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VIDEO 2 SINGLETON COMMUNITY CENTER Learn about the programs offered at Singleton Community Center in our online video at imagesbartlett.com.

PLUS SEARCH OUR ARCHIVES Browse past content by section or search for specific articles by subject.

INSTANT LINKS Read the entire magazine online using our ActiveMagazine™ technology and link instantly to community businesses and services.

EVEN MORE Read full-length versions of the magazine’s articles; find related stories; or read new content exclusive to the Web. Look for the See More Online reference in this issue.

A GARDENER’S PARADISE Tennessee is a great place to garden. We have long growing seasons, abundant rainfall and a mild climate in which many different kinds of plants thrive. Find out more at imagesbartlett.com.

BARBECUE: A SIMPLE SOUTHERN PLEASURE One of the simple pleasures of Southern dining is the downhome barbecue experience. No matter where you go, you’re bound to find barbecue prepared just right. Get a taste of regional cuisine at imagesbartlett.com.

A B O U T T H I S M AG A Z I N E Images of Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is sponsored by the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce. In print and online, Images gives readers a taste of what makes Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

jnlcom.com

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Hot Cars, Hot Air Rides of all kinds are part of the annual Bartlett Festival & Car Show.

There are carnival rides along with dozens of classic cars and trucks on display during the late-September weekend event. Activities occur on a Friday evening and then all day Saturday, with everything staged at W. J. Freeman Park.

Besides the carnival and car show, other attractions include hot air balloon rides, live musical entertainment, arts and crafts and a barbeque cooking contest.

Bill and His Model T Saving money on gas? That’s what Bill Butner is doing.

In 2008, the Bartlett resident started parking his gas-guzzling SUV and began driving a Ford Model T. The classic car has been in his family since 1922 when his grandfather bought it.

The Model T has a three-gallon gas tank and goes 100 miles on a fill-up. So instead of spending $100 a week to fill his SUV, Butner spends $10 a week. He is an accountant and an accomplished harpist, and uses the Model T to get to and from musical concerts.

Bartlett | At A Glance POPULATION (2006 ESTIMATE) Bartlett: 46,932 Northeast Shelby County: 245,000

0O`bZSbb 51 Mason Bra ARK ANS AS

LOCATION Bartlett is in southwest Tennessee, adjacent to Memphis and 25 miles east of the Mississippi River. It is the geographic center of Shelby County.

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BEGINNINGS Bartlett was named for Gabriel M. Bartlett, a wealthy businessman and one of the largest landowners in the area during the mid-1800s. The town was incorporated in 1866.

Gallaway Millington

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Germantown Piperton Collierville

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FOR MORE INFORMATION Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce 2969 Elmore Park Road Bartlett, TN 38134 Phone: (901) 372-9457 Fax: (901) 372-9488 www.bartlettchamber.org

Arlington Lakeland

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72 MISSISSIPPI

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SEE VIDEO ONLINE | Take a virtual tour of Bartlett at imagesbartlett.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.

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Almanac

Rachel’s Old House

Fast Facts

It was originally built as a bank in 1905 at the corner of Chester and Walker streets.

Today, the Rachel H.K. Burrows Museum in Arlington offers a local collection of Shelby County memorabilia. The oneroom building also once served long ago as Arlington’s library.

The museum is open on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.2 p.m. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Q Civil War veteran Nicholas Gotten built Gotten House in 1871, and the recently renovated landmark in Bartlett was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Q Arlington in April is a weekend that celebrates Arlington’s small town status and the friendliness found throughout the community.

History Lives Here Davies Manor is the answer to a trivia question: What is the oldest furnished log house still standing in Shelby County?

The two-story, white oak log and chink home is on property that was once a plantation of 2,000 acres.

Historians believe American Indians constructed the building in the early 1800s, and businessman Logan E. Davies eventually purchased it in 1851.

The two-story structure is in the tiny community of Brunswick, and the plantation was once known for its production of Berkshire swine. These days, the Davies Manor Association operates the facility as a museum of antebellum life.

Good for Us Pat yourself on the back, Bartlett.

Money magazine recently named the city among the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. In addition, Sports Illustrated has named Bartlett among its Best Sports Towns in the United States.

Also, Shelby County Schools are consistently ranked among the top 100 districts in the nation.

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Q Two annual barbeque contests occur each year in northeast Shelby County – the St. Ann Bartlett Block Party in April, and the Arlington Barbeque Burnout in November.

Q The city was known as Union Depot before it incorporated as Bartlett in 1866.

Q Singer Art Garfunkel was the first performer at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center when it opened in 1999.

Q The Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis is a native of Northeast Shelby County. Jason Sensat of Arlington leads the five mallard ducks along a red carpet to the lobby fountain each morning at 11 a.m., a tradition at the hotel since 1941.

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Triple

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Town

BARTLETT OFFERS AN ATMOSPHERE THAT’S ATTRACTIVE, ACTIVE AND ACCESSIBLE

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO

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here are a hundred things to love about Bartlett, from the friendliness of its people to its uncanny ability to radiate small-town charm just minutes outside Memphis. But the top qualities that win over visitors and newcomers to Bartlett time after time are the three A’s: This city is attractive, active and accessible.

Drive through Bartlett’s residential neighborhoods, and you’ll be greeted by manicured lawns, colorful flowerbeds, freshly painted houses and people visiting on front porches.

“Bartlett has many attributes that make it an attractive place to live,” says Kim Taylor, city planner for the City of Bartlett. “The city is devoted to keeping both its residential and commercial areas beautiful while providing a clean and safe environment. Strong leadership, heavy citizen involvement and dedicated staff work vigorously to maintain and improve

the physical and economic character of the city.”

With so many attributes, it comes as no surprise that CNN/ Money magazine listed Bartlett among the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2007.

“Bartlett has a population of approximately 50,000 with room to grow,” Taylor says. “Anyone considering a new place to call home, whether to live or locate a business, should know that the quality of life and economic health of Bartlett are always at the forefront of the agenda of our city leaders.”

Even Bartlett’s oldest areas are attractive, thanks to the foresight of citizens dedicated to keeping them that way. The Bartlett Historic Preservation Commission works to identify, preserve and mark places of importance in

Bartlett Station is a thriving commercial district due to the leadership of the Bartlett Station Commission and the support of the Mayor and Aldermen. STAFF PHOTO

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the Bartlett Historic District as well as significant places outside the historic district. And Bartlett’s oldest commercial area, Bartlett Station, is undergoing revitalization through the efforts of the Bartlett Station Commission.

Once you’ve toured the city, it’s easy to jump right in to all it has to offer. Activity is something this community certainly isn’t lacking. There’s a strong arts culture, which includes performances at the Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center as well as a community band, chorus and theater.

Citizens are active volunteers in civic organizations, as leaders of Scout troops, in churches and working for good causes. Of course, there are countless ways to keep active at the city’s 27 parks, the Bartlett Recreation Center, the Bartlett Senior Center and the Singleton Community Center.

“The community center has more than 100 classes, including dance, aerobics, pottery and painting,” says David Thompson, director of the Bartlett Parks & Recreation Department. “And the Rec Center has an eight-lane Olympic pool, racquetball and basketball courts, a walking trail around the gym, a cardio room, a weight room, childcare and an aerobics room.”

Nesbit Park is one of Bartlett’s most popular parks with walkers and bikers.

“It has been recognized nationally as having some of the best mountain biking trails,” Thompson says. “It has creeks and ditches, so there are some elevation changes. It really tests your ability.”

Should you want to venture outside Bartlett’s city limits for entertainment, dining or a taste of big-city life, Memphis is easily accessible and only a 20-minute drive.

“People like to take visitors and family members to Beale Street, Graceland and other tourist attractions in Memphis,” says Keith McDonald, Mayor of Bartlett. “We have access to pro and college sports venues and major entertainment

venues because we’re so close to an urban center. And the fact that Memphis is so close provides jobs for a number of our citizens.”

In terms of lifestyle, however, Bartlett isn’t Memphis – and it doesn’t want to be.

“Bartlett is family-oriented, and people love it for its friendly, wholesome atmosphere,” McDonald says. “There are lots of second- and third-generation families in our community. I’ve been here 35 years, and I love Bartlett because it’s just full of good people.”

WATCH MORE ONLINE | Take a look inside the Singleton Community Center at imagesbartlett.com.

Above: Affordable housing and recreation spaces help attract newcomers. Left: The Memphis Grizzlies bring NBA excitement within easy reach of Bartlett residents.

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Iconic

Eateries DINING IN BARTLETT IS ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO

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STAFF PHOTOS

artlett’s Side Porch Steak House is not your average steak restaurant.

“It’s not cookie-cutter – we’re definitely not Outback,” says Tim Teel, who owns Side Porch Steak House with his wife, Cheryl. “It’s family-owned, for starters, and we have a secret marinade recipe that’s been handed down from owner to owner since the restaurant opened in 1976. The ingredients are a closely guarded secret, but it makes our steaks, pork chops and chicken taste wonderful.”

The Teels are the third owners of the longstanding eatery, but even though ownership has changed through the years, the restaurant’s food and friendly service has stayed the same.

“We’re best known for our filets. I sell more 8-ounce filets than anything,”

Ribs are in demand at Pig-N-Whistle.

Left: Filet at Side Porch Steak House

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“When people eat here once, they’re hooked because of our good food, good service and relaxed atmosphere.”

TIM TEEL OWNER, SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE

Teel says. “And people really like our rolls, which we bake on the premises.

We take some of them and cut them up, slather on butter and garlic, and turn them into giant croutons, which we give away for free. They’re very popular. And we have a mean sweet tea.”

Thanks to its longevity, Side Porch Steak House has a bevy of repeat customers.

“People drive all the way from Marion, Ark., to come eat dinner,” Teel says.

“When people eat here once, they’re hooked because of our good food, good service and relaxed atmosphere.”

The Teels bought the restaurant in 2008 and moved to Bartlett from Memphis.

“We wanted to raise our 12-yearold son in Bartlett, and I’ve wanted a restaurant for years,” Teel says. “When we saw this was for sale, we wanted to buy it so we could keep it the same as it’s always been. We wanted it to continue to be a landmark in Bartlett.”

Brunswick Store is another restaurant that’s been satisfying customers in Shelby County for a very long time.

“I don’t even know when it started – it’s been here forever,” says Shirley Franks, who has owned Brunswick Store for 10 years. “We’re known for our fried catfish on Friday nights, but we also do plate lunches with fried chicken, vegetables and cornbread. And there are hamburgers, bologna sandwiches, fresh tuna and chicken salad.”

Breakfast at Brunswick Store sees its fair share of regulars.

“We open up for breakfast, and all the old men come in and talk,” Franks says. “One of the men lives across the road, and if we’re not here to open when he gets here, he has his own key and comes in and starts the coffee.”

One of the things that keeps people coming back to Brunswick Store is its wide selection of made-from-scratch desserts, which Franks prepares with the help of her sister, Doris.

“We do strawberry cake, pecan pie, apple pie, Almond Joy cake and Mississippi mud,” Franks says. “This is just an old country place.”

When the locals get a hankering for barbeque, they head for Pig-N-Whistle, which started in Bartlett 18 years ago and has grown to include additional locations in Millington, Tenn., and Fayetteville, Ark. “Our barbequed ribs and fried pickles are really popular, as well as our Idaho Pig, which is a baked potato stuffed with pork barbeque and shredded cheese.

That’s unique to our restaurant,” says Michael Mosteller, owner of Pig-NWhistle. “We also serve a lot of catfish with cole slaw and fries, key lime pie and peach cobbler.”

Mosteller loves operating his restaurant in Bartlett because of the opportunity to visit with the customers, share their lives and tell stories.

“We’ve been here so long, everybody is a regular,” he says with a chuckle.

“Food always tastes better when people know your name.”

Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County have plenty of places to dine.

Favorites include Side Porch Steak House, Pig-N-Whistle and Brunswick Store.

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STAFF PHOTO

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Active Kids Are

Happy Kids PLENTY OF WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES KEEP BARTLETT YOUNGSTERS BUSY

STORY BY CAROL COWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

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artlett’s Parks and Recreation Department oversees facilities and programming that keep the area hot for youth sports and activities, from community parks to the Bartlett Recreation Center and the Singleton Community Center to a host of athletic programming. County facilities add to the mix. No wonder Sports Illustrated has named the city No. 1 Sports Town in Tennessee, giving a particular nod to the youth sports scene.

“This community is geared toward

families,” says Doug Drum, a 32-year resident of the city and father of three active kids ages 19, 8 and 5. The Drums maintain a membership at the Bartlett Recreation Center – “an awesome place for family membership,” he says – where the younger ones have enjoyed swimming lessons while Drum, his wife and oldest son work out at the gym. Other times, the whole family goes in and plays basketball. “It’s a great place for kids,” Drum says.

The Bartlett Recreation Center offers

year-round youth programming that promotes physical fitness and fun, from all-night lock-ins to youth strength training to karate. It also runs the Sizzlin’ Summer Sports Camp and the Bartlett Kids Triathlon.

Kids ages 5 to 17 can choose from a variety of team sports run by Parks and Recreation’s athletic office. “We have youth basketball and baseball, girls’ softball, volleyball and cheerleading,” says Janice Maharrey, assistant athletic manager. “Basketball is really big, and

Children swim at the Bartlett Recreation Center, which also offers everything from karate to a summer sports camp.

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we have upwards of 800 kids in baseball.

We have tremendous participation.” The athletic office also administers fields for community soccer.

At the Singleton Community Center, an assortment of classes and activities provide education, exercise, enrichment and a whole lot of fun for the young and the young-at-heart.

“Our dance program is the most popular,” says Shan Criswell, facility director. “We have more than 220 kids participating.” Three-year-olds through teens can learn tap, ballet, hip hop, acrobatic and competitive team dancing. Line

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dancing and belly dancing are popular among grown-up kids. Additional classes include cheerleading, baton twirling and gymnastics.

Visual arts offerings range from preschool arts to private drawing and painting lessons. Music lessons also are available for piano, guitar and wind instruments.

For teens, SCC offers spring, summer and fall sessions of drivers’ education through the Pitner Driver School, and credentialed teachers hold science, math and English classes for homeschool students.

Doug Drum has accolades for SCC’s summer day camp. “It’s a day-care option that’s not like day care,” he says.

“Nothing compares to it.”

On May 12, 2008, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health honored the Singleton Summer Day Camp with one of seven Shining Star Awards given in the state in recognition of its Step Up Shape Up program promoting kids’ healthy eating and exercise habits.

In addition to the Rec Center, community center and athletic programs, Bartlett Parks and Recreation operates

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27 community parks, and it is developing a greenbelt walking and bike trail, says David Thompson, the city’s parks and recreation director.

Furthermore, the 10-diamond First Tennessee Fields baseball park in Cordova could soon expand to include retail, restaurants, a hotel and indoor sports facilities. The Gameday Sportsplex Planned Development is currently seeking the necessary county approvals.

Children participate in exercise programs at the recreation center.

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All of our rooms are available with: Choice of one king or two full beds with new Cloud 9 bed On-demand movies, music and games New bath amenities line, Purity Basics Clock radio with easy-to-set alarm • Convenient lap desk Iron and ironing board Coffee maker • Complimentary high-speed Internet

Suite rooms also include: Full kitchen • Separate sleeping area Sitting area with second television • Sleeper sofa

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Bartlett Child Care Centers, Inc. Greenbrook Apartments

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Nursery Program: Six weeks-2 1/2 years Early Childhood Program: 2 1/2 years-Four years School Age Program Summer Camp Program

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BARTLETT

Portfolio

Bookworms, Rejoice!

NEW $3.7 MILLION BARTLETT LIBRARY OPENS WITH EXPANDED COLLECTION

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PHOTOS BY TODD BENNETT

f cramped corridors and overstuffed bookshelves are your idea of the perfect library, then don’t go book hunting in Bartlett.

The city opened its new library in 2008, a 20,000-square-foot space that doubled its previous size and has allowed for expanded collections and much more, says Gay Abadie Cain, manager.

“When the former facility was built, in 1980, the city’s population was around 17,000; it’s now around 46,000, so you can see how badly we needed a new library,” Cain says. “And the city provided extra funds on top of the money for the new building so that we can continue to beef up our collection over the next two years.”

The additional funding comes on top of the normal materials budget, and is further evidence that Bartlett’s $3.7 million investment in the library is a long-term commitment. The library project also received state grant money from state Reps. Ron Lollar and Jim Coley. The Bartlett Library is the only suburban branch connected to the Memphis Public Library and Information Center.

“Everyone thinks [the new facility] is just beautiful, very state of the art, and it really is a point of pride in the community,” Cain says. “We’re seeing a lot of people come in now who’ve never used the library at all.”

The library’s collection has grown to 109,000 items, up from 90,000 at the time of the move, and has room for around 150,000 items, with space for expansion.

“Oh, we can cram a lot in here,” Cain says. “We’ve got a lot more shelf space, and we can use it pretty efficiently.”

The new Bartlett Public Library is adjacent to the Bartlett Station Municipal Center, which is a renovated former church the city purchased.

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Portfolio

Smaller Towns Offer Relaxed Pace L

Bartlett Lanes

Open Every Day Cosmic Bowling • Birthday Parties Corporate Parties • Adult & Child Leagues Fund-raisers & League Bowling (901) 386-7701 • 6276 Stage Rd. www.bartlettbowling.com

ooking for a quieter, quainter quality of life? Consider a move to Lakeland, Arlington or Millington, three charming towns with their own distinctive appeal.

Millington, along U.S. Highway 51, has been around since 1878, when a plantation owner donated land for a railroad station. The town has been growing ever since, and has notched bragging rights to such diverse accomplishments as providing the first school-bus service for students in Shelby County (it was a small wagon) to having the first accredited school in the county.

In Lakeland, the most recent accomplishment is its designation as a Tree City USA, so it’s no surprise that the city’s parks system is a source of much pride, as are its many recreational opportunities.

And if you’re going to Arlington, do so in April. It’s pretty during the other 11 months, mind you, but the Arlington in April festival is not to be missed, according to the locals.

“We always have it on the last Saturday in April, and it’s in the depot square,” says Ruby Hannah, secretary of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve been doing it for 19 years now, and we had about 5,000 people turn out last year.”

The town’s century-old blacksmith shop and working forge are up and running that day, and vendors, artisans, wagon rides and an auction complete the day’s offerings. Funds raised go to different community organizations based on need, Hannah says.

“Last year it went to the library, but the Arlington chapter of the Association of the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities makes that call,” she says. “They’re responsible for the upkeep of the historic buildings, and we have five sites, the most of any chapter in the state.”

Residents of Arlington, Millington, Lakeland and Cordova in Northeast Shelby County enjoy the good life.

STAFF PHOTO

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John Horne, center, won the first Catfish and Jazz cooking contest.

Fried Fish, Cool Jazz I

f you want a fundraiser to take off, then go with what you know. In Bartlett, they know catfish and they know jazz. The two were blended in June 2008 at the inaugural Catfish and Jazz Festival.

Begun by the Bartlett Station Commission, which is charged with revitalizing the older section of town, the idea was to have something that would make people more aware of the city’s historic district. It also would benefit the city’s historic preservation commission and historical society, since their missions are closely intertwined with that of the commission.

“Having a festival with both those things featured is unusual, and a lot of people got excited about one or the other,” says Sue Griffith-Coleman, a commission member and president of the historical society. “And we had a few people that got excited about both.”

The festival drew around 500 people, and with great entertainment and good food aplenty. Plans are already well under way for the 2009 effort, which will be the second Saturday in June.

“We had a catfish cooking contest, which didn’t have a lot of entries, it being the first year and all,” GriffithColeman says. “But I think next year we’ll have a lot of people taking part in that.”

In the meantime, the festival committee will be creating more papiermache catfish. A dozen were made to promote the 2008 festival, then auctioned to raise money.

“We had them in a lot of store windows, and people wanted to buy them,” Griffith-Coleman says. “That pleased us, so we’ll do that again.”

BARTLETT

I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

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Portfolio The Spirit of Kindness banquet honored individual good deeds.

Kindness Rewarded O

EDCO TITLE & CLOSING SERVICES, INC.

W. Terry Edwards Robin H. Hughes

6510 Stage Rd., Ste. 1 Bartlett, TN 38134 (901) 382-0470 Fax: (901) 382-2226

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YOUR FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE CLOSING OFFICE

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I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

K, so they say random acts of kindness are their own reward. But true acts of kindness still merit praise.

Enter The Kindness Revolution™.

Based on the book of the same name, the initiative calls on businesses to put basic principles of dignity, respect, courtesy and kindness into their dealings with employees, and to observe “Days of Kindness” and “Spirit of Kindness” award programs. Bartlett embraced the concept and recently held an awards program that recognized more than 30 local businesspeople.

Eliminating indifference was one goal Ed Horrell had when he wrote The Kindness Revolution, and the fact that the book has become a multimedia organization that is growing nationwide doesn’t entirely surprise him.

“People like the philosophy of values being the differentiating factor in customer service, and a few companies said they would like to start a revolution,” says Horrell, who is based in Germantown. “The purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness, to show the importance of values such as kindness and leadership not only in customer service, but also in the community.”

Through workshops with companies and events such as the Spirit of Kindness dinners, Horrell says he is able to get plenty of input on how to keep the program going, and growing.

“If you want to get some validation about The Kindness Revolution, call the Memphis Area Teachers’ Credit Union’s marketing department,” he says. “We get e-mails, calls from people who are blown away at getting this kind of recognition. They’re not the top salesmen or the CEOs. These are the people who make the place work, who do the job with dignity, and it’s time we say ‘thank you’ to them. They make our companies and communities better.”

BARTLETT

Atlanta Falcons Honor Claude Humphrey

D

uring a 10-year professional football career, Claude Humphrey did some good work for the Atlanta Falcons.

The team, unfortunately, didn’t capitalize on his prowess on the field, losing 91 games during that period of time. So, when he left during the 1978 season and was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, Humphrey, who lives in Bartlett, didn’t expect to be hearing much from the team.

And he was right, for about 30 years.

Then in spring 2008, he got word from the Atlanta Falcons that he was invited to be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame.

Humphrey earned the honor, as the numbers bear out: From the 1968 draft, when he was tapped from Tennessee State University, until he left the team 10 years later, Humphrey logged 94.5 sacks, still a franchise record. That was enough to get him into the Georgia Hall of Fame a few years ago, but not the Falcons version – until now.

He would play for three years in Philadelphia before retiring in 1981.

And even though his time in Philadelphia led to a Super Bowl appearance in 1981, Humphrey has said in interviews that he’ll always be a Falcon, first and foremost.

“I consider myself more of a Falcon than an Eagle, even though the success we had in Philadelphia was just outstanding,” he said during interviews for the Hall of Fame induction. “If you cut me, I’ll bleed red.”

– Stories by Joe Morris

“I consider myself more of a Falcon than an Eagle.”

CLAUDE HUMPHREY

CITY OF BARTLETT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, RAISE A FAMILY AND RETIRE

MAYOR A. KEITH MCDONALD BOARD OF ALDERMEN W.C. (Bubba) Pleasant | Emily Elliott | David Parsons | Bobby Simmons | Jack Young | Rick Faith

City of Bartlett | 6400 Stage Rd. | Bartlett, TN 38134 | (901) 385-6400 | www.cityofbartlett.org

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I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

23

Business

Life Is

Good BARTLETT IS BECOMING A HUB FOR LIFE SCIENCE INDUSTRY

John Ray, a Bartlett native, is president and CEO of Top RX, a homegrown generic pharmaceutical distribution company.

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BARTLETT

STORY BY BETSY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

W

hen Top RX started as a one-man operation in a two-car garage 21 years ago, Bartlett wasn’t even thinking about creating a life sciences industry cluster.

But that has changed today, with a dozen or more such businesses now calling Bartlett home.

Top RX is a homegrown generic pharmaceutical distribution company run by a rare breed – a bona fide Bartlett native. “I’ve seen Bartlett when we had a couple of hundred people living here,” says John Ray, company president and CEO. “My mother still lives in the house I grew up in. This was a bedroom community that has really grown.”

And so has Top RX. Since the company’s founding in 1987, employment has grown to 115, and sales are topping $75 million. “We could have chosen to move,” says Ray, “but we like the neighborhood. From a workforce and logistics standpoint, this is a perfect place to be.”

The Memphis area is known for being a major point on the map when it comes to life science and the biotech industry, says Clay Banks, director of economic development for the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce. “This is partly due to the success of companies like Smith and Nephew, MedTronic and Wright Medical. Many spin-off companies and suppliers to these companies have evolved and set their roots here in Bartlett.”

The community today is home to medical device, health science and pharmaceutical businesses that supply the world with everything from surgical tools and equipment to life-saving drugs.

“Bartlett offers a great educated workforce that attracts the high-tech life science employers,” says Banks. “This region has one of the best labor markets in the country, and employers are drawn to the work ethic, skill level and education of the local labor market.”

The chamber and employers work regularly with higher education facilities such as Southwest Tennessee Community College to better educate the workforce and offer programs tailored to the employers’ specific skill needs.

BARTLETT

Gyrus ENT and Engineered Medical Systems are part of a growing base of life sciences industries choosing to locate in Northeast Shelby County.

Working with the life sciences sector and other existing employers in the community is at the top of the list, says Banks.

“We have a strong, diverse foundation of local existing businesses, and we want to help and encourage them to continue to grow and prosper,” he says.

One of the ways this is done is through the Primary Industry Council, which was formed to represent the needs and concerns of the primary industries of Northeast Shelby County. Among the issues addressed are infrastructure,

workforce needs and business-friendly legislation. And it also has another benefit – new job creation and capital investment.

“Building relationships and working with our existing businesses can help us attract new companies into Bartlett,” says Banks. “Defining our strengths helps us determine which companies to target, and since the life science cluster is so predominant here, we often have success attracting new life science companies.”

I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

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TODD BENNETT

Business | Biz Briefs

Christopher Boywid, service manager at Bikes Plus, says high fuel prices have led to an uptick in bicycle sales.

BIKES PLUS SEES A SURGE Climbing gas prices mean two things at Bikes Plus, one of the area’s premier bike shops.

The full-service shop is selling more bicycles, and its service department is mighty busy.

“More people are converting their bikes for commuting,” says owner Steve Malogorski. “A lot of people are breaking out bikes that haven’t seen the light of day in years.”

Malogorski and Glenn Hixson started the business in 1988 when they retired from the U.S. Navy. It has grown steadily; the main location in Bartlett near WolfChase Mall on U.S. Hwy. 64 and Stage Road is twice the size of the original shop. Bikes Plus has a second location in Germantown east of Memphis.

Bikes Plus fields its own teams for local bike and running events and organizes group social rides on Tuesday nights that start at 6 p.m. at the Belmont Grill, at the corner of Poplar Pike and Forest Hill Irene. Food and drinks follow the ride; participants must have lights for night driving. A Saturday morning group ride is another option.

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It is a satisfying business with a focus on family and health, Malogorski says. “It’s about the customers.”

INDEPENDENT SUCCESS What started nearly 50 years ago as a single outlet that provided small record stores with everything they needed – while selling records of its own – today is one of the largest independent music distributors in the country.

Select-O-Hits closed its own store in the mid-1980s but continues to distribute CDs across the globe. But times have certainly changed.

“The biggest problem is with independent music, major labels for a long time didn’t want anything to do with it,” says President Johnny Phillips. “Now that it can make money, they are all over.”

The company has launched labels that include Avenue, Icehouse, SOH, Brutal Records, Basix Music, Blues Works and Prophet Entertainment. The bulk of its business is in rap and Latino music, while soul, gospel and blues are still big sellers.

Select-O-Hits has a distinguished lineage in the music industry.

Brothers Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records, and Tom Phillips started the company in 1960. Tom Phillips ran the business for years; Johnny and his other children carry on the tradition.

RETOOLING BUSINESS As the regional partner for Emerson Process Management, VRC handles engineering, sales and service for electronic control instrumentation and valves. The target markets, President Larry Martin says, are industrial plants, including those that produce chemicals, power, natural gas, paper and pulp and process food, waste, wastewater and metals.

VRC covers a radius of about 200 miles around greater Memphis, including west Tennessee, northern Mississippi, central and east Arkansas, south Kentucky and a slice of Missouri. The company started in 1965. Larry’s been with the firm since 1975; he and wife Gayle took it over in 1995.

“Most of our business is revitalizing older plants,” Larry Martin says.

The inventory of older plants means business is stable, and VRC has about 25 BARTLETT

employees in Brunswick and five each in Nashville and Benton, Ky. The company also is noted for its headquarters on Baylor Road. VRC took an old county elementary school built in 1920 and converted it in the late 1990s, winning some preservation awards.

STAYING POWER You won’t see the wires, but stop by a church, school, fast-food restaurant, apartment complex or private home that’s less than 20 years old and an electrician from Ellendale Electric Company likely preceded you. In one year alone, the company wired 1,300 new houses on top of other work.

At its peak, Ellendale had 175 workers and 100 trucks on the road each day, but the downturn in residential construction has taken its toll. The Bartlett company in mid-2008 had about 85 workers, but the trucks are still rolling to jobsites, owner John Anderson says.

“We are concentrating on mid-size commercial work,” Anderson says. “The residential will come back but it may take a while.”

Ellendale will likely be there when it does. The Bartlett company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2009. Anderson started out on his own after several years in the business. “You quit and then you go for it,” he says. “Pretty soon you hire your first person. Then you hire your second. …”

An Enduring

PRESENCE

CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL A Shining

HOPE

PASTOR Rev. Richard Coy ASSOCIATE PASTORS Rev. Elbert Callis and Rev. John Hourican DEACONS Rev. Mr. Jack Conrad, Rev. Mr. “Chip” Jones, Rev. Mr. Jim Champion and Rev. Mr. Bob Skinner LITURGY SCHEDULE Mon.-Fri.: 6:15 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. • Saturday: 8:00 a.m.

Sunday vigil: 4:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Join us for worship or to learn about our Catholic faith tradition.

6529 Stage Rd. • Bartlett, TN 38134 • www.stannbartlett.org PARISH OFFICE: 373-6011 • ST. ANN SCHOOL: 386-3328 PARENTS’ DAY OUT: 382-1619

GROWING WITH BARTLETT Bartlett was so undeveloped when Stewart Brothers Hardware opened a satellite store in the late 1970s that James Dempsey Jr. went to work in the family business on horseback. His parents lived only three miles away, and Highway 64 was a quiet, two-lane thoroughfare.

He was a teenager then and is vice president now.

Stewart Brothers Hardware has been a fixture here since 1887. It survives and flourishes in an environment where big-box competitors often squeeze out long-standing family companies.

Providing personal service at a level the big stores can’t is the key, Dempsey says. Careful training of new hires is paramount.

“We do mostly one-on-one training and lead by example,” he says.

– Pamela Coyle BARTLETT

I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

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Business | Chamber Report

A City That’s on the Grow BARTLETT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKS TO CREATE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

M

embership service in a diverse, growing economy is the core of the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Our focus at this chamber is our membership,” says John Threadgill, chamber president and CEO. “Our job is to maintain and grow this economy and make it prosperous. That means helping our member businesses grow and succeed.”

The chamber does that through a variety of meaningful, bottom-line programs. Among those is the Staying Ahead of the Curve series of workshops and seminars, in which experts give advice on various business issues and ways businesses can stay ahead of the

competition, as well as several networking and advertising opportunities offered throughout the year.

“We’re also trying to come up with new products that will put our members ahead of other companies out there,” says Threadgill. New on the plate this year are two programs – The Kindness Revolution™ and ChamberJunction.com – that take fresh approaches to the oldest aspects of good business: customer service and sales.

The Kindness Revolution™ “is a common-sense program where we have partnered with a customer service guru who provides participating members with best practices,” explains Threadgill.

“A lot of companies have lost sight of

Let us set the stage for your next big night out!

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Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center Great performances and memorable events.

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(901) 385-6440 • www.bpacc.org

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treating customers and employees well because so much emphasis is put on the bottom line. Feedback has been exceptionally positive. We held our first banquet this year and gave out 30 awards to people for acts of kindness within their business.”

ChamberJunction.com is an Internetbased product sales program that allows members to offer their products online worldwide in an auction-type setting.

“They can catalog products and they can auction excess inventory to the highest bidder,” says Threadgill. “It’s another way for our members to stay competitive.”

New to the chamber in 2008 was a staff person dedicated to the recruitment and retention of business into Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County. “We have retail development, capital investment with primary industry, back office operations, professional and corporate offices and hospitality,” says Threadgill.

“Bartlett is a good mixture of all those, plus we have a strong residential community. It’s a really good mix of all the pieces that make up a strong, diversified economy. Our mission is to maintain it and make it stronger, and we have committed to that with new staff.”

The backbone of a strong economic development effort is a skilled, diversified workforce in the community. The chamber links the education and business communities through the Bartlett Education Foundation and other efforts to identify needed skills and the programs necessary to develop those skills in the workforce.

The chamber’s Leadership Bartlett annually trains 30 up-and-coming local leaders through a comprehensive community development series, culminating in a meaningful community project and placing better-informed residents in leadership positions.

– Betsy Williams BARTLETT

Business | Economic Profile

BARTLETT BUSINESS CLIMATE Bartlett, located in Shelby County adjacent to Memphis, has a strong and diverse economy that includes distribution, manufacturing, retail and more. Its business environment provides the best benefits of a small town, combined with the amenities of a nearby metropolitan region.

BARTLETT MAJOR EMPLOYERS Company

Product/Service

Brother Industries (U.S.A.) Inc.

Manufacturing

City of Bartlett

NORTHEAST SHELBY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION Airports Memphis International Airport 922-8000 Millington Municipal Airport 872-7495 Rail Freight: Burlington Northern Canadian National CSX Railroad System Norfolk Southern Southern Pacific Passenger: Amtrak Public Transportation Memphis Area Public Transportation, 274-6282 www.matatransit.com

TAXES Income tax Tennessee has no state income tax.

City government

U.S.D.A. Cotton Classing Division Wal-Mart SuperCenter

Retail

Saint Francis Hospital – Bartlett

Health care

United Parcel Service

Shipping

Brother International Corp.

Distribution

Kele Inc.

Distribution/engineering

The Kroger Co.

Groceries

Sam’s Wholesale Club-Wolfchase The King’s Daughters & Sons Home Gyrus ACMI

Retail Skilled nursing facility Manufacturing

Ave Maria Home

Skilled nursing facility

Ellendale Electric Co. Lowe’s

Distribution

Contracting Home improvement warehouse

Dobbs Ford at Wolfchase

Automotive sales

Schnucks

Food store

Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy

Restaurant

RDJ Specialties

Sales

Bank of Bartlett

Financial institution

Med-A.R.M.

Health care

Shaw Material Handling Systems Inc.

Distribution

First Tennessee Top RX Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market

Financial institution Distribution General merchandise

State sales tax 7% state, with local added Shelby County sales tax, 2.25%

MORE EO ON ONLINE BARTLETT TAXES

imagesbartlett.com artle Bartlett $1.54 per $100 assessment Shelby County $4.04 per $100 assessment Source: www.memphis propertytax.com

BARTLETT

More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

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STAFF PHOTO

Health & Wellness

Double Dose of Quality Care TECHNOLOGY, PATIENT SATISFACTION DISTINGUISH HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS

S

aint Francis Hospital-Bartlett opened June 1, 2004, and quickly drew a crowd.

The 100-bed hospital was Bartlett’s first full-service hospital, and parent company Tenet added one affiliated clinic and a second one in 2008.

Methodist North Hospital, with 260 beds, on New Covington Pike in north Memphis, is another big player in the local health-care system, drawing many of its patients and much of its workforce from the region.

Bartlett is growing fast, and a quick look at some numbers from Saint Francis shows it. From 2006 to 2007 alone, admissions and outpatient visits increased more than 10 percent. Together, inpatient and outpatient surgeries jumped 25 percent.

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“This area was underserved in terms of emergency room care and primary care access,” says Kem Mullins, chief executive officer. “We have definitely made a dent.”

Expansion is likely on the horizon, but for now, Saint Francis is building on a foundation that includes high marks from patients. Among Tenet’s 56 facilities, Saint Francis is in an elite group of about five that received five-star ratings for patient experience. Its same-day surgery department ranked first.

Outside sources have taken note, too. J.D. Powers and Associates in 2007 and 2008 recognized the facility for providing an Outstanding Inpatient Experience.

Plans include further development of vascular and other surgical services. Saint Francis also has a Level 2B obstetric unit to accommodate premature deliveries and post-delivery complications.

Methodist North is distinguished as a hospital that’s received full accreditation from The Society of Chest Pain Centers and is the region’s only facility with an orthopedic unit dedicated to knee and hip replacement. It’s got a Robotic Surgery Center and advanced imaging technology that scans the entire body in 10 seconds, producing cardiac images in less than five heartbeats. Methodist North performs about 30 robotic surgeries each month, and the advanced imaging BARTLETT

Ave Maria Home Care Services Personal Supportive Services Delivered in the Comfort of Your Home.

Affordable, Caring and Convenient.

A Tradition of Christian Care For more information, please contact: 2805 Charles Bryan Road Bartlett, TN 38134 (901) 386-3211

A home where the heart lives allows faster, less invasive diagnosis and treatment, says Chief Executive Officer William Kenley.

“It really is amazing technology,” he says.

Heart health is a big issue for the Memphis area, and Methodist North has seen the cardiac mortality rate among its patients drop to 3 percent, far below the national average, Kenley says.

It is the only hospital in the region that performs emergency angioplasty around-the-clock, with an average time “from door to balloon” of 70 minutes, he says. The industry goal, once at 120 minutes, is now 90 minutes.

The hospital is fully electronic, and doctors can use the system to write orders from home. Computerized electronic monitoring tracks patients’ lab results and issues temperature alerts for sepsis risk.

“We’ve seen dramatic impact in diagnosis and treatment,” Kenley says.

– Pamela Coyle

Celebrating 100 Years of Service to the Memphis Community A modern 108bed nursing care facility offering comprehensive nursing care at all levels.

• • • • • • •

All private rooms Cable provided – no charge 120-seat dining hall Computer-accessible lounges Two beauty parlors State-of-the-art bathing systems Outpatient physical therapy unit

The King’s Daughters & Sons Home 3568 Appling Rd. • Bartlett, TN 38133 (901) 272-7405 Residents of Northeast Shelby County are well served by Saint Francis Hospital and Methodist North.

BARTLETT

I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

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Arts & Culture

This Center Is a Perfect 10 BPACC MARKS FIRST DECADE WITH RETURNING FAVORITES, NEW PROGRAMMING

A

decade ago, the newly opened Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center hosted its first event: the Youth Leadership program’s graduation exercises. That celebration launched a facility that has become a community gathering place and much more during its first 10 years.

“That grand opening period also consisted of several local performing arts groups, because the emphasis from early on was that this is a place that not only brings in world-class attractions, but is also a catalyst for local cultural endeavors,” says Ron Jewell, director.

“We are a conference center, and as such have provided many opportunities for our citizenry to gather for social events over the years, and we also have hosted business and civic events. All of that is very much a big piece of who we are, which is why we encourage people to find reasons not only to attend shows here, but to use our facility to create memorable events of their own.”

When it marks 10 years of operation in April 2009, BPACC will have outlasted three mayors and several aldermen, but all of Bartlett’s elected leaders have been unstinting in their support.

“The mayors, the aldermen, the business community – everyone here can be proud that the city has always lent its support to us,” Jewell says.

The 350-seat venue has hosted dozens of top-name entertainers, including many audience favorites who will be making their third or fourth appearances during the anniversary season. These favorites will share the stage with artists who have never played the venue. It’s that kind of mix that keeps patrons coming back, Jewell says.

“The theory behind our anniversary season is that we want to review the first nine, and we’ve invited back some of our favorites,” Jewell says.

The season will culminate with the two-day Pickin’ Picnic Bluegrass Festival, produced in cooperation with the Lucy Opry.

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That event, which blends free concerts on the grounds with a ticketed event inside, is representative of the balance between community events and bigname concerts that the venue has been able to strike throughout its existence.

“We have grown, we have added new series like our dinner series and our theater stage, and we’ve got a number of ideas for additional events,” says Jewell.

“We’re always going to have our favorites, and we’re always going to introduce our audiences to new performers. I have people regularly tell me, ‘You guys did it again. How are you going to top yourself next season?,’ and that’s what we’re all about. We find those unique, top-drawer acts and bring them to our little corner of the world.”

– Joe Morris

Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center

PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT

BARTLETT

Sports & Recreation Quail Ridge Golf Course features challenging play for seasoned and beginning golfers. PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT

Golf for All NORTHEAST SHELBY COUNTY OFFERS GREAT COURSES AND TOURNAMENTS FOR GOLFERS OF ALL ABILITIES

I

n the flat West Tennessee landscape, Quail Ridge Golf Course stands out for its rolling terrain.

“The builders just picked a great piece of land,” says Brian Alexander, Quail Ridge’s general manager. “Most golf courses in this area are really flat, but here you’ve got a lot of undulations.

In fact, the driving range here is the second-highest point in Shelby County.”

Opened in 1994, Quail Ridge Golf Course is a semi-private club that offers membership benefits but is also open to the public. The par-70 championship BARTLETT

course offers more than 6,600 yards of play and full amenities. Players can pick up supplies at the fully stocked golf shop, eat at the grill or hone their game on the practice putting green and driving/ chipping range.

In 2006, local residents voted Quail Ridge the best public golf club in the Memphis metropolitan area – a welldeserved honor, in Alexander’s opinion.

“From a public golf course perspective, I don’t think there’s anybody in town that can beat our greens for their color, their speed – the whole package,” he says.

The course is also noteworthy for its playability.

“We’re there for all types,” Alexander says. “The way the course is set up, it’ll challenge the best player we’ve got, but there’s also plenty of room for the person who’s just an occasional or beginning player.”

Even spectators can find something to enjoy at Quail Ridge: The club hosts a regular rotation of tournaments, including the popular Bubba Conlee National Junior Golf Tournament each June.

“We had more than 160 participants last year,” Alexander says. “It’s a great tournament, a lot of fun to watch and a great opportunity for the young players.”

In 2009, the Bartlett area will also host the Southern Amateur Golf Championship. The tournament will take place at Cordova’s Colonial Country Club, a private facility offering 36 holes of championship golf. Opened in 1913, Colonial sits on 385 acres of land and also offers swim and tennis programs.

Other golfing options include Lakeland’s Stonebridge Golf Club and Millington’s Big Creek Golf Club.

Stonebridge, a par-71 championship course, was named Most Enjoyable Course to Play in Memphis by Golf Digest. It was designed by George Cobb, architect of Augusta National’s famed Par 3 minicourse. Big Creek offers nine holes of golf and was recently rescued from auction by the family of Grammywinning singer and avid golfer Justin Timberlake, who grew up in Millington.

Whether you come to watch or to play, Alexander says, Bartlett promises a top-notch golf experience.

“Especially in the spring and fall,” he says, “the weather is so mild. It’s just a beautiful time to play.”

– Kathryn Royster I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

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Youth Villages www.youthvillages.org

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BARTLETT

Education

Top-Notch Home Schooling SOUTHWEST PROVIDES QUALITY EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING

G

example, noting that new methods of distribution such as radio identification tagging and other related technologies challenge the college and its faculty to stay on top of business trends in order to stay relevant in the classroom. That holds true for more traditional fields of employment, such as hospitality and tourism, and the medical industry, as well.

“Southwest’s faculty assume the responsibility of communicating with local business and industry leaders to remain knowledgeable of current and future skill sets that students must possess as they enter the workforce,” he says. The college is expanding its physical presence in order to fulfill its mission, including the construction of a new technology and educational center in the Germantown/Collierville area; a new center in Fayette County that will provide career and industrial training as well as degree and certificate programs; a new academic building at the Macon campus which will allow for new and expanded programs and house more students; more online courses and an aggressive recruitment and retention plan to attract more high school and older students; and expanded weekend and evening programs.

“Southwest is uniquely positioned as a preferred provider of higher education training for individuals and companies,” Essex says. “Southwest assists individuals and organizations to prosper. The educational resources we offer to our community will attract, grow and retain business in the Memphis economy.”

– Joe Morris

TODD BENNETT

etting a college degree, or even some advanced training, is a challenge for working adults. Hectic work schedules, soaring gas prices, just not enough time in the day … it’s easy to see why Southwest Tennessee Community College is the right answer.

The institution provides a wide range of degree and certificate programs, noncredit and continuing education courses at its multiple campuses, as well as ongoing workshops and seminars of interest to the community. The college, which was born from the consolidation of Shelby State Community College and the State Technical Institute at Memphis in July 2000, offers as diverse a roster of classes as possible while ensuring it maintains rigorous academic standards.

At the same time, the institution is very aware of its role as an economic-development engine for the communities it serves and so is always enhancing its efforts on behalf of area businesses, says Nathan L. Essex, president. “[The university’s] economic impact is through employing more than 800 faculty and staff members and also in developing a workforce to meet employment needs in biosciences, allied health, business and technologies,” Essex says. “The watchword for any institution of higher education is relevancy. Southwest maintains vibrant programs by developing new and evolving areas of study as well as designing and implementing new technologies for educating students.”

Essex uses Memphis’ continued growth as a major freightmoving center for much of the United States as a real-world

Southwest Tennessee Community College works closely with the business community to develop quality programs.

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Community Profile

BARTLETT SNAPSHOT Bartlett is a suburb of Memphis and the ninth-largest city in Tennessee, but it has its own small-town character and unique charm. It is located in the geographic center of Shelby County, adjacent to Memphis. Bartlett grew dramatically during the past few decades, primarily as a result of annexation.

POPULATION (2006)

46,954 Bartlett

911,438

The Bartlett Police Department has 110 patrol officers, 182 total employees and 80 cars.

The Bartlett Fire Department has five fire stations with 94 full-time employees and 30 reserves.

Shelby County

CLIMATE/WEATHER

UTILITIES

47.7 F Average January high

Cable Comcast, 259-2225 www.comcast.com Electricity/Gas Memphis Light, Gas and Water 544-MLGW, www.mlgw.com

28.8 F Average January low

4 inches

Telephone BellSouth, 557-6500 www.bellsouth.com

Average January rainfall

Water/Sewer Bartlett Public Works 385-5570

Average January snowfall

2.2 inches

All area public schools are under the supervision of the Shelby County school system (www.scsk12.org) or Memphis City Schools (www.memphisschools.k12.tn.us).

Memphis City Schools 416-5300 Shelby County Board of Education, 321-2500 Higher Education Southwest Tennessee Community College (campuses on Macon and Union), (877) 717-7822 University of Memphis (Memphis), 678-2111 University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis) 448-5500

91.3 F Average July high

POLICE/FIRE/ SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

EDUCATION

71.3 F

MORE EO ON ONLINE imagesbartlett.com tl

Average July low

For all emergencies, dial 911.

Shelby County Sheriff (emergencies only) 577-5555

4.5 inches Average July rainfall

Non-emergency Bartlett Police Department 385-5500 Bartlett Fire Department 385-5536 Bartlett Crime Stoppers 385-5550 Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, 545-5500

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MEDIA Newspapers The Bartlett Express (weekly) www.bartlettexpress.com The Commercial Appeal; Bartlett and Cordova www.commercialappeal.com

Tennessee Highway Patrol 543-6256

Memphis Business Journal www.bizjournals.com/ memphis

Memphis Crime Stoppers 528-CASH

The Daily News www.memphisdailynews.com

I M AG E S B A R T L E T T. C O M

More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

BARTLETT

Ad Index C3 ADVANTAGE RENTAL CAR 31 AVE MARIA HOME CARE SERVICES 18 BARTLETT CHILD CARE CENTER 20 BARTLETT LANES 28 BARTLETT PERFORMING ARTS & CONFERENCE CENTER 34 BARTLETT SMALL ENGINES C3 BROTHER INDUSTRIES 23 CITY OF BARTLETT 2 CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS 22 EDCO TITLE & CLOSING SERVICES INC. 18 FIRST SOUTH CREDIT UNION

21 FIRST TENNESSEE 18 GREENBROOK APARTMENTS 17 HAMPTON INN C3 HOLLYWOOD 20 CINEMA 27 KELE INC. 31 KING’S DAUGHTERS & SONS HOME C2 METHODIST HEALTHCARE 34 ROLLER FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES 27 ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOL C4 ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL C3 TIMEPLUS PAYROLL SERVICES C3 YOUTH VILLAGES

Brother, a world-class company providing exceptional solutions to customer needs worldwide.

Brother Industries (U.S.A.), Inc. • Brother International Corporation 7777 N. Brother Blvd. • Bartlett, TN 38133

TimePlus Payroll 3606 Austin Peay, Ste. 212 Memphis, TN 38128 (901) 382-0850 (Memphis Area) (866) 348-4264 (Toll-Free) www.timeplus-payroll.net

I spy something green.

Everyday moments can be learning moments with your kids. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org.

Can you imagine … a world without children?

questions

answers

We Can’t.

Call 1-800-996-4100 to help. www.stjude.org

© 2002 American Cancer Society, Inc.

8 0 0 . A C S . 2 3 4 5 / c a n c e r. o r g

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