New business filings in the third quarter of 2023 were the highest for a third quarter in the 25-year history of the data being collected, according to the new Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report issued by Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office.
“We’ve had all-time filing records in each quarter of 2023,” Hargett says. “Tennessee’s economy continues to be strong and resilient, aided significantly by a welcoming business environment of lower taxes, reasonable regulation and responsible fiscal management.”
During the third quarter, 19,304 new entities filed in Tennessee. Over the past year, 77,596 new businesses filed, which is a 2.9% growth rate. A high level of business filings typically leads to jobs, personal income and state revenue growth. State employment rose by 8,700 jobs and unemployment remained low at 3.2%, below the national rate of 3.8%.
Davidson and Shelby counties saw the largest number of filings in the third quarter, followed by Knox and Hamilton counties. These four most-populous counties accounted for 44.1% of new filings statewide. Knox County business filings continue to grow most rapidly of the large counties, expanding by a robust 54.2% year-over-year for the third quarter. Tennessee’s other 91 counties grew year-over-year by 2.8%.
“The recording-setting number of new business filings in the third quarter shows the Tennessee economy remains healthy and should continue to see strong growth in employment and income,” says Don Bruce, director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. “This all reflects Tennessee’s status as a fantastic place to live and do business.”
The report provides a snapshot of the state’s economy based on key indicators, including new business data from the Secretary of State’s Division of Business and Charitable Organizations. It’s published through a partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research and the Secretary of State.
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Siskin Hospital opens NW Georgia clinic
Siskin Hospital is now serving Northwest Georgia residents with a new outpatient physical therapy clinic located in Ringgold at 4618 Battlefield Parkway.
Siskin Hospital President and CEO Dr. Matthew Gibson says the Battlefield Parkway location will allow for improved continuity of care. “Patients who leave Siskin Hospital and return to their Northwest Georgia home can now have a seamless experience of care as they transition to outpatient therapy. Our clinicians in Georgia have access to their records and can ensure continued improvements.”
Gibson adds that research shows patients are more likely to attend their full course of treatment and have better outcomes when outpatient care is convenient to their home.
Siskin Hospital provides physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics and major multiple trauma, as well as treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery.
American Airlines to increase daily flights
American Airlines plans to increase daily nonstop flights from the Chattanooga Airport to the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) as part of its 2024 summer schedule. Next summer, passengers will have four daily departures and arrivals between Chattanooga and Dallas. Learn more at www.chattairport.com/airlines-destinations.
Parkridge East honors late colleague Witherow
Parkridge East Hospital has named its new mammography suite after Lisa Witherow, the former director of imaging at the hospital, who died earlier this year after an 18-year battle with breast cancer. Witherow’s family, friends and colleagues attended a dedication ceremony Nov. 30 to honor her memory.
The Witherow Mammography Suite features 3D mammography screening with artificial intelligence.
“Witherow was a champion of breast health,” said Kathryn Price, director of diagnostic imaging and radiology at Parkridge Medical Center and friend of Witherow. “Her bravery in the face of cancer inspired many, and she shared her story often in the hope of inspiring others to take action for their own health.”
Price added that early detection and regular screening are the best tools for finding and defeating breast cancer. “This mammography suite, which bears Lisa’s name, will help countless women in the fight against breast cancer.”
Kelly admin. launches ‘Bridging Communities’
The city of Chattanooga hosted the first Bridging Communities meeting, a collaboration between Chattanooga’s Department of Equity and Community Engagement (ECE), Northside Neighborhood House and community partners that serve immigrant and refugee communities, Nov. 15.
ECE partnered with Northside Neighborhood House to convene a group of nearly 50 organizations and service providers to explore best practices in serving immigrant and refugee communities, including but not limited to providing translation services to make city services more accessible, expanding the city of Chattanooga’s free English as a Second Language classes, and training for nonprofit partners in interacting and communicating with immigrants and refugees.
The next meeting will be held Jan. 17.
Participating partner organizations included The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, Bridge Refugee Services, La Paz Chattanooga, Hamilton County Schools’ International Welcome Center, U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann’s office, Volunteers in Medicine and more.
“New Americans bring valued perspectives and contributions to our local economy and culture,” says Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “I’m excited about this effort to better connect these folks to available resources and support systems that can set them up for success as they acclimate to becoming full-fledged Chattanoogans.”
Kelly Valcarce, the city of Chattanooga’s director of the Office of New Americans, and Northside Neighborhood House co-created the meeting. The coalition will meet every other month with the intention of working together on several initiatives designed to benefit new city residents. The group intends to create a resource directory for immigrants and refugees who are new to Chattanooga.
“Bridging Communities provides a dedicated time and space where nonprofits and city governments working collaboratively to support our diverse communities,” says Meghan Creecy, chief stability officer for Northside Neighborhood House. “Bridging Communities highlights a shared commitment to understanding and solving complex barriers that our new Chattanooga families face. This united effort emphasizes that, in the pursuit of community well-being, no one stands alone.”
Community Foundation announces grants
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga will make Caring & Inclusive grants of $16,500 to 20 local nonprofits. A committee of board-appointed community members selected the recipients.
This program provides general operating support to nonprofit agencies that address hunger, support affordable housing and shelter, enhance mental well-being, and create access to affordable health care.
The recipients of 2023 Caring & Inclusive grants include: A Step Ahead Foundation; Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer; Bridge Refugee Services; Chambliss Center for Children; Chattanooga Area Food Bank; Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition; Chattanooga Room in the Inn; Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County; Erlanger Foundation; Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga; First Baptist Cares; First Things First; Guardian Angels; Love’s Arm Outreach Ministries; Northside Neighborhood House; Partnership for Families, Children and Adults; Speech & Hearing Center; The CHATT Foundation; The Net Resource Foundation; and United Methodist Neighborhood Centers.