Book recommendations: September 2026
In this month’s recommended reading list, we find books to help you understand housing, workforce challenges and how to leverage the experience economy to build your business. “The Experience Economy” by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore. A business classic arguing that experiences — not just goods and services — should now […]
City of Alcoa joins fire truck antitrust litigation
ALCOA — The City of Alcoa joins potential fire truck antitrust litigation as cities face rising costs, delivery delays Alcoa has joined a growing group of local governments pursuing antitrust claims against major fire truck manufacturers, arguing that alleged anticompetitive conduct contributed to rising prices and increasingly long waits for critical public safety equipment. The […]
Village Commons sewer questions loom
LOUISVILLE — A proposed mixed-use development near Louisville and Topside Road remains in the conceptual stage, but the project is highlighting a larger economic-development challenge for the town. Officials said some residents want more commercial activity, but Louisville lacks the sewer infrastructure needed to support larger projects. Mayor Jill Pugh said property owner Jesus Yanez […]
Breakfast restaurant, retail construction to begin downtown
MARYVILLE — Construction on a new single-story commercial building on Broadway in downtown Maryville is set to begin this month, according to developer James Tomiczek, a partner in the project. The building, which does not yet have an official name, will include five commercial spaces on a site that has sat vacant as a grassy […]
A tale of two markets: Blount housing prices outrun incomes
“Blount County is too expensive.” Experts say that inventory has recovered, homes are taking longer to sell and buyers have more negotiating power. Yet Realtor.com data showed a median listing price of $499,000 in August 2026 — just 2.2% below the May 2023 peak. Comment end Inventory has recovered, homes take longer to sell and […]
Honor the journey, protect the pack: Travel safety tips that matter
Smart Business Travel by Rick Hudolin, Travel Hounds Travel Advisors There’s a moment I love when traveling.The bags are packed. The out-of-office message is on. You’ve made it through the airport, boarded the ship, checked into the resort, or finally pulled away from home for that long-awaited road trip. For the first time in weeks, […]
Farm and haunted house find profit in partnership
GREENBACK — Austin Green built his first haunted house in a backyard in 2018, a five-minute setup for neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Eight years later, he manages a seasonal operation with 30 to 50 contract workers, multiple months of planning and strategy, a monthlong marketing push and a short Halloween season that runs on razor-thin margins. Green […]