Tag: travel
-
Tennessee’s Most Valuable
If you’ve heard me talk about growth, you’ve heard me talk about “all things in moderation” or “not too hot, not too cold, just right,” suggesting a balanced, thoughtful approach to growth and community life. It points to a place that’s not too large to feel overwhelming or impersonal, but not so small that it…
-
Tri-Cities Airport: Local Perk on a Global Scale
My wife and I recently decided to apply for “Trusted Traveler” status through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program. It’s a great option, offering expedited customs processing and including TSA PreCheck for faster airport security. The application process is pretty straightforward: you fill out an online form, then complete an in-person interview…
-
A New Generation Leads: How Millennials and Gen Z Are Shaping Kingsport’s Future
The City of Kingsport is going through a major generational shift. Many still think of Kingsport as a retirement city, but now there are more citizens under 40 than over 40. This means there are more Millennials and Gen Z living in Kingsport than Boomers and Gen X. Although it’s a group I revere, the…
-
Kingsport’s Workforce: Living Here, Working Everywhere
Many of us remember when Kingsport was a commuter town—factories were built, and people came here to work. For many, securing a blue-collar job with a steady paycheck was the ultimate goal. Each morning, a steady stream of headlights flowed into town, and at day’s end, taillights disappeared as the whistle signaled the workday’s close.…
-
Do We Still Need Newcomers?
It’s no secret that the death rate exceeds the birthrate in every jurisdiction in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, but we’re not alone. According to a March 2024 report from the Census Bureau, 69% of U.S. counties now have more people passing away than being born. However, 60% managed to counterbalance those losses through positive…
-
Kingsport Now Offers On-Demand Transit for All
One of the key advantages of living in a small city like Kingsport is easy access to public transportation. In smaller towns or suburban areas, residents often face limited transit options, relying on friends, neighbors, or infrequent rural services. In contrast, larger cities may offer more extensive transit networks, but they can also be more…
-
A Southerner’s Take on Europe
Somehow, my social media feed has been flooded with British takes on America and Americans—many of them reconsidering deep-seated stereotypes. One of the more common ones? That Americans don’t travel internationally much. But as some Brits are discovering, there’s a reason for that: the sheer scale of the U.S. They explain to their friends back…
-
Is Kingsport Growing or Dying?
I know I’m a city planning geek who thinks way too much about this stuff, but have you ever wondered what the “right size” for a city really is? Of course, the answer depends on individual preferences. But even if you find a city that feels like the perfect fit, how can you be sure…
-
The TRI Advantage
On a recent recruiting trip to Long Island, NY, with Tennessee Tourism, one of the most frequently asked questions was about airport accessibility. Our team usually includes representatives from various parts of the state, and this trip featured folks from Nashville, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities. As a Tri-Cities resident, I was able to share my…
-
Northeast Tennessee offers an attractive alternative
Housing is a cornerstone of economic development, serving as a powerful driver of economic growth. Reporting statistics per capita is important because it standardizes data by accounting for population size, allowing for fair comparisons. By normalizing data, per capita metrics avoid misleading interpretations arising from raw totals, especially when populations differ significantly. With that in…
Kingsport Spirit 