Aspire Clarksville to Kickoff new Fundraising Campaign in February
Clarksville, TN – Aspire Clarksville, an economic development foundation to benefit Clarksville-Montgomery County, Tennessee, will officially launch its new campaign at a kickoff breakfast in early February.
The new, five-year, campaign aims to raise nearly $3.8 million for local business development, which is anticipated to bring over 3,500 jobs to the area.
The new effort, “A Focus On The Future,” is the fifth campaign since the Aspire initiative was started in 1996. [Read more]
Valvoline Instant Oil Change collecting coats and blankets for Manna Cafe
Clarksville, TN – Convenient Car Care Inc. has announced that their Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations will begin collecting coats and blankets on behalf of Manna Cafe ministries.
Beginning Monday, January 6th, customers who visit one of 7 Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations in Clarksville and Oak Grove KY, will receive $5.00 off any oil change service, if they donate a coat or blanket. Valvoline will gather the donations and deliver them to Manna Cafe Ministries, and they will be distributed to those in need.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change collecting coats and blankets for Manna Cafe Ministries (Bill Larson Clarksville Online)
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of January 5th, 2014

Clarksville, TN – The economic data reports of recent weeks contained a few surprises. Consumer spending growth in 3Q13 was stronger than previously estimated, while monthly figures showed acceleration in spending growth in the first two months of 4Q13 (although this is somewhat inconsistent with the pace of income growth).
Right now, inflation-adjusted consumer spending (70% of Gross Domestic Product) appears to be on track for about a 4% annual rate in 4Q13 – impressive, although the current figures may be revised. Durable goods orders rose more than expected in November, with the details suggesting that capital spending plans were delayed due to the government shutdown.
Jostens becomes Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certified
Montgomery County, TN – The latest business to complete requirements for Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certified and host a Green Ribbon Cutting is Jostens.
City of Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan, Montgomery County Director of Administration, Phil Harpel, filling in for County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, Executive Director of the Industrial Development Board Mike Evans and Chamber of Commerce Director Melinda Shepard were there to congratulate the company for their work.
Batson Nolan PLC announces Jennifer Gower and Katie Downey join firm
Clarksville, TN – Batson Nolan PLC is pleased to announce the addition of two associate attorneys, Jennifer Gower and Katie Downey, to the firm.
Jennifer, a native of Springfield, Tennessee, received her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree graduating magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee in 2005. She received her law degree from the same school in 2009.
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of December 30th, 2013

Clarksville, TN – Next week, the ISM Manufacturing Index is expected to be the highlight, although the December figures can be exaggerated by the seasonal adjustment.
Market participants are likely to look ahead to the Employment Report.
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of December 19th, 2013

Clarksville, TN – Taper, no tantrum. The Federal Open Market Committee decided to reduce the monthly pace of asset purchases from $85 billion to $75 billion in January. The FOMC added that it expects to further reduce the pace of asset purchases “in measured steps” depending on the economic data (that may mean every other Fed policy meeting in 2014).
It also emphasized that the federal funds target rate would remain in its current low range (0-0.25%) even after the unemployment rate falls below 6.5%.
Fed to taper; Congress passes a Budget

Clarksville, TN – Federal Reserve policymakers decided to trim something other than trees at their December meeting.
The central bank made the long-awaited decision to begin reducing its monthly pace of asset purchases from $85 billion to $75 billion, starting in January 2014. This is the first step towards unwinding the economic stimulus.
Stone, Rudolph & Henry CPAs and Albert W. Norris, CPA combine Firms
Clarksville, TN – The accounting firm, Albert W. Norris, CPA, announces its relocation to the offices of Stone, Rudolph & Henry, CPAs, PLC, at 124 Center Pointe Drive. This relocation is in anticipation of the combination of the firms in the second quarter of 2014.
“This strategic alliance provides us with tremendous opportunities to broaden our offering of professional services,” said Albert W. Norris, adding, “We are excited about being associated with a firm that has the stature and reputation of Stone, Rudolph & Henry.” [Read more]
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of December 15th, 2013

Clarksville, TN – House and Senate leaders reached an agreement on a mini budget deal. This isn’t the “grand bargain” that lawmakers were tasked with, but it will prevent a government shutdown in January. That removes a major uncertainty for the markets, but also for Federal Reserve policymakers.
The deal reduces (but does not eliminate) the impact of the sequester cuts to spending that were slated for mid-January. The deal does not address the debt ceiling, which will go back into effect on February 7th, nor does it prevent over 1.2 million from losing extended unemployment benefits at the end of this month.