Even in loss, our pets can bring us joy
We lost a family member a few weeks ago. I say this with the emotion that only a “pet person” can feel. We buried my little cat. He was a stray found down at… Read More
Life & Politics Blog
Understanding and Tolerance is the appropriate response to the Confederate Flag
For all of our celebrations of unity during the 4th of July, there is still much that divides our country. Of course, this should be expected from a country that is often described… Read More
We need to build the “New Kingsport Experience”
As I have grown older, I find that I am less interested in “things” and more interested in “experiences.” I have become practical with the things that don’t really matter and prefer to… Read More
Generational change creates both challenges and opportunities for Kingsport
I visited Nashville this week. I attended an entrepreneurial conference and combined a short weekend vacation with my wife. What a vibrant town! It is loaded with young people, a term that for… Read More
It is time for a(nother) dialogue on racial issues in America
The recent civil unrest in Cleveland, Baltimore, and previously in Ferguson, Missouri, once again dredge up some of the lingering deep social divisions in our country. At the outset, we ought to acknowledge that… Read More
Kingsport can “draft” off the successes of our neighbors
So often life seems like a “zero-sum” game. If one person wins another, by definition, must lose. This condition assumes not only that the size of the pie is constant, you either get… Read More
Kingsport’s Strategy – Similarities with 1997
What Kingsport is missing is a coherent strategic plan. More important, as a community we do not think strategically. Perhaps this sounds like pedantic nonsense, but I would argue differently. Strategy First, remember what… Read More
Kingsport needs to develop a Competitive Strategy
Kingsport stands at the edge of precipice. We must make a choice. This will occur either by contentious decision or it will happen as momentum randomly drives us off the edge. But make… Read More
Kingsport must embrace change and harness it to build our future
We are facing a brave new world. Within our region there are great shifts afoot. For Kingsport, not all of those are positive. It is time for us to change. Like it or… Read More
Kingsport is in the midst of a profound generational shift
Life in a community like Kingsport moves at its own placid pace. We don’t boom. We don’t bust. And we change at a glacial speed. But, change we do. I first noticed that something… Read More
