Perhaps its the low tax rate.  Maybe it’s our generous water policy.  But personally I think it’s the friendly villagers we should be thanking for our high ranking when it comes to being attractive to business.  Don’t believe me?  Look at this article in the DNJ called Think tank ranks LaVergne high for business,

In the Economic Vitality category, Smyrna was ranked seventh, Murfreesboro was ranked eighth and La Vergne was ranked ninth place.

In the Business Tax Burden category, La Vergne was ranked seventh, Smyrna was ranked 15th and Murfreesboro was ranked 29th.

In the Community Allure category, La Vergne was ranked 12th, Murfreesboro was ranked 29th and Smyrna was ranked 49th.

Right now it looks like Smyrna and Murfreesboro are ahead of us in the Economic Vitality category but we’ve left them in the dust in the categories of Business Tax Burden and Community Allure.   WTG LaVergne!

Let’s sidetrack for just a bit.  I have long said to whoever will listen that there is NO reason LaVergne can’t be one of the BEST places to live in Middle Tennessee.  We have a lake right next door, we are but a stone’s throw from Nashville/Davidson County, great access to transportation thoroughfares, great tax rates, affordable housing, etc.  AND for the most part, we are an extremely friendly group of residents.

It is hugely vindicating for LaVergne to see this report by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research – a group that is non-political, independent, not-for-profit – and to be ranked so favorably.

What we have to determine as a community (together with our new leadership) is how to translate and utilize the ranking of 6th friendliest Tennessee city to broaden our opportunities.  I would like to see LaVergne work more closely with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.  I would like to make sure our local industries know that where they enjoy the benefits of our low tax rates and strong work-force, they should expect to give equal support back to the community in which they are located.  (Don’t get me started on how one local industry has “adopted” a low-income school in another town.  They essentially enjoy the economic perks of operating their business here, but their community pay back goes elsewhere.)

It’s time the city really concentrates on the *real* things that will attract business and then all-hands-on-deck.  Use county resources, state resources, and federal resources.  Use our residents who have amazing backgrounds in management, business, public relations, advocacy, and community outreach.  You might be shocked if you knew the finely honed talents our citizens possess.  With them, we can accomplish grand ideas.  Other towns have done it.  We can too.

So yay LaVergne!