News Summary
Lane Curlee has been appointed as the new business reporter for Tullahoma News, aiming to highlight the local business community. With a 40-year writing career at the publication, Curlee will launch a weekly business section and cover various local enterprises. August saw 18 new business licenses issued, reflecting a thriving entrepreneurial environment in Tullahoma. Curlee encourages local business owners to share their stories, bringing attention to Tullahoma’s vibrant economic landscape and innovations.
Tennessee – Lane Curlee has been appointed as the new business reporter for the Tullahoma News, embarking on a mission to shine a spotlight on the local business community. Curlee, who has a long-standing association with the publication, will be launching a new weekly business section aimed at covering the vibrant and diverse range of businesses operating in Tullahoma.
With a writing career spanning over 40 years at the Tullahoma News, Curlee has penned various columns, including “Notes from the Mayor,” “Behind the Scenes,” and “A Curious Fellow.” His appointment was part of an initiative by editor Duane Sherrill, who recognized the need for dedicated coverage of Tullahoma’s business scene. Curlee will be working in this role on a part-time basis and encourages local entrepreneurs and business owners to reach out for feature stories and interviews to share their journeys with the community.
August revealed a busy month for business in Tullahoma, with 18 business licenses issued. This included various types of enterprisesโtwo out-of-town contractors, five retailers, one change of ownership, six home-based businesses, one medical practice, and three undetermined types of businesses. This healthy growth reflects the ongoing interest in opening new ventures in the area.
In a broader economic context, Tullahoma has seen developments in other areas as well. For instance, sales tax collections for July 2025 reached $1,685,203.51, representing a 6.26% increase from July 2024. Conversely, indicators showed a slight uptick in the unemployment rate in Coffee County, which rose from 4.2% to 4.5%, marking the loss of 82 jobs during that month.
Additionally, the Tullahoma Safety and Codes Compliance Department was active in August, issuing 56 building permits valued at an estimated $19.41 million. Out of these, 13 were for new residential homes, averaging $319,222 in value. Among significant commercial projects were Centerstone and Tennessee Oncology, valued at $5,122,425 and $9,373,355, respectively. The average sales price for homes sold during this month was reported at $306,682, with properties spending an average of 84 days on the market.
The local real estate market is also showing signs of activity, with the Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors announcing 54 new listings in August, leading to a total of 182 active homes in inventory. This dynamic market is likely to be of interest to Curlee in highlighting ongoing trends in Tullahoma’s economy.
As Curlee begins this new chapter at Tullahoma News, local businesses such as Little’s Place, B and B Mercantile, Music City Motors, Roots and Wings, and Java Hut are poised to be featured prominently. Little’s Place, a Chicago-style eatery, offers a taste of the windy city under the ownership of Louie and Kitty Asanon. B and B Mercantile specializes in various herbal products as a family-owned business, while Music City Motors focuses on vehicle sales and repairs. Roots and Wings operates as a language school committed to fostering language skills within the community and Java Hut stands as a popular spot for fine coffees, boasting a drive-thru service.
As Tullahoma strengthens its local business landscape, Lane Curlee’s reporting will provide an essential lens through which the community can engage with its entrepreneurial spirit. His efforts are anticipated to highlight the innovative trends and essential stories of the businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of Tullahoma.
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
