Upper Cumberland Business Journal

(UCBJ) – The Purple Iris (PI) will celebrate its new location in Sparta with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) at 175 Mose Drive in Sparta at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 4. PI is a retail marketplace featuring multiple vendors selling goods such as handmade items, jewelry, home décor and other unique products.

(UCBJ) – The Internal Revenue Service has announced a new automatic process that will provide penalty relief for taxpayers with a history of filing and paying on time, eliminating the need for many taxpayers to request relief. The new Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP) program will replace the IRS’ First Time Abate administrative relief program and will automatically apply eligible penalty relief for certain taxpayers with a strong compliance history.

(UCBJ) – Crossville has been selected as one of Tennessee’s newest Main Street communities. The program, which now reaches 50 communities, expands opportunities for downtown revitalization and economic development in the Upper Cumberland region.

(UCBJ)– Cookeville Regional Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to ensuring people experiencing stroke receive timely, appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately helping save lives and reducing disability.

(UCBJ) – Averitt has been named to the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s REWARD Honor Roll for the third consecutive year, one of only six employers across Tennessee selected for 2026. The REWARD Honor Roll acknowledges employers that demonstrate excellence in return-to-work practices and support positive outcomes for associates recovering from workplace injuries.

(UCBJ) – Until just a few years ago, New York City business leader Tom Iovino had never heard of Tennessee Tech University. In fact, he had never even visited the state of Tennessee. Now, thanks to a transformational seven-figure gift from Tom and his wife, Judith, generations of Tech students will benefit from exceptional classroom teaching through the new Thomas and Judith Iovino Endowed Professorship. The Iovinos’ connection to Tech began in an unlikely way.

(UCBJ) – Zoned Out Gaming Lounge LLC (ZO) is open for business at its new brick-and-mortar gaming destination at 1613 Gainesboro Grade in Cookeville. The company and the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) celebrated the new location with a recent ribbon-cutting. “Zoned Out Gaming Lounge is a great example of an entrepreneur taking an idea on wheels and growing it into a permanent space where families and friends can come together,” according to the Chamber.

(UCBJ) – The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) is hosting Glammy’s Cheesecakes grand opening with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m. at 565 S. Jefferson Ave., Suite C. The event marks the company’s expansion from a popular food truck into a permanent storefront in Cookeville.

(UCBJ) – The City of Crossville (City) is mourning the passing of one of its most esteemed and beloved citizens and public servants. City Council member and longtime business owner James Mayberry has passed away, according to a release. Mayberry was the owner of Mayberry’s Home Furnishings (MHF), a staple within the community and the Upper Cumberland. MHF recently opened a new location in Cookeville.

By Kirby Lewis-Gill, Site Development Director, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development For years, economic developers have spent a lot of time talking about site readiness. We encouraged communities to think ahead. Control land before a project appears. Complete due diligence early. Plan for infrastructure. Know what companies need before they start looking. In Tennessee, that message seems to have landed.