Looking for leprechauns and a pot of gold
Since tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, it’s the perfect time to look for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I don’t think that pot of gold will ever materialize, but what’s the harm is holding out hope?
A Princeton student recently stumbled on his pot of gold, but was honest enough not to take it. The student, who was on the yearbook staff, was trying to access a yearbook account to transfer a small amount of money.
However, due to some computer glitch, the student gained access to every single Princeton bank account with a net worth of over $100 million.
It should be noted this student did the right thing. He didn’t withdraw all the money and buy everything he’s ever wanted. He told school officials about the mistake and they corrected it.
Folks, I’m here to tell you if I ever stumbled upon such a bank error, the news story wouldn’t be so peachy. I’m certain such a report would contain the words, “Clark was last seen driving toward the airport in a new BMW ?”
And since tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, it’s only appropriate to tell you about a jail escape I was reading about in Waco, Texas. The inmate escaped police custody and made his way to nearby Baylor University where he went searching for a way to get rid of his orange jail jumpsuit.
What he found, in the school’s Fine Arts Center, was a 19th century, green costume that authorities described as a leprechaun outfit. The inmate, apparently thinking this made him look inconspicuous, was spotted near the university walking around like nothing was wrong.
You’ve got to wonder what people like that are thinking. This guy obviously went to a great deal of trouble to escape jail and then wears a leprechaun costume as his disguise. He certainly didn’t end up behind bars because of his intelligence.
In other news, I’m pleased to report that McDonald’s is finally getting on somewhat of a health kick, at least in Europe. For the first time ever, a McDonald’s in London will offer fresh fruit with its meals.
Sure, you’ll still have enough fat in a Big Mac to choke a shark, but you can now have a side order of grapes or apples to accompany that burger. The grapes and apples can also be substituted on the children’s Happy Meals.
There’s no word on whether that fruit will be deep fried to add cholesterol, or if the chain will actually allow people to eat something healthy.
And now, without further ado, here’s this week’s Business Pulse. It’s a column four out of five doctors say is not hazardous to your health.
What’s the news at Three Star Mall?
I’m probably asked about every other day about what’s going to replace Kmart at Three Star Mall. I don’t mind the questions because it gives me something to talk about. But I also don’t have any answers.
Mall officials had circled the middle of February as the time they would hear something from the two companies interested in locating here. As we can tell, the middle of February has been replaced by the middle of March and we still haven’t heard any news, good or bad.
“The people who were supposed to come back and look at it never came back,” said mall employee Susie Griffith. “That was right about the time we were having some bad weather so I don’t know if that played a part in their decision or not.
“They are still supposed to be here though. Our company has been in contact with them trying to reschedule.”
From what I understand, two companies have been looking at the space. One company wants all of it, some 60,-000 square feet, and that’s the more desirable of the two. The other company only wants a portion of it. That’s not so desirable.
As always, I’ll let you know more when I know more.
Sears brings her restaurant to Morrison
Joy Sears has been in the restaurant business almost her entire life. So she knows how to put good-tasting food on the table for an affordable price.
“My mother was in the restaurant business in Tullahoma,” said Joy, whose new establishment is called Sears Family Restaurant. “I’ve been doing this for over 30 years. I’m 48 years old and I don’t know anything else.”
Joy knows people like to eat, and like to eat a lot. That’s why she is hoping her all-you-can-eat catfish for $8.99 is a big hit on Friday nights.
Joy also knows people don’t usually eat as much for lunch as they do for dinner. And they want value for the lunch dollars. That’s why she offers a meat, two vegetables, bread and tea for $5 at lunch – a price which includes tax.
“It’s good home cooking,” said Joy. “The move was pretty expensive but we’ve been busy. There’s a lot more room and a lot more traffic at this location. And some of my old customers have even followed me here.”
Her old customers don’t have far to go because Joy operated the Summitville Cafe just down the road for 14 years. She decided to move to the Morrison location formerly occupied by Medley’s after one of her customers suggested the idea.
“Jack Odom told me about this spot,” said Joy. “And so far I like it. It’s got a lot more room.”
Sears Family Restaurant opens at 5:30 a.m. every day during the week and offers a full breakfast menu featuring pancakes, biscuits and the like. Her restaurant is open every day and carry-outs are available. The phone number is 635-3385.
A new tire shop is coming to town
Several folks have asked me about all the dirt work that’s taking place at the beginning of Beersheba Street right across from Delta Express. As I always say, when you ask questions, I find answers.
There’s actually a couple things taking place at that spot. The first is a five-bay tire center is being constructed behind the used tire place that’s currently called Lane’s Tire Shop. When that building nears completion, the current Lane’s Tire Shop, which isn’t exactly the prettiest of buildings, will be leveled.
The second move is that Jimmy’s Auto Sales, which is located further down Beersheba Street, will move up the road and will be located next to the new tire shop directly across from Delta.
Jimmy Wimley owns the car lot and he’s spent the last few years buying the land across from Delta. Now he owns a pretty good chunk of it and has owned Lane’s Tire Shop for two years now.
Jimmy says he’s pleased with his current location on Beersheba Street but decided to make a move to property he owns so he won’t have to continue renting.
“That location has been good for us,” said Jimmy. “I don’t have any complaints. Last year we sold 124 cars and we do about that every year.”
The tire shop will be a pretty good-sized expansion for Jimmy. Currently, Bobby Foster manages the tire shop and is the only employee.
Bobby says he’s looking forward to getting help from a couple more employees and a receptionist. Jimmy said it is still several months down the road before the new tire shop will be open and his car lot moved.
Hughes closing in on a milestone
Anyone who has spent much time inside Security Federal has probably noticed Johnnie Hughes. After years of dedicated service, Johnnie will celebrate 30 years with the bank later this month.
“I’ve seen the bank grow beyond anyone’s wildest dreams,” said Hughes. “It has truly been my pleasure to be affiliated with a company like Security Federal Bank, that has meant what it has to our area.”
Hughes joined the bank March 26, 1973. At that time she was one of two full-time employees managed by Bob Montgomery. The bank also had one part-time employee.
My how times have changed. Now, it would probably take more employees than that just to work that monster drive-thru window at the Main Street branch.
Johnnie worked her way up the proverbial ladder and is now vice president of loan servicing. Security Federal began serving Warren County in 1960.
“Security Federal has long been known as the friendliest bank in town,” said president Joe Pugh. “And it’s people like Johnnie who have helped us earn that reputation.”
Johnnie and her husband, Donnie, live in McMinnville. They have two children, Greg and Stephen, and one grandchild, Tyler.
Annie Cantrell selected from hundreds of stores
Annie Cantrell has worked at Wal-Mart for 29 years. She’s worked at the Wal-Mart in McMinnville for 23 of those years.
With that sort of experience, it’s pretty accurate to say Annie, now an assistant manager, knows her stuff. That was obvious during a recent regional Wal-Mart awards presentation when Annie was selected Assistant of the Year from about 500 stores.
“I love my job and you’ve got to love your job if you’re going to do it well,” said Annie. “I try to do everything that needs to be done and help out where I can.”
The opportunity to help is never far away – and neither is Annie’s walkie-talkie. She carries it everywhere and is constantly receiving calls.
One thing I never knew about our local Wal-Mart is its employment figures. Annie said our local store has 368 employees.
“We’ve got a good store and some great people here,” she said.
Annie was proud to say McMinnville’s Wal-Mart is first in sales in its eight-store district. Overall, there are 90 Wal-Marts in Tennessee.
And, just as a side note for anyone who is interested, the new Wal-Mart that’s been built in Murfreesboro is set to open this Wednesday. Annie said that store will likely employ over 500.
That’s all folks
If you want to convey your business news in this column, give me a call. I can be reached at 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Signs you have GROWN UP
• You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
• 6 a.m. is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
• You hear your favorite song on an elevator.
• You watch the Weather Channel.
• Your friends marry and divorce instead of date and break up.
• You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
• Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as dressed up.
• You’re the one calling the police because those darn kids next door won’t turn down the stereo.
• You don’t know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
• Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
• You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald’s leftovers.
• Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
• You no longer take naps from noon to 6 p.m.
• Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
• Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 a.m. would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
• You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
• 90 percent of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
• You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn’t apply to you.