By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor
On a muggy summer evening, the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce held its 21st annual Legislative BBQ at Cleek Farms on the city’s east side. The event is often billed as an opportunity for members to hear an update of this year’s session directly from legislators.
After they served food to more than 120 attendees, speakers included State Reps. John Crawford, Timothy Hill and Bud Hulsey, State Sen. Bobby Harshbarger and Comptroller of the Tennessee Treasury Jason Mumpower.
The event also recognized Hulsey for more than a decade representing constituents in Nashville. He served 36 years with Kingsport Police Department and attended his 12th and final barbecue. Hulsey said it was an honor to represent the region and “your liberty, sovereignty and freedom was always at the center of my heart.”
Mumpower gave the lengthiest talk, claiming “Tennessee is the place people want to be” and “our property is in demand,” noting Tennessee is the fifth most “moved to-state” for people coming one way from other locations, primarily California and Illinois.
“But I can tell you from talking with these people in many cases, they are coming here because they are looking for a freer, cheaper way of life, a lower tax environment,” he explained. “That’s why we have job growth booming across the state. That’s why we have companies, big and small, coming to Tennessee…We have companies, families and people that want to be in Tennessee, and we all benefit from that.”
Up for re-election, Crawford said he’s proud of climbing the ladder to chair the House State and Local Government Committee, building relationships and making Tennessee the No. 1 state for election integrity.
With a slew of regional sponsors, the Empty Bottle String Band provided entertainment. Bristol, Virginia Mayor Jake Holmes served as emcee.
“The Legislative BBQ began more than 20 years ago, when our then-State Representative Jason Mumpower — now Comptroller — and I were discussing new ideas to review the session for our Chamber members. We wanted something fun that felt more like a community gathering and less like a meeting,” Kingsport Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer Nicole Austin told the Business Journal after the event. “It has grown into one of Kingsport’s favorite legislative traditions. Attendees come back every year for fellowship with community leaders and hear an update on the legislative session. There is also something special about seeing our legislators roll up their sleeves, put on aprons and literally serve the community!”
