Our theme this month is the “Celebration of America,” as the United States commemorates 250 years since its Declaration of Independence. The Business Journal of Tri-Cities decided to reach out to business, educational and community leaders across the Appalachian Highlands to share their thoughts on the country marking its Semiquincentennial.
“The Scots-Irish who settled our region came seeking a fresh start, but when old-world threats followed them to the frontier, they mustered, marched, and won the Battle of King’s Mountain — a victory Thomas Jefferson later called ‘the turn of the tide of success’ — before Cornwallis surrendered the following year. The story of America’s independence cannot be fully told without the Overmountain Men (and women) of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.”
— Jeff Fleming, Visit Kingsport relocation manager
“When I think of our country turning 250 years old, I think of all those men and women who fought for our freedom against those who wanted to take our freedom. Those men and women ran to the fight not from it.”
— Miles Burdine, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce president & CEO
“Washington County has helped drive the American story since long before our nation reached this milestone, and honoring our 250th anniversary means recognizing that our greatest contribution to the future is the same work we do every day: showing up for our neighbors and building a stronger community. This occasion challenges us to carry our region’s historic spirit of self-reliance forward – ensuring we remain a place where people and businesses can continue to thrive for generations.”
— Joe Grandy, mayor of Washington County, Tenn.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a time to celebrate the ideals that have made our nation unique. Our founders recognized that our rights come from God — not from government — and that enduring principle has helped make the United States the greatest force for freedom and opportunity the world has ever known.”
— Alan Levine, Ballad Health CEO and chairman
“The 250th Anniversary of the USA reminds me of celebrating the 200th. I lived outside of Philadelphia and traveled into the city to see the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall. I like to reflect on the lives of the founders of our country and what life might have been like for them. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, I’m reminded of the enduring values of opportunity, service and civic engagement that continue to shape our nation. At UVA Wise, we honor that legacy every day by preparing students to lead, serve and strengthen the communities of Southwest Virginia and beyond.”
— Donna Henry, UVA Wise chancellor
“Celebrating 250 years of America is a monumental milestone. Travel connects us all, allowing us to share the diverse music, food and culture that make each corner of our nation unique. I treasure the stories, words of wisdom and traditions passed down through generations. As we look to the future, let’s hold fast to the values and rich heritage that make Tennessee and Appalachia such an integral part of the American story. May we never forget our roots, always learn from each other, and ensure our piece of history stands firm for the next 250 years.”
— Alicia Phelps, Northeast Tennessee Tourism executive director
“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, I’m reminded that our nation’s strength has always come from the determination, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. Working in economic development, I get to see every day how free enterprise and local investment create opportunities for families, small businesses and future generations to thrive. America empowers individuals to turn ideas into livelihoods and ambitions into lasting prosperity. It is a privilege and blessing to be in this profession in a region and state that values the American dream and the work ethic and passion that allow its citizens to pursue it.”
— Clay Walker, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership CEO
“250 years of the American experiment have led to amazing accomplishments that are certainly worth celebrating today. This great nation, birthed in Virginia, is still growing and developing but what an amazing moment to be a part of!”
— Jake Holmes, mayor, City of Bristol, Va.
“Across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, each community has its own distinct landmarks, institutions and moments in history worth celebrating and preserving. This year, as we mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, we enjoy a rare opportunity to reflect on these stories collectively and to recognize that this region’s place in history reaches back well before our existence as a nation. It feels genuinely special to take part in this moment by celebrating not only a national milestone, but also the many exceptional contributions by each of our communities to the American story.”
— Jon Luttrell, director of community relations, City of Bristol, Tenn.
“As our nation marks 250 years, I think about the public institutions that helped shape communities like ours. For more than a century, ETSU has opened doors for generations of students across Appalachia, and that work remains as important today as ever.”
— Brian Noland, East Tennessee State University president
“I remember as a teenager the bicentennial was celebrated at Freedom Hall and the naming of the two junior high schools were Independence and Constitution. There were American flags and banners all over town to celebrate, and the City of Johnson City also had a commemorative coin.”
— Bob Cantler, Johnson City, Jonesborough, Washington Co. Chamber president/CEO
“Opportunity, freedom, and a union based not on blood relations or political like-mindedness, but on set of self-evident truths. Thank goodness for our country. God Bless America.”
— Dr. Jeff McCord, Northeast State Community College president
“As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, resilience and possibility, we are reminded that our nation’s strength has always come from people willing to persevere, work together and fight for a better future. At Frontier Health, those same values guide us every day: the grit to keep showing up, the determination to meet challenges with compassion and the belief that our diversity makes us stronger. As we move forward, we honor the freedoms generations fought to secure by continuing to build healthier communities where every person is seen, valued and supported.”
— Kristie Hammonds, Frontier Health president and CEO
“The celebration of America’s 250th anniversary is about more than looking back; it’s about coming together as a close community to recognize how far we’ve come and the possibilities that lie ahead. It’s about vision. Bristolians take pride in our history, our resilience, and the people who continue to invest their time, talent and resources in making our community stronger for future generations. I look forward to celebrating with my friends and neighbors.”
— Beth Rhinehart, Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
“Our family plans to spend our country’s 250th anniversary together, enjoying time with one another and thanking God for our many blessings. We are so grateful to have been born in such a wonderful and blessed nation.”
— David Wampler, Jersey Mike’s Franchisee
