Displaying items by tag: State of Tennessee
NASHVILLE — “Phoning it in” is not necessarily a bad thing, at least when it comes to putting local foods on the table.
“Not everybody can be a farmer, but everybody can find farms, farmers markets and pick-your-own patches nearby,” says Pamela Bartholomew, agritourism coordinator with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “Smart phone scanners make finding fresh, local foods so easy, you can literally phone it in!”
Savvy cell phone users can now point their phone cameras at a “QR,” or “quick response” code, and launch an application that takes them straight to the Pick Tennessee Products website. Once the code has done its job, shoppers can instantly access directories for local farmers markets, CSA (community supported agriculture) farms, and pick your own patches and orchards. The website features fruits, vegetables and other local and artisan products during the seasons they’re available in Tennessee.
“The key to eating local is being aware that every fruit and vegetable has its own right time for growth and harvest,” says Bartholomew. “The modern grocery store creates the illusion that all foods are available all the time, all year round. If you want to eat local, you need to know there’s no point looking for fresh Tennessee green beans in January.
“Green beans are typically available just about everywhere in Tennessee in July. Watermelons? July, if you’re lucky, but August, for sure. Sweet potatoes? October. Some crops, called ‘cool weather’ crops, actually get two seasons in Tennessee, which are spring and fall. Right now, all sorts of cool weather crops like cabbage, lettuces, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas, onions and potatoes are becoming plentiful.”
“The website’s new ‘growing seasons’ chart is our most comprehensive ever,” says Bartholomew. To see the chart, visitwww.picktnproducts.org, click on “Food,” and then go to “Fruits and Vegetables.” From there, click on “Growing Seasons.”
The Pick Tennessee Products site also offers a collection of seasonal recipes made with Tennessee grown and processed foods. The latest recipe, “Blue Cheese and Bacon Coleslaw,” features fresh local cabbage, which is available now.
Pick Tennessee Products is the statewide campaign developed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to help consumers find Tennessee farms, farm products and foods processed in Tennessee. More than 1,600 farmers and about 7,000 products, services and events are currently listed at the site.
Visit www.picktnproducts.org to find local farms, farmers markets, farm-direct products, recipes and other artisan and processed foods. Follow Pick Tennessee Products on Facebook and Twitter.
Blue Cheese and Bacon Coleslaw
Yield: 10 servings
- 1 head fresh shredded cabbage or 1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
In a large bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, cheese, and bacon. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Gently toss over the coleslaw mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
Missing Product Dumped, Possibly Distributed in Some Nashville Neighborhoods
NASHVILLE – A truck load of potatoes destined for a landfill after being exposed to smoke and fire retardant was discovered missing and possibly distributed to unsuspecting area residents. The load was involved in a vehicle mishap on I-24 earlier this week.
As a precaution, state Agriculture and Health officials are asking people in Nashville and surrounding areas to not accept or consume potatoes that were not purchased from a reputable source or retail outlet. There have been reports of residents in some North Nashville neighborhoods receiving “free” potatoes. The product should be destroyed.
The product is labeled as Dole brand Russet potatoes and packaged in 10-pound poly bags. Although the health risks are low, the product should not be consumed.
The shipment of about 42,000 pounds of potatoes was headed for distribution to a major retail chain when it was involved in a mishap early Wednesday morning at mile marker 36 on I-24 near Joelton. State Agriculture food safety officials condemned the product, which had been exposed to fire, smoke, fire retardant and possibly other materials.The damaged trailer was being held at a local towing business for transport to a landfill when the product marked condemned was discovered missing.
The potatoes were reportedly dumped on a private lot, but state officials have been unable to account for the product. Reports surfaced today from area residents who may have received some of the contaminated produce.
Health officials recommend anyone who may have consumed this product and is experiencing illness should seek medical attention.
11 Tennessee Companies to Join ECD Representatives in China and South Korea
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced the participants of ECD’s upcoming trade mission to China and South Korea April 15-21, 2012. The trade mission, part of ECD’s export initiative TNTrade, focuses on Tennessee’s medical device manufacturers and other health care companies.
The group, including representatives from Stinger Medical of Murfreesboro, will visit Beijing, China and Seoul, South Korea where they will attend meetings arranged by the U.S. Commercial Service. The mission participants will also travel to Shenzhen, China to attend the China International Medical Equipment Fair, the largest exhibition of medical equipment and related products and services in the Asia-Pacific region.
“This is an excellent opportunity for these Tennessee businesses to open the door for exports to two rapidly growing Asian markets,” Will Alexander, ECD assistant commissioner, said. “TNTrade is intended to increase the number of small- and medium-sized Tennessee companies that are exporting overseas, and this mission is a great way to kick off the program.”
The companies participating in the trade mission are:
• ABT Molecular Imaging, Knoxville, a molecular imaging company and manufacturer of the "Dose on Demand" Biomarker Generator which provides researchers and clinicians access to PET biomarkers on demand.
• Christie Medical Holdings, Memphis, is the developer of the revolutionary VeinViewer imaging system, designed to see a patient’s veins through their skin for assistance in IV placement and blood draws.
• Dream Systems, Nashville, develops and implements telehealth solutions for local, regional, national and international healthcare organizations.
• E-Spin Technologies, Chattanooga, a global leader in nanofiber manufacturing and nanofiber-based air filtration products providing cleaner air for healthcare, commercial, industrial and residential markets.
• Fillauer, Chattanooga, a leading manufacturer and distributor of orthotic and prosthetic products both domestically and internationally.
• Gryphus Diagnostics, Knoxville, develops and manufactures products primarily for women's health, including in vitro diagnostics tests for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
• Hollywog, Chattanooga, is the developer of WiTouch™, the first wireless remote controlled pain relief device incorporating TENS technology to specifically target back pain.
• iScreen Vision, Cordova, provides fast, easy, and portable pediatric vision-screening equipment and analysis for infants, pre-school children and school-age children.
• Silicone Arts Laboratories, Memphis, combines Hollywood special effects and plastic surgery techniques to manufacture scar and wrinkle concealment products called Dermaflage.
• Stinger Medical, Murfreesboro, manufactures cordless mobile workstations used by nurses at the bedside for patient documentation and medication administration, and Mobius Power®, a swappable battery system that keeps mobile carts powered 24/7.
• VenX Medical, Nashville, is the developer of a disposable, hand actuated proprietary device for the treatment of small- and medium-sized veins.
TNTrade is a statewide initiative intended to support Governor Bill Haslam's goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. Aside from the upcoming trade mission, TNTrade offers small- and medium-sized companies across all sectors access to new markets through the Market Access Program (MAP). Click here for more information or to apply for MAP reimbursements of up to $5,000 per company. The program is funded through a U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.
State Unemployment Rate Drops for Seventh Consecutive Month
|
Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment
|
|||||
|
(numbers in thousands)
|
Feb 2011
|
Jan 2012
|
Feb 2012
|
Annual Change
Feb 2011 to 2012 |
Monthly Change
Jan 2012 to Feb 2012 |
|
Total Nonfarm
|
2,642.1
|
2,687.4
|
2,692.2
|
50.1
|
4.8
|
|
Mining/logging/construction
|
106.0
|
115.8
|
114.4
|
8.4
|
-1.4
|
|
Manufacturing
|
303.0
|
307.2
|
307.7
|
4.7
|
0.5
|
|
Trade/transportation/utilities
|
558.4
|
558.3
|
558.8
|
0.4
|
0.5
|
|
Information
|
44.1
|
44.6
|
44.8
|
0.7
|
0.2
|
|
Financial activities
|
135.4
|
136.5
|
136.0
|
0.6
|
-0.5
|
|
Professional/business services
|
315.4
|
331.10
|
332.2
|
16.8
|
1.2
|
|
Education/health services
|
381.2
|
387.0
|
389.3
|
8.1
|
2.3
|
|
Leisure/hospitality
|
265.1
|
266.9
|
267.4
|
2.3
|
0.5
|
|
Other services
|
101.8
|
102.0
|
101.6
|
-0.2
|
-0.4
|
|
Government
|
431.7
|
438.1
|
440.0
|
8.3
|
1.9
|
Franchise and Excise Tax, Individual Income Tax, and Gift Tax Return Filers Have Until April 17, 2012 to File and Pay
Nashville - Taxpayers who normally file their individual income tax, franchise and excise tax, or gift tax returns by April 15 have a few extra days to file and remit their payments to the Department of Revenue.
Legislation enacted in 2011 permits the due date of individual income tax, franchise and excise tax, and gift tax returns to be extended when the due date falls on any federal holiday recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. This extension also applies to any remittance due or other tax document, including quarterly estimated payments and extension requests.
Due to the observance of Emancipation Day in Washington, DC, the Internal Revenue Service announced April 17, 2012, as the official due date for filing individual federal tax forms. Tennessee law now allows taxpayers to effectively have the same due dates for their state tax returns as they have for their federal 1040 series returns.
The extended due date is April 17, 2012. Returns and tax payments normally due on April 15, 2012, that are postmarked on or before April 17, 2012, will be considered timely filed. Any tax returns or payments required to be electronically filed are also allowed the extended time to file and pay. Electronic filers using the Global Payment Systems option have until 3:00 p.m., Central Time on April 16, 2012 to remit their returns and payments.
“This legislative action makes good sense for Tennesseans,” said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. “Allowing our state’s citizens the same extended due date available to them at the federal level eliminates confusion and ensures taxpayers are given credit for timely filing and paying their taxes.”
The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 91 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2011 fiscal year, the department collected $10.4 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2011 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $2.0 billion. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.
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National Kick Butts Day is today
NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee youngsters will join thousands of their peers across the country taking part in Kick Butts Day today. This nationwide initiative encourages kids to be leaders in the effort to stop youth tobacco use.
“Young people are a very powerful part of the solution to reducing tobacco use among our children and teenagers,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Through participation in Kick Butts Day, kids are setting a healthy example and sharing this lifesaving message with their peers.”
In Tennessee, nearly 21 percent of high school students, or 73,000 teenagers, are smokers, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The organization also reports 7,600 Tennessee juveniles become new daily smokers each year. Statistics also show how deadly this daily habit can be. The group estimates 132,000 juveniles now alive in Tennessee will ultimately die prematurely as a result of smoking.
The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, can help by offering personalized support for Tennessee teens and adults who want to quit smoking. Callers are connected with trained quit coaches to guide them through the quitting process, and receive ongoing professional coaching with a quit coach personally assigned to them. QuitLine callers also have complimentary access to relapse prevention techniques, printed resource materials, information on nicotine replacement therapies and other services to help in the quitting process. This convenient and confidential service is free and available to Tennesseans seven days a week in both English and Spanish. The service is also available for the deaf and hard of hearing at TTY: 1-877-559-3816.
Tennessee residents can also access the QuitLine at www.tnquitline.com to enroll in the online program to get the plan, tools and support to quit smoking or using other tobacco products. Clients get fast, free access to a personal health coach, progress chart, interactive tools and other helpful resources.
The Tennessee Department of Health’s county health clinics also offer smoking cessation services to help both teenage and adult smokers kick the habit. Contact your local health department for details. A list of Tennessee’s health department locations can be found online at http://health.state.tn.us/localdepartments.htm.
Kick Butts Day is a national effort led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. To learn more and find a list of Tennessee events planned for Kick Butts Day 2012, go to http://kickbuttsday.org/.
New online system makes it easy to get free permit
NASHVILLE – With Spring drawing near, Tennesseans begin to take advantage of the mild weather to do some yard work around the home or farm. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry wants to remind citizens that if they are considering doing outdoor burning, a burn permit is required.
“Burning vegetative material that has accumulated around the yard or using fire to clear an old field can be an efficient way to get rid of such vegetation,” said State Forester Steven Scott. “However, it is very important that citizens practice safe outdoor burning. Obtaining a burn permit in advance of outdoor burning is our way of making the public aware of those recommendations and helping them know when, where, and how it is safe to burn.”
The free burn permits are required in all areas of the state by law until May 15 unless otherwise covered by local ordinances. Residents should check with their city and county government for any local restrictions.
Permits can now be obtained online for small scale burning of leaf and brush piles measuring less than 8 feet by 8 feet in area. The online system was developed to more efficiently issue permits to landowners conducting small scale debris burns, and to provide better access through the weekend and after-work hours for landowners. These permits can be obtained on days and in counties where burn permits are allowed by visiting www.burnsafetn.org. The website is also a good source of information for safe debris burning practices and fire prevention tips including how to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.
The permits can also still be obtained by calling your local Division of Forestry office between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Permits are generally good for 24 hours and can be issued for weekend burning. Phone numbers for each office can be found in the state government section of your local phone book, or by visiting www.burnsafetn.org.
More than 375,000 permits were issued last year for activities that included unconfined, outdoor burning of brush and leaves, untreated wood waste and burning to clear land. The number of requests on any given day can be high, so delays are possible, but every attempt will be made to accommodate requests.
Once a burn permit is obtained, debris burners should practice common sense while conducting a burn. This includes:
• Establish a control line around the fire, down to bare soil before conducting the burn.
• Notify neighbors and local fire departments in advance as a courtesy.
• Have tools on hand such as a leaf rake and garden hose or bucket of water to help control the fire.
• Watch for changing weather conditions as winds can blow the fire in the wrong direction.
• Always stay with your fire until it is completely out. It is not only the smart thing to do, but it is also illegal to leave an open fire unattended.
Escaped debris burns were the leading cause of wildfires in Tennessee last year accounting for 409 fires that burned nearly 2,500 acres. The Division’s burn permit system has dramatically helped reduce the numbers of escaped burns since the program began in 1995. Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $50.
Wildfires caused by arson were the second leading cause last year, but accounted for the largest acreage, burning more than 7,500 acres. Wildland arson is a class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at 1-800-762-3017.
For more information on the TDA’s Division of Forestry, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forestry. For more information on safe debris burning, visit www.burnsafetn.org.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
Nashville to Host State Arbor Day Celebration -
NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam has proclaimed March 2 as Arbor Day in Tennessee to recognize the importance of trees to our state. This year’s state celebration will be held in Nashville, which has been designated a Tree City USA community.
“Arbor Day is important for reminding us of the value of trees not only in our rural areas but in our urban areas as well,” Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “TDA is committed to improving and protecting our forest resources, which contribute a number of environmental and economic benefits.”
Nashville earned the honor of hosting this year’s state Arbor Day celebration by being recognized as the state’s Tree Board of the Year in 2011. The Arbor Day celebration will take place March 2 at 11 a.m. CST in Centennial Park. Mayor Karl Dean and other state and local officials will plant trees in honor of current and late community leaders.
Citizens can also show their support for Arbor Day by visiting local retail nurseries and garden centers for Tennessee grown trees. Selecting locally grown trees not only add value to your home but help ensure success with a quality product that is already acclimated to Tennessee’s growing conditions. A list of nurseries and garden centers with locally grown trees is available at www.picktnproducts.org.
Arbor Day is a national observance, which is recognized at different times based on a region’s ideal conditions and climate for tree planting and care. Arbor Day in Tennessee is always recognized the first Friday in March.
TDA’s Division of Forestry works to protect and enhance forests that cover 14 million acres and provide more than 60,000 jobs. Forests also help promote clean water, wildlife habitat and recreation. Last year, TDA awarded more than $100,000 in Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program grants for 17 urban tree projects statewide.
More information on the Division of Forestry and Arbor Day can be found at www.TN.gov/agriculture/forestry or www.arborday.org.
