Murfreesboro, TN – Congressional candidate, U.S. Marine, and Iraq War helicopter pilot combat veteran Ben Leming is touring across Middle Tennessee to share his “Battle Plan” to rebuild the nation’s economy. The tour will include stops in Carthage, Cookeville, Gallatin, Lewisburg, Livingston, Murfreesboro, and Springfield.

Leming is visiting eight counties across the 6^th District this week and will be speaking on how his plan will aid in the economic development of America. Leming said the plan will not be a quick fix to the country’s economic woes but it will prepare the nation to compete in the 21^st Century Economy.

“This is a huge challenge but, make no mistake, it is also an opportunity. It is an opportunity for our nation to invest in the infrastructure and training that will create the jobs of the future and move our economy forward. It’s an opportunity for us to once again unleash America’s greatest asset, the ingenuity of our people,” said Leming of the current economic recession.

The plan calls for investments in small and existing businesses, modernization of the nation’s infrastructure, funding for technical training and education programs that train the 21^st Century workforce, investments in renewable energy, and a leadership in Washington that unites Americans behind the challenge of retooling the workforce.

Voters can view the entire plan at <http://www.benleming.com/fullarticledisplay.php?articleid=67>.

“Let’s put America on a mission to retool our economy and take a long-view of this economic recovery together. This will take some time, but it will ultimately move us forward to be leaders again. In the meantime, we must invest in education and unemployment relief for our out of work families. It does us no good to invest for the future if our communities die on the vine while our economic seeds germinate.”

Murfreesboro native Ben Leming, a captain in the Marine Corps Reserves, is a veteran of the Iraq War and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He is a Democrat running for the seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Bart Gordon in Tennessee’s 6^th District.

Now more than ever, it is important for a business to communicate effectively with potential clients. A business may have only a few seconds to share its message with an audience, and you want to be sure you’re sending the right one. In everything from website to print, design is typically the first thing a potential client may see, and it may be the only thing they remember. JK Design | Graphic Communications can help you send the right message and leave a lasting memory.

JK Design | Graphic Communications and Communication is a Middle Tennessee based design business that produces insightful design in marketing and advertising including web design, business cards, print materials, book layout and illustration.

“I start with most business with the same way I did my own,” explained Owner Johnny King of his business approach. “I make sure to establish an identity by listening to the needs of my clients. I then carry that identity in everything.”

Johnny relies heavily on his interpersonal and communication skills to learn what it is that his clients want to say. This MTSU grad has realized over his years of experience that designers are communicators first, and it is his responsibility to help clients communicate what it is they have to say.

A strong member of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Johnny enjoys working with businesses of all sizes. In particular, he tries to help small businesses best choose where to spend their marketing dollars and create successful design.

“I am able to handle every aspect of this busin ess including copy writing and networking,” said Johnny. “There is often a disconnect between marketing and image, and I can mend that disconnection.”

JK Design | Graphic Communications
615-406-0770
www.JKDesignGC.com
www.facebook.com/JKDesignGC

“I might not have to agree with Islam, but until these people break the law, I fully support them,” explained Eric Allen Bell about his documentary being shot in Murfreesboro.

Almost every resident of Murfreesboro and its surrounding areas is aware of the Islamic Mosque debate. The issue has been featured in the media for months, even making national news on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. Many community members show great concern about the Mosque Center’s expansion to the point of protest and are trying to get the project shut down before building begins. Others support the group in their decision to expand their worship center and are standing up for religious freedom.

Bell, a Murfreesboro resident of two years, began shooting his documentary upon seeing the issue through the media and hearing it discussed among friends. He soon thought someone should take the opportunity to show the topic from all angles.

“This is a classic David and Goliath situation,” described Bell. “My documentary is about America. When it comes to government, there is no right to regulate religion. We are in danger of losing our liberties. If we let them shut down this [worship center], who are they going to go after next?”

Bell explained his documentary as having two parts. The first part addresses the problem of religious intolerance and the second presents a solution. The film will have one overall message about religious and political freedom and how “evil persists when people stand by and do nothing.”

Bell claims that the religious intolerance is driven by fear and a misunderstanding of culture. “I’m not saying people should turn off their critical thinking, but don’t confuse fear with facts. Just because someone has a southern accent, it doesn’t mean they are racist or ignorant. Don’t make similar assumptions about another culture.”

“The imam of the Murfreesboro Islamic Center wants to assure all citizens that he left the country he is from because he loves the United States,” said Bell of his meeting with the Islamic Center representative. “The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro is not here to change our laws or our way of life but rather to enjoy what this great country has to offer.”

Although this is Bell’s first documentary, he is no stranger to the film industry. He moved to Murfreesboro from Los Angeles, looking for a place where people are nicer and things move a little slower.

“This film is not about being liberal or conservative,” says Bell. “It’s about being an American.”

Bell has been in the motion picture industry since 1990 and has been hired to write screenplays and adapt novels for major studios. His directorial debut "The Bondage" premiered at the South By South West Film Festival

This week’s piece is a little broad and should instead be taken as advice. My husband ran to the grocery store this morning, and he brought me flowers upon his return. He had no reason at all for the gesture other than to make my morning nice.

I never want to buy myself fresh flowers because I know they will die within a week, and I feel that my money will be wasted. But nothing brightens a room like the bright fragrant beauties, and nothing can make a person’s day like a surprise bouquet.

James got me 2 bundles of Gerbera Daisies, one white and on red. They are not particularly my favorite flower, but he likes them and they are quite cheery. He simply picked up the flowers at Publix for no more that 5 dollars each. He really doesn’t do this often, as in it has been over a year since the last time I got flowers, but I think that makes the gesture even sweeter and more of a surprise. Sometimes it’s just nice to know that someone was thinking of you.

So, as our friends at everdaycelebrating.com encourage, make someone else’s day for no reason. Say happy Wednesday to your child. Brighten up the office break room. Treat yourself a little. Now my mood lightens a little every time I see that vase on my kitchen table.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next piece of the week? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Last week I mentioned that I am planning two parties, including a bridal shower for one of my best friends. This has turned into a fairly difficult event to plan, but luckily, I chose to go to The Write Impression, located on the Downtown Square at 120 South Maple Street. Not only are my invitations perfect, but the ladies who work there made my job so much easier.

Susan Grear has helped me keep my sanity over the planning of this shower. I went into the store knowing one thing; I had to send out some invites and soon. She sat down with me to get an idea of what type of shower I wanted to have, how I wanted to word the invitations and what would best suit my party guests’ needs. So this week’s piece is technically my invitation, but the service I received really made this stationary boutique stand out.

At The Write Impression, clients can choose to have invitations printed in store in a hurry or ordered, both options have a wide selection of styles to choose from. I chose to have them printed in store, and the quality turned out perfectly. Susan was more than happy to send me multiple proofs before I gave her the confirmation to print. She tried different fonts, colors and styles, and she always offered great ideas.

More than anything, The Write Impression made my job easy. I told them what to say, and they said it beautifully. The staff does an amazing job of combining proper etiquette with modern style to create the perfect stationary without being too stuffy. The boutique also has a great selection of unique gifts including monogrammed money clips and glasses, jewelry, candles and tote bags.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next treasure? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Businesses sometimes forget how important basic communication services are to their survival, typically until something breaks. Whether it is a disconnected phone line or need for complete disaster recovery, a business cannot operate without the ability to communicate. Eagle Communications can help you not only stay connected, but they will help you find the best service and value for your dollar.

Ron Young has been in the communication industry for over 25 years. This veteran of phone service has seen the technology change, and has managed to adjust his company accordingly. Eagle Communications specializes in communication services and consulting, updating technology, retrieving data, educates on backing up, IT management and much more.

“I have made connections with all of the local companies to bring the best services to my clients,” explained Young. “I’ll bring you the best fit, so you don’t have to spend time searching for it. My whole goal is to help you do your job better.”

Eagle Communications also specializes in phone bill evaluation. Phone companies sometimes charge hidden fees and adjustments. Ron has gotten his clients as much as $400 in credit from phone and internet companies. He can negotiate your contract to reduce your monthly costs.

“Your communication services typically take up five to seven percent of  business costs,” said Young. “But they are responsible for 90 to 95 percent of your income.”

Ron is very involved throughout Murfreesboro, including The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Middle Tennessee State University. For the next 90 days, Eagle Communications is contributing 5% of profits from new clients to the MTSU Blue Raider Athletic Association.

Eagle Communications launched in 2004. In April of 2010, the business took a new consultation direction after seeing a need for it in Middle Tennessee.

The most recent launch of Eagle Communications is with one of their vendors, Cable Link Solutions. The two companies have begun offering Direct TV to apartment communities. With only one satellite dish, their technology is able to provide satellite television service to multiple apartment residents.

For more information on Eagle Communications, call Ron Young at (615) 752- 5495, or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This week’s local has proven that you can obtain a college degree at any time…even if it takes twenty years. Johnny King is a graphic designer who admits that you are never finished learning, and that’s what makes a successful business model.

JK Design Graphic Communications is a Murfreesboro based company that specializes in print design of all sorts, web design, book layout and design, and illustration. Check out Johnny's work at www.jkdesigngc.com.

Johnny first enrolled in Middle Tennessee State University in 1987 and received his diploma in 2007. He has always wanted to do the same thing, create beautiful and successful design.

“It is my responsibility as a designer to not put bad design into the world,” commented Johnny. “There is enough of that already.”

But do not be fooled, Johnny didn’t spend 20 years sitting in a classroom. Having many years experience in the publishing industry, he has skillfully learned how to manage the print business both behind a computer and in the field. He is proud to say that he has a wide skill set, making him both the suit and the nerd.

“I am able to handle every aspect of my business from copy writing to networking,” he laughed. “I love having no overhead.”

This active Chamber of Commerce member is striving to help other local businesses succeed in a world often cluttered with too many messages. Johnny works with a lot of start-up companies and helps to make sure they are not wasting money on poor marketing and graphic design.

“I have a tender place in my heart for anything independently owned,” explained Johnny. “I really want to help these businesses thrive.”

If you know someone you feel should be our featured local of the week, email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Murfreesboro, TN - LINENS & MORE FOR LESS! will open its third store next month in Murfreesboro, ceo Fred Mershad announced today.

The new 30,000-square-foot home and gift superstore will be located at The Avenue Murfreesboro, 2615 Medical Center Parkway, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods.  The Grand Opening is set for Friday, August 13.

The chain launches with its first store, in the Howland Commons near Warren, Ohio, this month, and Mershad promises a whole new experience for discriminating shoppers.

LINENS & MORE FOR LESS!, headquartered in Brookfield, Ohio, will be a “category killer” in retailing for the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, Mershad said.

“We will be the headquarters store in Murfreesboro for quality, assortment and brand names for bedroom, bath, and kitchen, at terrific prices no other stores can match,” Mershad said.  He promised “the largest assortment for top of the bed; the largest assortment of towels and bathroom rugs, and the largest assortment of cookware, bakeware, housewares, gadgets, dinnerware, flatware and glassware in the market.”

There will also be a sleep shop, offering sleep furnishings customized to individual sleeping habits, as well as a candle shop, a frame shop, a unique and color-driven gift department, a luggage department and a wall decor department.  In addition, there will be a Sealy and Stearns and Foster mattress department with a full assortment of quality bedding.

Research showed the Murfreesboro area to be a perfect market because of  “the mix of consumer types, the needs of regional households, and the general frustration faced by so many who are, quite frankly, unnerved by the way many retailers play games today with their product pricing,” Mershad said.

By the end of the year, the new chain operation will have opened stores in Dayton, Ohio and Erie, Pa., as well as in Paducah, Ky. and Huntington, W.Va., he said. Plans are to add a bridal registry in 2011.

Mershad says that based upon market research, consumers will come into the stores on a frequent basis simply to check out the one-of-a-kind, extraordinary values available on the store’s S.O.S. Tables.  S.O.S. stands for “Super Outstanding Savings,” and offerings change frequently.

“It’s new, it’s customer friendly and it’s real,” remarks the company’s president, “and our Murfreesboro area families are going to love this new kind of experience.”

“Our philosophy and selling strategy are different than all similar stores and will be a dynamic new approach to retailing,” Mershad said. “The difference will be

marked by virtue of our name brands, our lowest prices, and our wide range and depth of inventory — and we never forget that the customer’s comfort and satisfaction come first.”

“Our customers don’t have to wait for a sale,” Mershad said; “they can confidently shop knowing our prices won’t be lower next week, that they are extremely competitive and that we’ll meet any competitive prices on the same item.”

LINENS & MORE FOR LESS! is not a discount chain store, Mershad emphasized. “We’re a value-driven quality retailer, and we’ll be offering top-grade merchandise at terrific prices.”

Mershad has more than 30 years experience in retailing.  He formerly served as chairman, president and ceo of  Elder Beerman Stores Corp.; president and ceo of Proffitts Department Store; president and ceo of  World Bazaar, Inc., and president of Goody’s Inc.

He has, he said, brought with him to the new undertaking some of the industry’s leading buyers and administrators.   “We’ve searched the industry for the most savvy, quality, price and selection-oriented buyers, and we’re ready to offer Murfreesboro’s consumers price, quality, depth and selection beyond anything they’ve ever experienced,”   he said.

Are your cabinets lacking the vibrancy they once had? Have years of wear stripped your wood floors from the awe they once received? Well, now there is an alternative to replacing the wood surfaces in your home. NHance is a revolutionary wood renewal service that not only renews but conserves and preserves in a cost effective way. There is no dust and no fuss when you NHance your home.

"You can repair damaged wood, change the color of the surface or simply restore the wood's natural beauty," explained Tommy Clarke, Murfreesboro's NHance Representative. "And the best part is, this service costs about a third of what new cabinets do."

With NHance, there is no stripping, no sanding, minimal odor, no dust and quick dry time. A wood renewal only takes one day and a color shift only takes two to three days. You can walk on your renewed floors in as little as 4 hours. With high performance, low VOC finishes you can rest assure that your home will be treated with the best products.

NHance provides the best service to their clients and wants to work with you to get the results you deserve. They price by the square foot at a flat rate so you can avoid any unexpected markups. Call Tommy today for a free in-home estimate at (615) 653-6241.

I have parties on the brain right now. On August 8^th, I am throwing not one but two parties. First I have my son’s first birthday party at 1p.m. and then my best friend’s lingerie shower dinner at 7 p.m. (not to mention her bridal brunch the following morning.) Some might say I’m crazy, but really I’m just pressed for time.

I got this idea from a seller on ETSY.com and thought ‘I can do that.’ I always think stuff is going to be easier than it really is. I am attempting to make this banner that says “I am 1” to hang on August’s highchair for the big day. I thought the best thing about it is over the years I can easily change out the numbers.

I started by picking out the ribbon and tulle I will use to connect the colorful cardstock. I also got white letters and numbers. The cardstock, ribbon and letters were all half off. Hobby Lobby always has great sales that you can even check online. I got all of my supplies for $15.87.

My favorite thing about Hobby Lobby is, unlike most ginormous stores, everyone is so friendly…and they actually know where to find stuff! The downfall to Hobby Lobby is I always stay way too long.

I am not exactly the craftiest person. I can put together an outfit in no time, but give me a scrapbook and it’s probably going in the trash (after collecting dust in the corner for six months.) But I decided I wanted to be the cool mom and always throw a big bash for my son. Although I know he won’t remember his first birthday, I’m really trying to put forth an effort. Hobby Lobby makes crafts easy for people like me.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next treasure? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .