2009 Performance Report
“Moving The Earth For Business”

Noteworthy Accomplishments for 2009:

• Compiled U.S. Chamber Accreditation materials, receiving four stars; have been accredited since 1979.
• Coordinated 7th year Chamber Business Showcase for the membership and community.
• Transitioned the Washington County Imagination Library Program to the Johnson City Public Library in October, with 3400+ children receiving a monthly book.
• Transitioned the Keep Washington County Beautiful Program to the City of Johnson City’s Public Works Department in August.
• Endorsed the Washington County Economic Development Council.
• Received 17th year of an unqualified opinion audit in response to our fiscal procedures.
• Socially networked the Chamber and CVB on Facebook, providing information on events and activities.
• Continued joint membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, offering business-related information and national discounts to our membership.
• Worked with City of Johnson City, Economic Development Board, JC Development Authority, local governments, and others to secure Benchmark 3 Designation through the Governor’s 3-Star Program.
• Achieved Level 2 Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence status, one of only two counties.
• Visitors, meetings, sporting events, and attractions generated $194.37 million for our county.
• Celebrated 24th year of Chamber Ambassador and Leadership-2015 Programs.
• Continued regional participation in U.S. Chamber ACCESS Small Business Summit, including visits to our delegation in DC.
• Continued ongoing intergovernmental relations, addressing issues of importance to business.

Chamber staff served on the following local, state, and national committees: American Chamber of Commerce, East TN Regional Environmental Conference, ETSU Pride, JCDA, JC Economic Summit, NETTA, TN Association of CVBs, TN Chamber of Commerce, TN Hotel & Lodging Assn, Tri-Cities TN/VA Travel Connection, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including Small Business, Nominating Committee, Accreditation Board, Federation Executive Committee, and Homeland Security.

Chamber Mission: The Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote business, enhance economic and community development, and serve as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in the community and region.

Chamber Vision: Our Chamber will be a benchmark for others, emphasize quality delivery of service, and position our members to compete technologically and globally.

Chamber Values: Exceed member expectations, deliver on commitments, promote a regional business economy, perform as a highly skilled professional team, and place Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington County at the forefront of all objectives.

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Saratoga Technologies Named Among Tennessee’s 2009 HOT 100 Companies

Tennessee, (November 20, 2009) – Saratoga Technologies (www.saratogaus.com) today announced that it has been identified by Business Tennessee magazine (www.businesstn.com), as a 2009 HOT 100 company. The 2009 list of Tennessee companies that are fast-growing, emerging and brimming with promise. BusinessTN’s Hot100 is our annual look at Tennessee companies on a roll. Fast-growing, emerging or, in some cases, simply brimming with promise, they represent some of the best Tennessee has to offer in terms of entrepreneurial vision and growth.

From startups gaining their financial legs to more established companies whose mature growth is remarkable, this array of companies -- big and small, highly profitable and increasingly profitable, full of dreams or realizing their dreams -- is perhaps best described as a list of "companies to watch." Selection is based on numerous factors, ranging from revenue and employee growth to growth over a period of years, growth as compared to industry average, projected growth and projected pitfalls, among other criteria. But the Hot100 also involves editorial judgment. While most of the companies reflected here applied to be considered for the list, some were chosen by the editorial staff at BusinessTN based on awareness of a company’s success or references from knowledgeable sources about area companies performing well. A handful are even selected for their promise of near-term growth, which, combined with their stories, snugly fit the list’s mission to identify "hot" companies.

In sum, the third annual BusinessTN Hot100 spotlights companies that are enriching our local and regional economies, providing jobs and fueling the Volunteer State's entrepreneurial culture. These businesses speak volumes about the value of free enterprise -- especially amid today's challenging economic times. They aren't a bad read, either. “I attribute our continued growth to the fact that we are continually challenging ourselves to add more value to our clients,” said David Temple, president of Saratoga. “As 2010 nears our goal is to continue offering unmatched solutions, service and value.”

Saratoga Technologies is presented the ESGR “Pro Patria Award” for outstanding support of Guard and Reserve

Saratoga Technologies (www.saratogaus.com) was today presented the ESGR "Pro Patria Award".  This is the highest award that can be presented by a state to an employer for their support of Guard and Reserve Forces.  The Pro Patria Award is given annually to one employer in the state who has demonstrated outstanding support for the Guard and Reserve. Saratoga Technologies has supported its Guard and Reserve employees by maintaining contact with them while they are in annual training or activated for deployment, participating in ESGR activities such as lunch with the boss, and featured Guard/Reserve employees on their website. www.saratogaus.comDuring the deployment of the 176 CSSB (Tennessee Army National Guard) in Gray, TN, Saratoga Technologies developed a web site for the unit which connected them with their home base in Gray, their Family Readiness Group, and Headquarters in Nashville, allowing the soldiers and family members to communicate during the deployment.

According to Joe Thomas, Chair for the Tennessee Committee of ESGR, Nashville, “Saratoga Technologies has gone above and beyond in their support for our troops. When America’s employers support our Guard and Reserve, this becomes a force multiplier that strengthens the national defense of the United States”.

"We support our employees who serve in the Guard/Reserve and are happy to do so", said David Temple, President of Saratoga Technologies. "What they do to protect America is very important." LTC Von Weisenstein, Commander of the 176th CSSB, said "When the employers support our Guard/Reserve soldiers it makes their job a whole lot easier and helps the unit to accomplish its mission."

PHOTO: (Left to Right):  Joe Thomas, LTC Von Weisenstein, David Temple, Chris Patterson and James Cross.

About Saratoga Technologies: Saratoga Technologies is an information technology solutions company that offers products, software, services and solutions that are focused on enabling their customers to benefit from technology. Having offices in Johnson City, Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, TN as well as Abingdon, VA, Saratoga specializes in managed computer networking services, printer/copier repair, telephone systems, accounting software such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, Sage MAS 90 / 200 and Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, web design, application development, and other technical services.
David Temple is the president of Saratoga Technologies and can be contacted directly at 423.956.4220 or david.temple@saratogaus.com

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American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, will begin nonstop jet service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) beginning July 2.

The Tri-Cities airport is centrally located between the cities of Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City, Tenn., and serves the communities of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. Eagle will operate the service with 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jets.

"American Airlines was the first carrier to operate at Tri-Cities Regional Airport, launching service Sept. 1, 1937, and we are delighted to bring the American brand back, with service to the Tri-Cities area from our hub in Chicago," said Gary Foss, Vice President - Planning and for the AA Regional Network. "From the Birthplace of Country Music to NASCAR racing at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the Tri-Cities area has a tremendous amount to offer.  With these new flights to Chicago - one of American's premier international gateways - local business travelers will have convenient connections to the West Coast as well as destinations throughout American's global network."

Known as 'America's First Frontier,' the Tri-Cities area also boasts numerous historic sites and a rich heritage forged by America's first settlers.

"American Eagle's new commercial airline service in Tri-Cities will bring even more business to East Tennessee," said U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). "This connection to a big commercial center like Chicago makes sense and will help create jobs and grow the economy in the region."

"New air service from the Tri-Cities to Chicago will be a big plus for the region and the local economy," said U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.).

"I am pleased that American Airlines will now offer direct flights from Tri-Cities Regional Airport to Chicago," said Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.). "This new opportunity will directly impact accessibility, strengthen our economy, and influence development."

"The Airport Commission is pleased to be able to work with American Airlines on providing direct service to their Chicago O'Hare hub from Tri-Cities Regional Airport," said Ken Maness, Chairman, Tri-Cities Airport Commission. "The connections available in Chicago will give travelers many new opportunities for national and international destinations."

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Chamber Member News – March 2010

United Way of Washington County TN, Inc. 2009 Campaign Announcement

Following an extended and event filled Campaign year, Ed Herbert, the 2009 Campaign Chair, Mark Eades, Board Chair and Lester Lattany, President & CEO of the United Way of Washington County TN, Inc., announce the completion of the 2009 United Way of Washington County Tennessee Campaign. The United Way of Washington County Tennessee is proud to announce that this community provided pledges and contributions of $1,825,270.57 to support the many enriching programs and vital services provided by our local United Way and their partner agencies. It is a mark of distinction that the individuals and businesses in this area continue to demonstrate the heart and spirit of giving back to their community.

Demonstrating this same spirit, the Johnson City Press, WJHL – News Channel 11, Citadel Broadcasting and the local community really made a difference with their support in the Campaign Closing Blitz & United Way-Day Events. The two main events were a telethon at WJHL and a roadblock event in Johnson City. Phone calls during the telethon at WJHL- News Channel 11 were answered by prominent members of our community. Community leaders participating included Johnson City Mayor, Jane Myron; Johnson City Commissioner, Marcy Walker; East Tennessee State University President, Dr. Paul Stanton and his wife Nancy; Citi Group Vice President, Rick Vanhoever WLHL General Manager, Jack Dempsey; Chamber of Commerce President-CEO, Gary Mabrey; First Tennessee Bank President, Newt Raff; Mountain States Health Alliance CEO, Dennis Vonderfecht; City of Johnson City Community Relations Director, Becky Hilbert; Johnson City Power Board Chief Public Relations Officer, Robert White; and Executive Directors from all of our partner agencies. Challenges from Dr. Paul Stanton, President of East Tennessee State University; Jeff Jones, President of Citi Group and Newt Raff, President of First Tennessee Bank had a great impact leading to the success of the Telethon. The roadblock event in Johnson City was staffed by volunteers from the community and United Way Partner Agencies and received wonderful support from the community. As a result, additional support came from John V. Kelly, Chief Operations Officer/Vice President of Retail Operations of Mountain Empire Oil Company who presented on behalf of Warren Broyles, Chairman-CEO; and Ryan Broyles, President, a very generous pledge of $50,000 to assist us in coming closer to meeting our goal. The United Way of Washington County Tennessee would like to thank all who so very generously gave during the 2009 campaign.

The United Way of Washington County Tennessee will be recognizing the many individuals and organizations that showed outstanding commitment to our community through their support at the Annual Report Meeting, Tuesday, April 27, 6:00 pm at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 225 Princeton Rd. Johnson City, TN. The 2009 Campaign team and the media were dedicated to telling the story of what our local United Way is about in this community and are to be commended for their efforts and belief in the good that can come from a collaboration of caring and committed individuals.

This year's campaign made it clear that the "Live United" movement is alive in our community. All of us have a stake in each other's success and all people, no matter their position or means, have a role to play in advancing the “common good" and "Making A Difference". The agencies and programs that are supported through the local United Way Campaigns have a proven record of touching and changing lives in our community. Why is supporting the United Way important? Because “EveryONE Can Make A Difference” by giving through the United Way of Washington County TN Campaigns. Our supporters are “Making Lasting Changes, Right Here Where We Live”.

Free Will Baptist Family Ministries announces VP of Finance and Operations

Free Will Baptist Family Ministries of Greeneville, TN, is proud to announce Mr. Clarence Lewis has accepted the position of Vice-President of Finance and Administration, effective May 15, 2010. Mr. Lewis has served on the Board of Trustees of Family Ministries for ten years and Chairman of the Board for the past eight years.  He has been Chief Operating Officer and Assistant to the Director at Randall House Publications in Nashville, TN, for the past seven years.

“I feel I have prepared Randall House for my departure with nearly eight years of helping implement policies and procedures to carry it forward,” Mr. Lewis said.  “I look forward to being a part of this great ministry that is truly changing lives, one heart at a time.”

Family Ministries, with its 70-year history of caring for hurting children and families, is pleased to welcome Mr. Lewis as a member of their ministry’s administrative staff.  Dr. James Kilgore, President/CEO of Family Ministries said, “We could not be more thrilled and excited to have Mr. Lewis as Vice-President of Finances and Operations.  As a Board member and Board Chairman, he has worked faithfully for Family Ministries, and he will continue to be a vital part of our ministry in his new position.”

Mr. Lewis and his wife, Jean, are the proud parents of two children and four grandchildren.

Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, headquartered in Greeneville, TN, has been providing unconditional love and support to young people and their families since 1939 through residential group homes and The Hope Center Crisis Pregnancy/Resource Center, extending to The Laurels Retirement and Assisted Living Center, The Oaks Retreat Center and the newly announced Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living Center coming soon in Erwin Tennessee.

Manahan claims Distinguished Alumni Award from Illinois State

Illinois State University (ISU) has bestowed its 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award – the highest award presented by the Alumni Association – to Dr. Richard A. Manahan, Vice President for University Advancement at East Tennessee State University and President/CEO of the ETSU Foundation. The award was given last week at the ISU Alumni Association Awards Recognition Dinner. Manahan served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge before enrolling at Illinois State where he was awarded two business degrees as well as a doctorate in education administration. With a background in banking and public accounting, Manahan began his career in higher education as an assistant auditor and has spent the past 40 years serving in various capacities in teaching, research, public service, and administration. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

During his tenure at ETSU since 1981, Manahan has received national recognition for leading fundraising efforts among donors, volunteers, and the campus community that have placed the ETSU Foundation’s endowments in the top 400 universities and colleges in the country. His professional service includes membership on more than 30 corporate, civic, elected, profit, and not-for-profit boards in areas ranging from banking and medical practice management to educational policy, with leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. Manahan has served on the Tennessee State Board of Nursing and the National Education Commission of the States and, currently, the Tennessee Court of the Judiciary. For 15 years, he has been a member of the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame for the College of Business and for the College of Education, the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and he received the National School Board Association’s Distinguished Service Award.

He is currently a third-term member of the Board of Education for the Johnson City Schools, where he has also served as Chair of the Board. He recently was honored by the Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington County Chamber of Commerce with the inaugural “Amzi Smith Spirit of Enterprise” Award.

The Tennessee General Assembly passed a resolution honoring and commending Manahan for his meritorious service to the state and his community. Manahan said, “I am truly humbled and greatly honored that my alma mater would bestow this honor on me. I always have been grateful for the opportunities Illinois State enabled me to have in my life, both personally and professionally. I am also very appreciative for all that the ETSU community, our donors, and our volunteers do each day to support our university and the ETSU Foundation. It is truly a privilege to work closely with these good people at ETSU for the good of today and tomorrow.”

At ETSU, Manahan also serves as a professor of accountancy and professor of educational leadership and policy analysis. He and his wife, Lois, are the parents of two children, Dr. Eric Manahan and Jennifer Crigger, C.P.A., and grandparents to Evan and Emily Crigger and Paige and Lindsay Manahan.

Chamber Business Showcase Moved to May

On Thursday, May 6th, Chamber member businesses will be set up in the upper and lower levels of The Mall at Johnson City during the Chamber’s Annual Business Showcase. Special thanks to TruPoint Bank for being our presenting sponsor for this event.

The following businesses have signed up to participate to date: Administrative Resources, Cartridge World, CenturyLink, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, DEXOne, Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, Holiday Inn Conference Center, Johnson City Power Board, King College, Milligan College, Sophisticated Smiles, TruPoint Bank, and United Way of Washington County TN.

We encourage you and your staff to come to The Mall at Johnson City between 11am-4:30pm and visit the businesses participating. To request an application for this event, contact Barbara Mentgen, 461-8011, mentgen@johnsoncitytnchamber.com or Heather Clever, 461-8004, clever@johnsoncitytnchamber.com

Chamber Membership Drive Scheduled for May

The Chamber’s Annual Membership Drive will be held May 17th through May 28th.  The theme for this year’s drive is ‘Positioned to Win in 2010’.  We are currently looking for volunteers and business referrals.  If you know a business that would benefit from Chamber membership, call Heather at The Chamber, 461-8004.  One of our seasoned membership drive volunteers will contact them and discuss the benefits and programs offered year-round.

Chamber Golf Tournament Scheduled

Mark your calendar for Monday, June 7th, for the Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing at the Johnson City Country Club. We are currently securing sponsors, prize contributors, and golfers for this event. Contact Barbara, 461-8011, mentgen@johnsoncitytnchamber.com for more information.

Centennial Advisory Group Update

Centennial Advisory Group members are Chamber members who have voluntarily doubled their annual investment to allow for ongoing technological upgrades, capital improvements, program support, and staff professional development.  If your business is interested in information on this program, contact Heather Clever, 461-8004, clever@johnsoncitytnchamber.com.  Special thanks to our 2010 Centennial Advisory Group members:  Blue Moon Properties, Bristol Motor Speedway, Broyles Florist, Cardiovascular Associates, Charter Communications, Citi, KBM Commercial Properties, The Millennium Centre, Summers – Taylor, and United Way of Washington County, TN.

Leadership 2015 Participants Graduated in April

Our 2009-2010 Leadership class graduated at our April 14th Chamber Membership Breakfast at the Jonesborough Visitors Center. Congratulations to this year’s graduates: Jason Ardito - First Tennessee Bank; Travis C. Bauguess - Saratoga Technologies; Teresa Bowman - People’s Community Bank; Melissa Crockett - Blackburn, Childers, & Steagall, PLC; Rachel Gossett - Appalachia Service Project; Jill Grayson - Mountain States Health Alliance; Lora W. Groce - City of Johnson City; Kristen Hincher - Bank of America; Donna Hopson – GreenBank; Jan Jacobson - Summit Leadership Foundation; Candace Jennings - Mountain States Health Alliance; Carly Johnson - Eastern Eight CDC; B. J. King - East Tennessee State University; Linda McConnell - James H. Quillen VA Medical Center; Robert McKinney - Eastman Chemical Company; Tom W. Moore - ETSU College of Business & Technology; Chad Parker - SunTrust Bank; Dave Quick – The Who We Are Counts Institute/Stewart & Associates; Pete S. Roller - Bank of Tennessee; Whitney Sangid - Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House; Angela G. Shrewsbury - Johnson City Power Board; Rhajon Smith - Milligan College; Tanya Tisor - State of Franklin Bank; Brian Turner - Aerojet Ordnance Tennessee; Lauri Turpin - Nuclear Fuel Systems; and Kristina Twitty - C & S Partnerships.

Youth Leadership Participants Graduate in May

The following high school students will graduate from the 2009-1020 Youth Leadership Program, co-sponsored by Milligan College, Citizens Bank, King College, Green Bank, and Summit Leadership Foundation, in May. Congratulations to this year’s graduates: Science Hill High School: Akina Anand, McCartney N. Andrews, John Kemble Bolton, Stephen Bonfardin, Graham Boone, Palmer Cantler, Michael A. Conflenti, BreAnda Conley, Jade Conley, Katie Darden, Reed Darden, Sierra Alexis Galloway, Todd P. Gilmore, Marsha J. Girish, Walker Hale, Lauren K. Holden, Greyson B. Janeway, Cody W. Jones, Dominick Lundberg, Zach Lundberg, Sarah L. Nimrichter, Stephanie Lauderdale, David Lilly, Luis Pagan, JaBrian Perry, Lia Perry, Nick Poland, Geoffrey Hayden Smith, Owen Thigpen, Raquel Andreina Velasco and Travis Welch; Daniel Boone High School: Makayla Bennett and Destiny Roberts; David Crockett High School: Cody M. Day; University School: Marcus D. Counts Jr. and Kalin Estes; and Providence Academy: Meredith C. Eldridge.

Special thanks to our 2009-2010 Steering Committee: Jeff Brunson, Building Confident Leaders, Co-Chair; Dave McAuley, Summit Leadership Foundation; David Quick, Right Way Marketing, Co-Chair; Chuck Shearer, Cartridge World; Haley Wherry, First Priority of America Mironda White, D&S Dental, LLC; Daniel Day, Fun Expedition; Allison Stewart – BCTI, Ray Millsap – Boys & Girls Club of JC/WC, Shelley Crowe – Eastman Chemical Company, and Greg King, King College.

Sponsors Needed for Chamber Educational Programs

The Chamber Foundation currently manages two educational programs –TN Scholars and Youth Leadership. These programs enhance the skills of our young people, better preparing them for a future in school or the workplace. These programs require continual financial support from our businesses and the community and we would welcome your involvement. If interested in more detail, please contact Elisa, 461-8006, or Barbara, 461-8011, for more information. Special thanks to Eastman Credit Union for their contribution toward the TN Scholars Program.

Upcoming Membership Breakfast Dates

Weds, April 14th, 7am, Jonesborough Visitors Center, Sponsored by Town of Jonesborough
Weds, May 12th, 7am, Sutton Dining Hall / Milligan College, Sponsored by Milligan College
Weds, June 16th, 7am, Franklin Woods Community Hospital, Sponsored by Mountain States Health Alliance – PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE 3rd WEDNESDAY FOR JUNE

Buckle Announces Plans to Open Remodeled Store in The Mall at Johnson City

Long known as a denim destination, specialty retailer Buckle announces that it will be opening a newly remodeled store in The Mall at Johnson City on Monday, April 26.

Offering a unique mix of high-quality, on-trend apparel, accessories, and footwear, Buckle caters to style conscious men and women of all ages who seek to express their individuality through fashion. Reflecting the Buckle’s focus on helping guests find their favorite jeans, the store carries a wide selection of fits, styles, and finishes from leading denim brands such as: BKE, Big Star, Big Star Vintage, Rock Revival, Antique Rivet, MEK Denim, Miss Me, Buffalo, Reclaim, Silver Jeans, !iT, 7 for all Mankind, and Division E. Complementing its strength in denim, Buckle carries a wide selection of lifestyle brands, including: BKE Boutique, Affliction, Sinful, Archaic, Rebel Spirit, Roar, OBEY, 7 Diamonds, Billabong, Hurley, and Fox, among others. Buckle represents over 100 fashion brands in stores and online at buckle.com.

Buckle teammates are passionate about creating the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for their guests. Bolstering this approach is Buckle’s wide array of value-added services such as free hemming, free gift-wrapping, easy layaway, a frequent shopper program, and a Buckle credit card with special benefits for cardholders. Buckle also offers a special Get Fitted service where guests are encouraged to schedule an appointment for a personal jean fitting with a Buckle Denim Specialist.

The store is currently interviewing for various positions, including: Assistant Manager, Full and Part-Time Sales, Freight Coordinator, and Seamstress/Tailor. Interested applicants should apply online by clicking here.

About the Company
Headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska, Buckle currently operates more than 400 stores in 41 states, including 11 in Tennessee. A 12th Tennessee location will open on April 22 at Governor’s Square Mall in Clarksville. Buckle is traded under the symbol BKE on the New York Stock Exchange.

La Vie Nails opens in The Mall at Johnson City

The Mall at Johnson City is excited to announce it is increasing and enhancing its list of stores with the opening of La Vie Nails, a high-end specialty nail salon.

“We are always focused on improving our property and are excited to have La Vie Nails join our team of retailers,” said Tembra Aldridge, General Manager of The Mall at Johnson City.

Occupying more than 1,000 square feet on the upper level, the store opened for business on Monday, March 22. Specializing in offering many relaxing services including waxing, the store focuses on catering to their customers needs. Owned by Doan Nguyen, they also operate a second location at West Town Mall in Knoxville, Tenn.

“We are excited to open our new store in Johnson City,” said Nguyen. “We are proud to offer our customers the same high-end service that we already offer at our Knoxville location.”

The arrival of La Vie Nails in the recently remodeled west wing is part of the next phase of improvements and additions to The Mall at Johnson City. The recently remodeled wing features public restrooms, updated floors and ceilings, lighting updates and other details which give the mall a fresh environment in which to showcase the new stores and exciting retail offerings.

About The Mall at Johnson City
The Mall at Johnson City is anchored by Belk for Her, Belk Home, DICK’S Sporting Goods, JCPenney and Sears and is located at 2011 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN. It features nearly 85 specialty shops and the ETSU Food Court. For more information about any Mall at Johnson City store or event, please visit www.mallatjohnsoncity.com. The Mall at Johnson City is open Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Mall at Johnson City is owned and managed by Glimcher Realty Trust of Columbus, Ohio.

About Glimcher Realty Trust
Glimcher Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust, is a recognized leader in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of malls, which includes enclosed regional malls and open-air lifestyle centers, as well as community centers. At December 31, 2009, the Company’s mall portfolio consisted of 21 operating properties with gross leasable area totaling approximately 19.1 million square feet and one development property, Scottsdale Quarter. The community center portfolio is comprised of four properties representing approximately 779,000 square feet. The Company’s portfolio of properties are located throughout 13 states.

Glimcher Realty Trust’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GRT.” Glimcher Realty Trust’s Series F and Series G preferred shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “GRT-F” and “GRT-G,” respectively. Glimcher Realty Trust is a component of both the Russell 2000® Index, representing small cap stocks, and the Russell 3000® Index, representing the broader market. Glimcher® is a registered trademark of Glimcher Realty Trust.

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Spotless Carpet Cleaners / Crantzdorf Castle

On Saturday night Jan. 10th an unusual winter thunderstorm hit Johnson City, Tennessee. The aftermath of which would leave one of the largest residential properties in Tennessee valued at 28 million dollars on fire and significantly water damaged. The Johnson City Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire using about 70,000 gallons of water. The home located on 13 acres of gated property on Boone Lake, is known as Crantzdorf Castle. The photos of this spectacular house and resulting fire hit the national news and internet immediately. We received several phone calls from Industry affiliates asking “who got the job”. Well, the answer was Spotless. The home was furnished as any castle should be, with castle furnishing, some dating to the Napoleonic era. Many of the contents are registered antiques and all of which were heavily water damaged.

The toughest challenge we faced to complete this project was to get the homeowner on board with the restoration idea. He had been told by everyone to this point that the entire house would have to be gutted to the studs, maybe further in some areas because the water had ruined everything. Our approach on drying and restoring was the first time he had ever considered it! Reluctantly he agreed to let us attempt the restoration project. Still a steady stream of skeptics paraded through the house. In August one of the most vocal of these people approached me to express his astonishment with the quality of work we performed. Mr. Grindstaff also had a home inspection company verify the drying conditions in the home after our work was completed. The inspector’s instrumentation supported our assertion that all equilibrium moisture contents had been achieved.

After getting the necessary authorizations in order and meeting with the castle security personnel we formulated a plan of action. A contractor was hired to make emergency repairs and secure the property. We began extracting free standing water and wiping, drying and packing contents. As you would expect in a home of this size there was a vast amount of upholstered furniture, oriental rugs and draperies. The wood furniture was wet and the moisture had begun to degrade the furniture. We contracted the services of Gentry Moving Company, who dedicated their entire staff to disassembling, packing and moving the contents. All of this was taken to our newly converted drying chamber within the first 24 hours of the loss.

Above: Fire on Jan 10th 2009 Above: Crantzdorf Castle today

The fire was a result of a lighting strike to the turret of the castle. The resulting fire gutted and charred the third floor and left the roof in ruins. The main house was saturated with the water used to extinguish the blaze and supplemented by the ongoing rain. The south wing was heavily damaged by the water. The master suite and the lower level theater were hardest hit by the thousands of gallons of water. The north wing received only minor damage from the water until an arctic blast froze the pipes and flooded the garage area.

Above: Castle after lighting strike and fire, The Dry Team Equipment and temporary roof in place

The challenges in drying were varied and hindered by extremely cold weather. There was a variety of flooring including approximately 15,000 square feet of hardwood. Other floor types included Italian marble, ceramic tile, polished stone, slate, terracotta, and carpet. In addition to this there was in excess of two hundred thousand dollars worth of oriental carpets. The quality of our restorative effort reveals that most of the materials in the house that were not burned, had not fallen or collapsed were dried to the homeowner’s satisfaction. The resultant savings not including content was in the millions of dollars.

Above: Guest bedrooms in progress

The techniques used to dry the structure are those most often employed in the industry. We did however fabricate and put brackets on the gale force fans to force air in and above the ceiling medallions, under hardwood flooring and into ceiling voids. Tenting and drying the hard wood floors resulted in a loss of less than forty square feet. These were the areas the fire department had chopped out to allow the nearly 600,000 pounds of water to drain out of the structure. The firefighters had to stop on at least two occasions to drain the water from the home to help protect the structural integrity. Drying the crawl was accomplished using both the desiccant air and heavy air flow. The drying of the kitchen with stone floors, cabinets, stained glass accessories, ceramic counter tops and appliances, with only one panel needing to be re-stained, was remarkable.

The demands set by the homeowner were extensive; to help insure our compliance with them we had Chuck Dewald as a consultant on the project. Chuck is the father of the “Vortex Drying System”. He is a well known industry leader and pioneer in the field of applied structural drying. He was instrumental early on in eliminating the customers concerns over the restoration process we would use to restore his property. Due to the large amount of wood, plaster, and other materials requiring special drying, the placement of specialized drying equipment was required. This project could not have been completed without the help of Scott Tarpley, Disaster Equipment/The Drying Team, who provided a 5500 CFM desiccant and 900,000 BTU aqua dry units and four diesel generators to power the project and to help dry the structure.

A quick response by all parties involved resulted in the successful drying of this remarkable show place.