Looking to moved a business to Tri-Cities Area. (Johnson City, Bristol: relocating, work)

[Dandy Don]

I am hoping for a good assessment of the business climate in the Tri-cities area. I am considering relocating and reopening my small business there from Virginia (the land of tax till you hurt). Are there some areas growing faster than others, How about the smaller towns, Gray, Blountville, etc.

[AppalachianAngler]

If it is a small business it would probably do well in Gray - it seems to be growing a lot faster than Blountville.

[Kamkam]

Originally Posted by Dandy Don

I am hoping for a good assessment of the business climate in the Tri-cities area. I am considering relocating and reopening my small business there from Virginia (the land of tax till you hurt). Are there some areas growing faster than others, How about the smaller towns, Gray, Blountville, etc.

Here lately both the Bristol, VA and Bristol, TN sides of town are growing so fast I can't keep up. I was driving up to Abingdon, VA yesterday and saw just past exit 7 there were two new shopping centers, as well as, a new Target. How I missed the opening of a store I will never know (I hate shopping). Volunteer Pkwy and Hwy 394 in Bristol, TN is booming with new businesses and restaurants. That area is right near the Bristol Motor Speedway and anyone starting a business in that area seems to hit a gold mine.

[SmokyMtnGal]

What type of business is it?

[Dandy Don]

I am a graphic artist, muralist, sign designer, airbrush artist. I have had several award winning designs on cars, trucks, bikes etc. My wife and I are looking for a less stressful, non-metro area to move to. Most of my services would be custom one of a kind artwork and signage, not your typical quick knock it out fast-sign company. I have been doing this kind of work for over 38 years.

[SmokyMtnGal]

Originally Posted by Dandy Don

I am a graphic artist, muralist, sign designer, airbrush artist. I have had several award winning designs on cars, trucks, bikes etc. My wife and I are looking for a less stressful, non-metro area to move to. Most of my services would be custom one of a kind artwork and signage, not your typical quick knock it out fast-sign company. I have been doing this kind of work for over 38 years.

I would suggest the Maryville area only because there are a lot of car enthusiasts but there are a TON of motorcycles in this area. This area boasts a HUGE Harley dealership and with the Dragon here there are tons of visitors. Maryville hosts a car show every Friday night at the Foothills Mall and Pigeon Forge also hosts car shows all the time. Good luck to you!

[jchometeam]

Sounds interesting. I think the area is big enough to support such a business, and I don't right off know of anyone doing that sort of thing in the area, so you could really fill a void. I believe Forbes magazine ranked the Johnson City metro area as one of the top 10 cities for small businesses in 2005 or 2006.

[mbmouse]

It sure sounds like it would be welcome and profitable here as you seem to have a wide type of customer base, signs, cars specialty etc.

[Dandy Don]

Thanks for the positive encouragement! My wife and I are planning on checking the area out in more detail in September. Any specific locations or suggestions to speculate upon would be appreciated.