Jeffers’ Huntsville is ‘a Rural Success’
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Jeffers’ Huntsville is ‘a Rural Success’
Mayor and Town appear in national magazine
By Shane Gilreath
The Town of Huntsville received a glowing review in a recent issue of Business View magazine. “In an era when many rural communities struggle with population decline, the small town of Huntsville, Tennessee stands apart,” the magazine wrote, praising everything from the town’s unique personality and welcoming spirit to the economic growth that business expansion and development have provided.
“It’s something they approached us about,” Mayor Dennis Jeffers told SCN on Friday. “We’ve seen a lot of growth in our small town, in business and citizens as well.”
While Jeffers remained humble, his leadership and Huntsville’s strong sense of community were praised by the magazine, as the town moves from traditional forms of industry, and into widely viewed as a hub of education, healthcare, and commerce. While Jeffers was extensively interviewed for the project, he viewed the
publicity from the piece as an opportunity to positively promote Huntsville and Scott County at large – in terms of both tourism and overall growth. Jeffers, who has focused on sustainable infrastructure, identifies Huntsville’s uniqueness as a selling point for the town – a small-town character with traditional values that has remained true to itself, even through adaptations.
“We are a very small town where everyone knows everyone,” Jeffers is quoted as saying. “Conservative values are important here. When we talk about God and country, we mean God and country. It is a very good place to raise a family. We have our challenges in rural Tennessee, but we are not subject to some of the bigger problems that larger municipalities face.”
The Huntsville approach, according to the piece, is one of persistence with emphasis on sustainability and growth. It’s a mindset that has yielded impressive results with the town welcoming new businesses with diverse enterprises, including telecommunications, hospitality, a laundromat, and medical and retail providers, as well as a mind for beautification and outdoor recreation that pays tributes to the town’s past while building its future.
“It has taken quite a few years, but the word has slowly gotten out there,” Jeffers is quoted as saying. “Apparently, we are doing something right.”
Jeffers’ hopes that the feature in the magazine continues to build Huntsville – and Scott County’s – reputations across the nation.
“It’s just as beautiful as Gatlinburg,” the mayor said, “but without the hustle and bustle.”
