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Trucking Insurance Experts at Independence Agency
Can Save your Company Thousands of Dollars!
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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Dayton, TN
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Dayton, TN You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Dayton, TN
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Dayton, TN
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Dayton, TN that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Dayton, TN
Tennessee suspends baseball coach Tony Vitello for series with Dayton after violation
Ryan Younghttps://sports.yahoo.com/tennessee-suspends-baseball-coach-tony-vitello-for-series-with-dayton-after-violation-214430938.html
Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello was suspended for this weekend’s series against Dayton, the program announced on Friday afternoon.Tennessee did not get into specifics as to why, however it is allegedly due to tampering with transfer shortstop Maui Ahuna.“The University and coach Vitello are working collaboratively with the NCAA to address a violation in the program,” the team said in a statement. “Coach Vitello will be suspended for weekend’s series, with Josh Elander serving as the acting he...
Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello was suspended for this weekend’s series against Dayton, the program announced on Friday afternoon.
Tennessee did not get into specifics as to why, however it is allegedly due to tampering with transfer shortstop Maui Ahuna.
“The University and coach Vitello are working collaboratively with the NCAA to address a violation in the program,” the team said in a statement. “Coach Vitello will be suspended for weekend’s series, with Josh Elander serving as the acting head coach, and we will provide an update on Monday.
“Coach Vitello has acknowledged his mistake and accepted full responsibility.”
Statement from Tennessee Athletics: pic.twitter.com/iZnYKSq5PQ
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) February 24, 2023
It’s unclear what violation Vitello committed specifically.
Ahuna transferred to Tennessee from Kansas this past offseason, but has yet to be cleared to play — which is something the team learned just earlier this month. Vitello said on Tuesday night that he didn’t have a specific update on when Ahuna would be eligible to return, but that he was handling the situation “like a dang champ.”
Ahuna hit .396 and had 48 RBI and eight home runs last season while earning first team All-Big 12 honors with the Jayhawks.
“He has been really good about getting extra work in [the cages] and on the field because he knows he is not going to be burning a bunch of calories out there,” Vitello said of Ahuna, via 247 Sports. “He has been [Austen Jaslove’s] No. 1 fan. Next to him in warmups, if you guys are here in time, you see what he is doing there. Then he is just a fun-loving kid in general.”
No. 3 Tennessee entered Friday’s game with a 3-2 record. After the three-game series with Dayton, the Volunteers will host Charleston Southern for a pair of games next week before hosting Gonzaga in a three-game series next weekend.
LIVE Updates, Score, Notes: Dayton @ No. 3 Tennessee Game Three
Jack Fosterhttps://www.rockytopinsider.com/2023/02/26/live-updates-score-notes-dayton-no-3-tennessee-game-three/
Tennessee Baseball will look to go for the series sweep against Dayton on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The Vols won the first two games against the Flyers 12-2 and 4-1. All of RTI’s coverage of the first two games can be found here.The game will be broadcast on SECN+. Reminder that the online broadcasts can be accessed on any mobile device through WatchESPN. WatchESPN can be accessed through the ESPN App, or online at ...
Tennessee Baseball will look to go for the series sweep against Dayton on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The Vols won the first two games against the Flyers 12-2 and 4-1. All of RTI’s coverage of the first two games can be found here.
The game will be broadcast on SECN+. Reminder that the online broadcasts can be accessed on any mobile device through WatchESPN. WatchESPN can be accessed through the ESPN App, or online at espn.com/watch.
Both team’s starting lineups, the pitching matchup, game thread and additional pre-game notes are below.
Starting Lineups
TENNESSEE STARTING NINE:
LF Jared Dickey
2B Christian Moore
1B Blake Burke
3B Zane Denton
RF Griffin Merritt
C Cal Stark
DH Logan Chambers
SS Austen Jaslove
CF Hunter Ensley
Lineup Notes:
-Ensley’s first career start at home.
-Chambers second start at DH
-Stark starting at catcher for the second consecutive Sunday.
DAYTON STARTING NINE:
DH Ben Jones
LF Michael Adair
1B Marcos Pujols
RF Eddie Yamin IV
3B Jay Curtis
2B Paxton Tomaini
C Matt Maloney
SS Carlos Castillo
CF Jose Martinez
Vols So. RHP Drew Beam (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 app. 1 start, 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K)
vs.
Dayton Sr. LHP Nate Espelin (0-0, 1.93 ERA)
Tennessee is wearing their Sunday creams. Dayton is wearing grey on grey with red helmets.
1st Inning:
T1
-Ben Jones strikes out swinging.
-Michael Adair is walked.
-Marcos Pujols grounds into a double play 6-4-3.
B1
-Jared Dickey strikes out swinging.
-Christian Moore grounds out to 3B.
-Blake Burke destroys a solo homer over the batter’s eye.
-Zane Denton pops up to 1B.
Score: Vols 1, Flyers 0
2nd Inning:
T2
-Eddie Yamin IV strikes out swinging.
-Jay Curtis flies out to CF.
-Paxton Tomaini is walked.
-Matt Maloney strikes out swinging.
B2
-Griffin Merritt works a leadoff walk.
-Cal Stark works a walk after a long at-bat.
-Logan Chambers reaches on a fielder’s choice as Stark is out at second. Merritt advances to third.
-Austen Jaslove reaches on a fielding error by the Dayton 3B. Merritt scores. Chambers advances to second.
-Hunter Ensley reaches on a fielding error by the Dayton 3B. Bases loaded for Jared Dickey with one out.
-Dickey smacks an RBI single to right center to score Chambers. Dickey advances to second on the throw, and Ensley advances to third. Jaslove out at home, however.
-Christian Moore smokes a two-run double into center field. Tennessee with a four-run inning.
*Pitching change: Fr. LHP Jake Tedesco on to pitch for Espelin*
-Blake Burke flies out to deep left center.
Score: Vols 5, Flyers 0
3rd Inning:
T3
-Carlos Castillo lines out to RF.
-Jose Martinez is walked.
-Martinez steals second.
-Ben Jones flies out to RF.
-Michael Adair smokes a line drive and hits Drew Beam in the right knee. Beam crashed to the turf but got back up and seems fine. Runners on the corners now for Dayton with two outs.
-Marcos Pujols grounds out to 2B.
B3
-Zane Denton pops up to 1B.
-Griffin Merritt grounds out to SS.
-Cal Stark is walked.
-Stark caught stealing at second.
Score: Vols 5, Flyers 0
4th Inning:
T4
-Eddie Yamin IV flies out to deep left center.
-Jay Curtis grounds out to 1B unassisted.
-Paxton Tomaini flies out to deep RF. Heck of a play by Griffin Merritt.
B4
-Logan Chambers fouls out to 3B.
-Austen Jaslove singles to CF. Martinez dearly made the diving grab for the out.
-Hunter Ensley is walked. Jaslove advances to second.
-Throwing error by Tedesco trying to pickoff Jaslove allows Jaslove to advance to third and Ensley to advance to second.
-Jared Dickey strikes out looking.
-Christian Moore flies out to RF.
Score: Vols 5, Flyers 0
5th Inning:
T5
-Matt Maloney lines out to CF.
-Carlos Castillo lines out to 2B.
-Jose Martinez strikes out.
B5
-Blake Burke crushes a solo leadoff homer into the left field porches.
-Zane Denton singles up the middle.
*Pitching change: Sr. RHP Anthony Hattrup on to pitch for Tedesco*
-Griffin Merritt strikes out swinging.
-Cal Stark pops up to 2B.
*Kavares Tears pinch-hitting for Logan Chambers*
-Tears flies out to right center.
Score: Vols 6, Flyers 0
6th Inning:
T6
-Ben Jones grounds out to p. Nice play by Beam.
*Pitching change: Sr. LHP Kirby Connell on to pitch for Beam*
–Beam final numbers: 5.1 IP, 1H, 0ER, 3BB, 4K
-Michael Adair grounds out p to 1B.
-Marcos Pujols strikes out swinging.
B6
-Austen Jaslove grounds out to SS.
-Hunter Ensley strikes out swinging.
-Jared Dickey grounds out to 2B.
Score: Vols 6, Flyers 0
7th Inning:
T7
*Pitching change: Jr. RHP Zach Joyce on to pitch for Connell*
-Eddie Yamin IV grounds out to 3B. Nice play by Denton.
-Jay Curtis flies out to LF.
-Paxton Tomaini grounds out to 1B unassisted.
B7
-Christian Moore grounds out to 1B.
-Blake Burke strikes out swinging.
-Zane Denton is walked.
-Denton advances to second on a passed ball.
-Griffin Merritt strikes out swinging.
Score: Vols 6, Flyers 0
8th Inning:
T8
*Pitching change: So. LHP Jacob Bimbi on to pitch for Joyce*
-Maloney doubles to left field. Dickey dove for the ball but couldn’t come up with it.
-Carlos Castillo lines out to CF. Maloney advances to third.
*Pitching change: Sr. RHP Bryce Jenkins on to pitch for Bimbi*
-Jenkins strikes out pinch-hitter Zachary Scott.
-Ben Jones pops up to 2B.
B8
*Pitching change: Fr. RHP J.J. Gatti on to pitch for Hattrup*
*Reese Chapman pinch-hitting for Cal Stark*
-Chapman flies out to CF.
-Kavares Tears ropes a double down the right field line.
*Dylan Dreiling pinch-hitting for Austen Jaslove*
-Dreiling pops up to 1B.
*Kyle Booker pinch-hitting for Hunter Ensley*
-Tears advances to third on a wild pitch.
-Kyle Booker strikes out looking.
Score: Vols 6, Flyers 0
9th Inning:
T9
*Pitching change: Jr. RHP Andrew Lindsey on to pitch for Jenkins*
-Michael Adair grounds out to 2B.
-Marcos Pujols grounds out to SS.
-Eddie Yamin IV grounds out to Kendro at SS
FINAL: Tennessee Vols 6, Dayton Flyers 0
Governor Lee, Commissioner McWhorter Announce FreightWise, LLC to Expand Brentwood Headquarters
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developmenthttps://tnecd.com/news/governor-lee-commissioner-mcwhorter-announce-baltimore-aircoil-to-expand-manufacturing-operations-in-rhea-county/
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC) officials announced today the company will invest $16.5 million to expand manufacturing operations at its Manufacturers Road location in Dayton, Tennessee.BAC will create 63 new jobs through the project, bringing the company’s total headcount in Tier 4, At-Risk Rhea County to more than 150.The expansion is in direct response to BAC’s ...
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC) officials announced today the company will invest $16.5 million to expand manufacturing operations at its Manufacturers Road location in Dayton, Tennessee.
BAC will create 63 new jobs through the project, bringing the company’s total headcount in Tier 4, At-Risk Rhea County to more than 150.
The expansion is in direct response to BAC’s recent growth of its dry coil and adiabatic cooling equipment businesses and will comprise significant infrastructure improvements, which include facility and site improvements, coil manufacturing equipment, material handling equipment and craneage.
Headquartered in Jessup, Maryland, with employees and facilities around the world, Baltimore Aircoil Company is a global leader in the HVAC, industrial and refrigeration industries. The company manufactures and designs commercial and industrial cooling equipment from its locations in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and Australia.
Since 2019, TNECD has supported nearly 50 economic development projects in the Southeast Tennessee region, resulting in approximately 8,300 job commitments and $3.4 billion in capital investment.
QUOTES “Thanks to Tennessee’s significant investment in technical colleges, BAC will have access to a workforce of skilled tradesmen and women. I thank them for choosing to create new, high-quality jobs in Southeast Tennessee and look forward to seeing BAC’s continued success in Dayton.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“BAC could have chosen any of its global locations to expand, and we are grateful that this company will continue to call one of our state’s most rural regions home. We believe Dayton and Rhea County have the skilled workforce, central location and infrastructure needed to propel this company forward, supporting future expansions.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“BAC is thrilled to be driving the revitalization of this facility and participating in the growth of the Dayton, Rhea County and Tennessee economies. We are grateful for the support we’ve received from city, county and state officials, as well as the positive response from the skilled workforce in the area. We look forward to becoming an even more significant member of this outstanding community.” – Dave Klee, General Manager, Baltimore Aircoil Company
“The City of Dayton is excited to welcome BAC, a leader in the HVAC, industrial and refrigeration industries, to Dayton, Tennessee. We look forward to partnering with BAC for both of our continued growth and success.” – Dayton Mayor Hurley Marsh
“It is such an honor to have BAC here in Rhea County. We appreciate how invested they are in our community and are excited to have them expand further here. The expansion is in direct response to BAC’s recent growth of its dry coil and adiabatic cooling equipment businesses and will comprise significant infrastructure improvements, which include facility and site improvements, coil manufacturing equipment, material handling equipment and craneage and will create 63 new jobs. We are very proud to have BAC as part of our Rhea County Family.” – Rhea County Mayor Jim Vincent
“TVA and Dayton Electric Department congratulate BAC on its decision to expand operations in Rhea County. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s commitment to continued growth in the Valley. We are proud to partner with Rhea Economic & Tourism Council, Rhea County Government, City of Dayton and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies like BAC that are creating jobs and investment in the region, and we celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development
“We are excited that BAC has chosen Tennessee for its expansion. While some states are driving away businesses with high taxes and heavy-handed regulations, we continue to see companies moving into Tennessee thanks to our friendly business climate, low taxes and the best workforce in the nation. We welcome BAC and look forward to a great partnership for years to come.” – Sen. Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun)
“I am proud to see BAC expand in Dayton. This project will bring more quality jobs to our area while also benefiting the local economy. I appreciate this significant investment in our community and look forward to the company’s continued success is Rhea County.” – Rep. Ron Travis (R-Dayton)
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTubechannel.
TNECD Media Contact Lindsey Tipton Public Information Officer (615) 339-6608 Lindsey.Tipton@tn.gov
Dayton, Tennessee-founded Drip Kitchen & Coffee expands footprint into Hixson
Jennifer McNallyhttps://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2023/dec/05/dayton-founded-drip-kitchen-coffee-expands/
When the Van Meter family first launched Drip Kitchen & Coffeehouse in Dayton, Tennessee, they never imagined the possibility of one day owning multiple locations. But it turns out they had the recipe for success.Now, a little more than two years since opening their flagship shop in 2021, the Van Meters -- husband and wife Dennis and Jennifer, along with son Zach -- marked the debut of their third location in Hixson on Wednesday.Prior to venturing into restaurant ownership, Dennis Van Meter owned a dental practice in Dayton...
When the Van Meter family first launched Drip Kitchen & Coffeehouse in Dayton, Tennessee, they never imagined the possibility of one day owning multiple locations. But it turns out they had the recipe for success.
Now, a little more than two years since opening their flagship shop in 2021, the Van Meters -- husband and wife Dennis and Jennifer, along with son Zach -- marked the debut of their third location in Hixson on Wednesday.
Prior to venturing into restaurant ownership, Dennis Van Meter owned a dental practice in Dayton. According to Zach Van Meter, the idea of establishing a café had been on his father's mind for a while. With Dayton offering limited options, Dennis Van Meter visualized a niche market where he could create a welcoming space for visitors to spend time.
(READ MORE: OB3B in Soddy-Daisy is a new spot for coffee, deli fare, community gathering)
The original Drip location, a full-service coffee shop and café, as well as a second location, an express drive-through, both flourished, Zach Van Meter said -- prompting the family to expand to Hixson.
"We have been well received," he said. "So far, we have done nothing but go upward (in terms of sales)."
Van Meter said the family sees their business model as a hybrid of Starbucks and Panera, providing high-quality drinks and healthy meal choices -- quickly. Food and drinks are made to order, with a menu that includes specialty coffee drinks and smoothies, as well as breakfast and lunch items. Coffee is sourced from Vienna Coffee in Maryville, Tennessee.
"Not only have we been successful, but we've built great relationships," Van Meter said. "Our main 100 to 150 customers we know by name -- and we can almost have their orders ready for them by the time they reach the counter."
(READ MORE: Dutch Bros opens in Hixson)
The Van Meters conducted a business analysis to compare the customer experiences at Drip with the Starbucks in Athens, Georgia. The results revealed a noticeable difference in the time spent on-site. Drip customers tend to stay for around 40 minutes, as opposed to an average of 20 minutes at Starbucks.
The majority of Drip's sales come from coffee (65%) and then food items (35%), with customers spending an average of about $11. The target time for drive-through customers is about four to five minutes.
Zach Van Meter said family members have an ambitious goal of opening approximately one shop per year and are exploring strategies to make Drip franchise-ready. Already, they are working on a fourth location but aren't ready to make the details public.
"One of our goals right now is to spend the next year working on developing things like handbooks, templates and recipes," he said. "There are a lot of refining techniques."
Drip is at 6018 Hixson Pike and may be reached by telephone at 423-664-5229 or on the web at dripkitchenandcoffee.com.
Contact Jennifer McNally at jmcnally@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6416.
Baltimore Aircoil expanding in Dayton, Tennessee, adding 63 jobs
Dave Flessnerhttps://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2023/dec/20/baltimore-aircoil-expands-dayton-tennessee-tfp/
Three months after acquiring Coil Design Co. in Dayton, Tennessee, Baltimore Aircoil Co. announced Wednesday it is investing $16.5 million to boost production of the heating and cooling coil production plant.The expansion will add 63 more employees to the growing company and is needed to keep pace with the sales growth of its dry coil and adiabatic cooling equipment, company officials said....
Three months after acquiring Coil Design Co. in Dayton, Tennessee, Baltimore Aircoil Co. announced Wednesday it is investing $16.5 million to boost production of the heating and cooling coil production plant.
The expansion will add 63 more employees to the growing company and is needed to keep pace with the sales growth of its dry coil and adiabatic cooling equipment, company officials said.
"With recent customer orders, we have an opportunity to make further investments in this site," Dave Klee, general manager for Baltimore Aircoil Co., said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "We've grown to a point where we are filling this facility with the demand to meet customers with new equipment and capacity."
Within the next few months, the plant staff is likely to top 180 workers as Baltimore Aircoil Co. taps into the growing market for data centers, electric vehicle and battery manufacturers and advanced refrigeration systems, Klee said. The company is adding manufacturing equipment, material handling capability and additional cranage along with making facility and site improvements at the 188,000-square-foot plant.
(READ MORE: TVA projects faster power growth in the future)
Growing county economies
The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates the real domestic product in the United States grew 1.8% last year, down from 5.8% the previous year to a record of nearly $21.7 trillion dollars. The economic growth of most counties in the Chattanooga region outpaced the national growth rate last year, and Rhea County boasted the fastest economic growth of any county in Tennessee in 2022. The real economic output of area counties, ranked by their growth rate last year, were:
1. Rhea County — $2.44 billion, up 28% from the previous year after a 22.7% gain in 2021.
2. Polk County — $376.6 million, up 12.6% from the previous year after a 15.1% gain in 2021.
3. Bledsoe County — $232.6 million, up 7.5% from the previous year after an 8.3% gain in 2021.
4. Hamilton County — $29.1 billion, up 6.2% from the previous year after a 6.2% gain in 2021.
5. Dade County — $439.5 million, up 6.2% from the previous year after a 5.1% gain in 2021.
6. Walker County — $1.62 billion, up 5.8% from the previous year after an 8.8% gain in 2021.
7. Marion County — $853.1 million, up 4.5% from the previous year after a 4.6% gain in 2021.
8. Grundy County — $248.3 million, up 3.7% from the previous year after a 6.4% gain in 2021.
9. Whitfield County — $5.84 billion, up 2.1% from the previous year after a 4.6% gain in 2021.
10. Bradley County — $4.81 billion, up 0.9% from the previous year after a 4.2% gain in 2021.
11. Catoosa County — $1.71 billion, up 1.5% from the previous year after an 8.6% gain in 2021.
12. Meigs County — $265.5 million, up 1.1% from the previous year after a 9.3% gain in 2021.
13. McMinn County — 2.27 billion, up 0.9% from the previous year after a 4.8% gain in 2021.
14. Jackson County, Alabama — $1.48 billion, down 2.4% from the previous year after a 4.6% gain in 2021.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, real domestic product by county
In a statement Wednesday, Tennessee Economic Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said Dayton and Rhea County "have the skilled workforce, central location and infrastructure needed to propel this company forward, supporting future expansions."
Despite such growth by Baltimore Aircoil Co., staffing at the Dayton plant is still only a fraction of the 705 employees who once worked in the same facility when it was operated by Goodman air conditioning. Goodman, which built the Dayton plant in 1994, shut down its Tennessee plants in Dayton and Fayetteville in 2016 and moved production to Texas.
In the same year, Fujifilm closed its 84-employee plant in Dayton and TVA completed work on the newest reactor at the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant near Spring City, where thousands of workers had been employed during the plant's construction. Two years later, the Kaiser Hosiery Mill shut down, ending a century-old business that began as the Dayton Hosiery Mill in 1913. The mill once had more than 500 employees.
(READ MORE: Tennessee Gov. Lee proposes toll lanes for I-24 around Moccasin Bend, elsewhere)
But after its string of manufacturing setbacks in the previous decade, Dayton has bounced back in recent years, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Nokian Tyres, a Finnish tire maker, opened a $360 million tire production plant in Dayton in 2020 with more than 400 employees, and La-Z-Boy has also expanded production and opened a research and development center in Dayton with more than 125 employees. J.M. Huber Corp. also reopened its plant in Etowah with 140 employees.
In a report released this week, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said the new Dayton investments help boost the real domestic product in Rhea County by 22.7% in 2021 and an even stronger 28% last year to a record high $2.44 billion. Rhea County had the strongest economic growth rate of any of Tennessee's 95 counties in 2022, government figures show.
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