Executive

The number of new businesses grew more than 10 percent during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same time last year, according to a new report released by the Secretary of State's office. There were 11,480 new entity filings in the first quarter of 2018, representing a 10.7 percent increase compared to the same time the year before. Initial filings have now had positive year-over-year growth for 26 consecutive quarters. Domestic limited liability corporations (LLCs), which were up 13.3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2017, account for nearly two-thirds of all new entity filings.

Twelve Tennessee students took top honors at the 2018 National History Day competition. In total, 58 middle and high school students represented Tennessee in the contest, which allows students to showcase their creativity and research skills by developing projects with historical themes.

A host of genealogy records are available at the click of a mouse, but researching solely online will reveal less than 10 percent of all the world’s genealogical records. On June 23, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free workshop entitled “It’s Not All Online: Researching in Archives.”

Six county administrators of elections are being recognized for passing the state certification exam. Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins presented each administrator with a certificate Monday at the annual Tennessee Association of County Election Officials (TACEO) summer conference in Nashville.

Over a five-year period, World War I ravaged Europe, the Middle East and parts of North Africa, overturning governments and costing millions of lives. The United States joined the battle in 1917, eventually mobilizing more than 4 million soldiers and countless civilians who provided support for the war effort on the home front.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives will put all three of the state’s original constitutions on display to the public in commemoration of Statehood Day. The constitutions are typically protected in a vault, but all three versions will be in the Library and Archives’ lobby for public viewing June 1 to 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.

The Tennessee Secretary of State’s office is pleased to announce six new members of the Civic Education and Engagement Advisory Committee. Since its inception as the Blue Book Curriculum Task Force, the committee was expanded to advise and assist Secretary of State Tre Hargett on the best ways to get students to become more civically engaged. The committee’s noteworthy achievements include the creation of lesson plans based on the Tennessee Blue Book, lesson plans used during the Student Mock Election, critical support of the annual civics essay contest and regional teacher workshops.

Sixty-two students will represent Tennessee at the National History Day competition this summer. The students are advancing after placing first or second in various categories at Tennessee History Day Saturday, April 7. Participants entered documentaries, exhibits, performances, websites and papers all based on this year’s theme, “Conflict and Compromise in History.” Out of 162 submitted projects, 92 students received medals for their efforts, 15 students were awarded special prizes and two educators were recognized as educators of the year.

Former Rep. Tommie F. Brown (D-Chattanooga) hosted a Black History Month program before the 104th Tennessee General Assembly Feb. 23, 2005, to honor the many contributions made by African-American members. Christian Suttles recited a portion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream…” speech by memory. King originally delivered his famous speech Aug. 28, 1963, during the March on Washington.

Nearly 300 students from across Tennessee will compete in the annual Tennessee History Day state contest in downtown Nashville Saturday. The competition allows students to showcase their creativity and research skills by developing projects with historical themes. The students with the best-judged projects in the statewide competition will advance to the National History Day finals in College Park, Maryland, June 10 through June 14 with top finishers earning prestigious awards and scholarships.