Executive

New business filings increased 8.2 percent in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the previous year, according to a new report released Friday by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. An increase in new entity filings suggest continued economic growth for Tennessee.

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.

After competing against approximately 8,300 students from across the state, 68 winners will represent Tennessee in the final stage of competition at National History Day (NHD) this summer. Advancing students placed first or second in their categories at Tennessee History Day on Saturday, April 13.