Progress is defined as movement toward a higher stage, advancement and to have progress we must have change. People are often fearful when we talk about change. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. People are afraid to go in a dark room because they do not know what might be in there.

Now, let’s look at some facts that will help keep things in their proper perspective. The city of Sevierville established a Central Business Improvement District to build the infrastructure that will support new businesses, to increase revenue and give our out-of-town guests more reasons to come to town. Bonds were issued for $200 million, and to date $150 million has been used. The Events Center and expansion of the golf course have been virtually completed. The annual payments on this bond issue will increase to $18 million in three years. The Bass Pro store was the first business to open in the CBID and it has generated increased traffic which means more tax revenue. It has not hurt any other businesses; in fact, with more people coming to shop, other retail establishments, restaurants, motels and amusements have more guests to serve. The Bass Pro Shop off of Exit 407 generates more sales per square foot than any other store in its chain.

Over the past few years $43,000,000 of private money has been spent on excavation for the Dumplin Creek development off of Exit 407. This is being developed by the same company that is still developing Turkey Creek in Knoxville. The city of Knoxville invested $6 million to put in the access road for that project. It was paid back within two years and an additional $54 million has been generated in tax revenue for the city. Since it is not in a CBID, the city receives 1.5 percent of the sales tax from that project. The City of Sevierville will receive 8 percent from the Dumplin Creek project.

The developer purchased the Best Western Motel, on Highway 66, for $5 million and has torn it down so that Dumplin Boulevard can be constructed. This road will be the first step in alleviating some of the traffic bottlenecks that we have struggled with for years. The State Department of Transportation has been granted some Federal Stimulus money and in January or March they will be putting out a contract for the construction of Exit 408.

It will take $12.5 million to build Dumplin Valley Boulevard. There is an EDA Grant for $2 million and the developer has agreed to invest $2 million. The City of Sevierville has been asked to invest $8.5 million to build this road. Walmart has committed to build a Super Store at Dumplin Creek and the new sales tax revenue from that store alone will generate that amount in 18 months. The developer has a letter that states that many large stores are inquiring about coming to Dumplin Creek. In addition, three national restaurant chains are wanting to be a part of this project.

This will be the only development, west of Nashville, to come out of the ground next year in Tennessee. With 100,000 cars a day currently going by Exit 407 and the proximity to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, this is a perfect site. Experience has proven that the bigger the pie, the bigger the piece. A development like this will bring more people, thus benefiting everyone in our area. This development will generate 2,000 new jobs as well.

Some people may be thinking that Belle Island was to generate additional revenue and create new jobs and now it sits empty and in bankruptcy. There are several differences that need to be understood. Dumplin Creek has an investor behind it that is more than able to fund the project. Several banks have already said that they are willing to loan the City of Sevierville the $8.5 million to fund the road. With 106 banks having already failed and 1,100 projected to go under in this economy, this is another green light for this project. To move forward or not, that is the question.

— Dave Gorden of Sevierville is a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame, past president of the National Speakers Association and one of the Authors of “Chicken Soup For the Adopted Soul.” E-mail Dave@davegorden.com.