TIME ZONE

Northeast Tennessee is located in the Eastern Time Zone. Tennessee changes to Daylight Savings Time on the first Sunday in April and reverts to Standard Time the last Sunday in October.

CLIMATE

Mild climate year round with four distinct seasons.

Average temperatures:	Summer 80°	Winter 36°
Precipitation:	41.3 inches
Altitude:	1,700 feet
Average snowfall:	16.4 inches (4-5 months)

Light clothing for summer and layers work well in the winter. If you're headed for mountains, take along a jacket since temperatures are cooler at higher elevations.

GETTING IN TOUCH

Our area code is 423. We also list a variety of toll-free calling options. These include 800, 866, 877, and 888.

POPULATION

487,994 (2005 Estimate - U.S. Census Bureau & First Tennessee Development District)

TRANSPORTATION

• Interstate access: I-81, I-26
• Primary Highway access: US 11E, 11W, 19, 19E, 19W, 23, 321, 421 and numerous State Routes.
• Tri-Cities Regional Airport, TN/VA: Providing daily commercial flights to major hubs connecting to domestic and international destinations.
• Five municipal airports strategically located in the region offer charter service for the business community.
• Bus Lines: Greyhound

HIGHWAY SAFETY REGULATIONS

• Use of headlights is required during any weather condition requiring windshield wipers.
• Approved helmets are required for driver and passengers of any motor-driven cycle.

SEAT BELT LAW

• Tennessee law requires usage of safety belts for drivers and front-seat passengers and for children ages 4-12.
• All children under the age of 4 must be properly restrained in a child-restraint device.

HEALTH CARE

• The medical facilities specialize in services from eye care to cancer treatment, veterans administration, as well as a medical school known for producing outstanding medical professionals.

EDUCATION

• 10 Colleges and Universities throughout the region.

HOUSING COSTS/ COST OF LIVING INDEX

• Housing costs average about $82,000 and the cost of living index stands at 90% of the national average.

UTILITIES

• Local electric power distributors purchase power from the world's largest public utility, the Tennessee Valley Authority.
• Natural Gas is available within most areas with virtually unlimited capacity.
• Telephone service is provided by Sprint and South Central Bell.

TAXES

• Sales and Use tax: Rate of 7% plus local option sales or use tax ranging from 1% to 2.75%.
• Property tax: Dependent upon the appraised value of the property by county tax assessor, the level of assessment for the kind of property, and the rate of tax.
• State Income Tax - none

What is the Law?

Under this new law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places within the State of Tennessee with a few exceptions.
The smoking ban applies, but is not limited to:

• Restaurants
• Public and private educational facilities
• Health care facilities
• Hotels and motels
• Retail stores and shopping malls
• Sports arenas, including enclosed public areas in outdoor arenas
• Restrooms, lobbies, reception areas, hallways and other common-use areas
• Lobbies, hallways and other common areas in apartment buildings and other multiple-unit residential facilities
• Child care and adult day care facilities

To review the law, go to www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/Amend/HA0739.pdf.

What does it mean to me?

Beginning October 1, 2007, many places where you dine, shop or visit will be smoke free. These establishments should have a visible "No Smoking" sign or the Universal No Smoking Symbol posted prominently outside their door. There are a handful of establishments or areas that the law provides for owners and operators to continue to allow smoking. Examples include bars that only serve people 21 years of age and older; some non-enclosed areas of public places, including open air patios, porches or decks; smoking rooms in hotels and motels; and private clubs. For more information about exemptions, please click here to view our frequently asked questions.

Individuals may also receive personal penalties if they knowingly smoke in area where smoking is prohibited. If this occurs the person is subject to a civil penalty of $50.