There are many who will argue with me, but I stand my ground. I believe that those outrageous gas prices we paid at the pump last summer is the bottom line cause of today’s low consumer confidence. When our consumer confidence fell - and it did as we all started having heart palpitations when filling up jumped from about $25 to $60 or more - so fell the economy.

Of course there are MANY other factors that determine the country’s fiscal well-being … jobs, retail sales, housing (my favorite). In my opinion, though, people aren’t going to spend money unless there is an absence of fear and that initial fear was spurred by not having the ability to put petrol in their tank.

That said, here’s a wonderful little chart to help people afford to pay for gas in Rutherford County. The Daily News Journal provides a map of the cheapest gas stations around.

So go ahead and fill ‘er up for cheap! And put the money you save aside to spend on something else to give our economy the retail boost it needs!

Posted By: Kathy Tyson

In the late summer of every year, The Daily News Journal - one of our local papers - sponsors the annual Ruthies where the “favorites” from around the county are voted upon. You can vote online every day for your favorite restaurant, favorite dentist, favorite place to hear gossip, favorite tanning salon, favorite EVERYTHING … including

FAVORITE REALTOR.

Okay, okay… it is an honor to just be nominated. It would be fun to win I have to admit, but along with my nomination you will find my fellow agents, auctioneers, and Bob Parks Realty as the favorite real estate company! Here are some links for your consideration!

Favorite Auctioneer: My personal favorites are Jay Cash, Mimi Genet, Adam Hensley, John Higgins, and all our fantastic Bob Parks auctioneers!

Favorite Real Estate Agent- Smyrna/LaVergne: My personal favorite… come on! Do I really have to tell you?? Bob Parks agents from my own office include Kathy Tyson (grin), SQ Willis, Larry Atkin, and Rachel McClure.

Favorite Real Estate Company: BOB PARKS REALTY of course

And I have to give my newspaper columnist a shout out - vote for Gunner Miller!

So please - vote early, vote often. Thank you for your support!!

Posted By: Kathy Tyson