In Rutherford and Cannon Counties, the Daily News Journal sponsors the Ruthies Awards every year. The Ruthies awards are the area’s oldest, largest and most established reader’s choice contest. Ruthies banners and awards are displayed with pride. I’m sure if you have been in Rutherford or Cannon counties you have seen one.

This year was the 16th annual Ruthies Awards and there were 193 categories. The winners were published in a special section in the DNJ this past Sunday, October 31st. Being a Ruthie winner is a coveted honor.

Here at Bob Parks we are thrilled that two of our agents were among the nominees and winners!

Jackie Hogencamp was one of the top 5 finalist for Favorite Real Estate Agent! There were a couple hundred nominees.

Jackie says “True Real Estate professionalism is an ever-changing art in our correcting Real Estate market. We are truly fortunate to be in a changed, but healthy market here in Middle Tennessee, and I pride myself on being on the cutting edge of the technology, trends, and changes that we face in the Real Estate industry currently.”

Jackie is in constant communication with her buyers and sellers and utilizes the many tools at her disposal to effectively market her listings, and search for her buyers. She runs her business as a high energy, heavily connected, technology-driven entity that has proven to be remarkably effective even as our market continues to correct itself.

Kendra Cooke won first place for Favorite Real Estate Agent - Smyrna / LaVergne.

Kendra says “As the team leader of Cooke Realty Partners, it is my duty to hold myself and my team to the highest ethical and professional standards. We will provide all our clients a professional experience with a personal touch. We build lasting friendships and fulfill dreams. My 20 + years in the Real Estate Business, professionalism, and proven systems will ensure you a top rated experience. I pride myself on being a leader in my Industry and I want to be “Your Realtor for Life”.

We are honored to have these great agents with Bob Parks Realty! Congrats to you Jackie and Kendra! You are truly an asset to us.

Posted by:  Jody Stahly

The Daily News Journal recently reported on the fact that our local Middle Tennessee schools produced 13 National Merit Semifinalist!

This is one of the Nation’s top achievements and speaks highly for our area schools! Click here to check out the article.

Posted by:  Jody Stahly

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