There has been a lot of discussion at the state legislature this session about limiting the ability of local governments to conduct land use planning in their jurisdictions. Several bills have been introduced which would strip local governments of the ability to make and enforce zoning decisions. Supporters of these bills argue that individual property rights and real estate development are being infringed upon by restrictive planning and zoning ordinances. Opponents insist that without zoning, unsuitable uses of property would endanger property values and create financial burdens upon local governments which must provide roads, water, sewer and schools.

Waffle House, the latest addition to the Springfield restaurant scene, opened late last month with a grand celebration.

Folks in the area are excited to have Waffle House in the community and from the looks of the parking lot each time I have driven past, business has been great for this new eatery. City officials are excited about the additional sales tax revenue that will be generated for Springfield, over $5,000 annually based on estimates of national average store revenues for the Waffle House chain.

Begun in 1990 under the direction of executive director Gene Stinson and president Ted Stubblefield, Good Morning Robertson County has become the glue that holds the organization together. It offers a chance to meet new members, catch up with the news from around the county, and visit with old friends and business associates. Of course, it wouldn’t be a great chamber event without food, and there is always plenty of that. From humble beginnings of donuts and coffee to the elaborate breakfast buffets that our sponsors sometimes splurge on, there is no excuse for going to work hungry after GMRC.

For the last two decades in Springfield, February means TNT time. If you are new to the area, that's the T-N-T Statewide Middle School Basketball Tournament (T-N-T stands for Tops ‘N Tennessee) which has taken place every February annually since 1989. Over the next three weekends, over 80 middle school basketball teams will compete in more than 70 games to be held at Springfield Middle School and The Center in Springfield. This tournament is the brain-child of Springfield Middle School coaches Nancy Williams and Kenneth Holman and has grown into an economic force which benefits not only Springfield Middle School but the entire business community.