Spotlight on Rutherford County, Tennessee.

While the national growth searchlight has long been tightly focused on Atlanta's northeast Georgia region or North Carolina's research corridor, a sleeper Southern county--Rutherford County, Tennessee--has moved into the light.

Much notice is being paid to this county with a population of over 200,000, just 13 miles outside and a border county of Nashville, TN.

In the first quarter 2005, the U.S. Bureau of Labor reported that Rutherford County had the largest over-the-year percentage in employment growth among the 75 largest counties in the U.S. The number of jobs in Rutherford County increased 9.2 percent, compared with the national job growth rate of 1.3 percent.

David A. Penn, assistant professor of economics and finance at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), the state's largest public undergraduate university (also located in Rutherford County), said the area's employment increase is "monumental."

"This is the second quarter Rutherford County has ranked first. Three quarters ago, Rutherford was No. 2. Four quarters ago, the county was No. 3."

The other counties on the top 10 employment list were well behind Rutherford County by several percentage points. Clark County, NV, had an employment increase of 7.4 percent, while Riverside County, CA, ranked third with a growth rate of 7.2 percent. Rutherford County is the fifth largest and fastest growing county in a state which has long been considered one of the South's friendliest destinations to do business. The county is situated between Nashville and Chattanooga on a direct route from Chicago and St. Louis to Atlanta and points beyond.

The strong economy attracts a growing population, with in-migration at twice the national average. Rutherford County is one of fastest growing counties in America with a phenomenal rate of growth of over 63 percent during the past twelve years.

Daily, more than 40,000 highly skilled workers stream to jobs in Nashville, battling long commutes, which creates an attractive workforce for in-county employers.

The region has a moderate climate with four distinctly different seasons, and averages 50 inches annually in rainfall with an average temperature of 59 degrees. Tourism is a strong industry, as Civil War sites draw visitors year-round. Local youth sports, MTSU collegiate sports, and professional sports like the Tennessee Titans NFL football, the Nashville Kats arena football, the Nashville Sounds baseball team and the NHL's Nashville Predators provide constant entertainment. Local theater and music, including the Tennessee Symphony, are strong and well-attended.

Rutherford County has adopted an aggressive economic development strategy over the past four years, bringing together the public and private sectors to fund a comprehensive economic development initiative termed "Destination Rutherford." The four cities located in Rutherford County--Eagleville, La Vergne, Muffreesboro and Smyrna--and the county government are united and cohesive as they work closely with the private sector to tell the county's story to the nation to recruit top corporations into the community.

The area is poised for development, residing in a state with no state income tax, a choice Southeast central location and excellent transportation infrastructure.

Murfreesboro: "Most Livable Town in Tennessee"

In Murfreesboro, the region's hottest new master planned development, the Gateway, is under construction, and will offer locations for Class A office, corporate headquarters, residential and limited retail. Initial plans are already underway for a conference center and four-star hotel in the Gateway linking to an 18-hole golf course, a new hospital, medical buildings and two Class A office buildings. In addition, Consumers Insurance corporate headquarters will be locating in the Gateway and other development projects are at various stages across the 358-acre tract.

Even in the midst of growth, Murfreesboro retains its Southern charm, with a historic downtown, great neighborhoods, excel lent city school system, a well-developed greenway system and extensive park system. MTSU, located in Murfreesboro, is an educational leader in the mass communications, aerospace, biotech, music and education fields.

Smyrna's experiencing a retail "explosion"

Smyrna is home to Nissan, a 7000-person manufacturing employer and hub of a number of spillover auto-related industries. The Smyrna Airport is one of the busiest general aviation facilities in the Southeast, and has plans to expand by 300 acres within its newly developed master plan to offer choice sites for office development and aviation related companies. The city is also experiencing a retail explosion along key route Sam Ridley Parkway, home to the newly built StoneCrest Medical Center and campus of Motlow State Community College.

Throughout the county, there are divisions and regional offices of companies like State Farm, Verizon, Cardinal Health, Nissan, General Mills, Starbucks, Whirlpool and many more.

La Vergne: Home of state's largest industrial park

La Vergne, the county's closest city to Nashville, is a mecca of distribution centers and industrial space, with Interchange City, a 1,200-acre industrial park which is the largest in the state, and more industrial and commercial space opening every day. The city also hosts companies like Whirlpool, Bridgestone/Firestone, Ingrain Book Group and Borders Group.

Eagleville: Pastoral country setting still exists

In this, the smallest of cities in Rutherford County, Eagleville still maintains that small-town country feel while within easy distance to the amenities of urban life. The 500-resident small town is building its first greenway corridor and has its first park on the drawing board. With its own school for kindergarten through 12th grade, city leaders are readying regulations in preparation for the sure growth coming their way.

For those seeking an expansion or relocation destination, Rutherford County has become a natural candidate atop the list of Southern destinations.

Information for this article was provided by Rutherford County, Tennessee.