The arrival of the railroad further cemented Smyrna’s place on the map, transforming it into a hub for trade and transportation. In 1941, the establishment of Sewart Air Force Base spurred population growth and economic vitality. Although the base’s closure in 1970 brought its share of challenges, Smyrna’s determined leaders successfully revitalized the town by attracting new industries and creating jobs. With an ideal location just 20 minutes from Nashville International Airport (BNA), Smyrna enjoys the best of both worlds- proximity to major urban hubs and a quaint, small-town ambiance. Town Manager, David Santucci emphasizes, “Our location is a gem. We’re right between Nashville and Murfreesboro, two major cities here in Middle Tennessee. As people continue to visit Nashville, the ‘it city,’ they’re realizing Tennessee isn’t just a great vacation destination; it’s a wonderful place to live. This area, in particular, is starting to grow because of that.” Mayor Mary Esther Reed adds,“Even with the size of our community, it still has a small-town feel.” This balance of growth and hometown charm is a defining characteristic of Smyrna, making it an increasingly attractive choice for residents and businesses. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Smyrna’s economic strength is driven by a blend of industrial, commercial, and small-business growth. “With the addition of Nissan in 1981, manufacturing really took off and transformed the county,” explains Paul Latture, president of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. He notes that the Nissan manufacturing facility still thrives and employs approximately 8,000 people in Smyrna, making it the town’s largest employer. “There are various pockets of activity in the South Park industrial area. Just recently, Pepsi opened a new logistics facility for the region, but the automotive industry certainly is king in Smyrna and Rutherford County, and that continues to do well,” he says. Additionally, Smyrna is home to the busiest general aviation airport in the state, which also ranks as the third-largest airport in Tennessee. Plans are underway to potentially house the Air National Guard, which would bring an influx of daily employees, and 239 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 SMYRNA, TN
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