The Secretary of State has posted information on statute, rules and system changes affecting Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings in Tennessee. The information is available on the Secretary of State’s web site at http://tnbear.tn.gov/UCC.

Changes to Tennessee’s UCC statutes take effect July 1. The Secretary of State’s office will activate its new UCC filing system on that date as well. These changes will require the use of new procedures and forms. The changes will also provide customers new online options such as UCC filings and searches.

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Terry Mullins, the chief executive officer of Oak Ridge Tool-Engineering, Inc., has a pretty simple business philosophy:

"We just go after where the money is. We're able to pick and choose which markets are hot."

While the philosophy may be simple, the services the company provides are anything but. Oak Ridge Tool-Engineering designs and builds equipment used on some of the world's most complex machinery - everything from submarines to the International Space Station.

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If you’ve ever visited a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and thought the decorations on the wall had to be knock-offs, prepare to be surprised.

The Lebanon-based store and restaurant chain buys only authentic memorabilia including toys, tools, utensils, signs and advertisements for its locations across the country. Even more amazing, all of those artifacts have been purchased by the same family-run business since 1969.

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Manufacturing has been key to the economic stability and success of Tennessee since replacing agriculture as the dominant type of industry. In the past century, Tennessee has been transformed from being a historic leader in the textile manufacturing industry to its current position as a top automotive manufacturing state. This month’s Tennessee Business Spotlight highlights manufacturing companies that are making a difference not only here in Tennessee, but also throughout our nation and around the world.

Tennessee Business Spotlight is a feature on the Secretary of State’s web site that showcases some of the state’s businesses that create jobs, produce quality products and give back to their local communities. People visiting the Tennessee Business Spotlight web page can learn about the selected companies’ goods and services, operations, employment figures, photos and links to web and social media sites that provide additional information.

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Secretary of State Tre Hargett is warning buyers and sellers of homes in Tennessee about a possible scam involving real estate titles. Within the last couple of days, the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division has received copies of letters sent to at least eight real estate companies, suggesting that there are claims against  titles of 28 residential properties.

The letters, postmarked from Portland, Ore., say the claims were submitted on behalf of an organization called “the French Trust.” They threaten legal action against anyone attempting to sell any of the listed properties.

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As summer draws near, more and more Tennesseans are planning events - from weddings to barbeques to all sorts of parties. The Tennessee Business Spotlight theme for the month of March is entitled “Life’s Most Memorable Moments” and recognizes home grown businesses which help Tennesseans plan their events, enjoy the best in party rentals, and photograph those treasured times.

Tennessee Business Spotlight is a feature on the Secretary of State’s web site that showcases some of the state’s businesses that create jobs, produce quality products and give back to their local communities. People visiting the Tennessee Business Spotlight web page can learn about the selected companies’ goods and services, operations, employment figures, photos and links to web and social media sites that provide more information.

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In February, we celebrate President's Day. So this month's Tennessee Business Spotlight highlights businesses in each of the seven Tennessee counties named after United States presidents.

Tennessee Business Spotlight is a feature on the Secretary of State’s web site that showcases some of the state’s businesses that create jobs, produce quality products and give back to their local communities. People visiting the Tennessee Business Spotlight web page can learn about the selected companies’ goods and services, operations, employment figures, photos and links to web and social media sites that provide more information.

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Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office has received inquiries about an official-looking notice from Corporate Records Service. It appears that these notices began arriving in mailboxes around January 22, 2013. Corporate Records Service is not registered, affiliated, or associated with the Tennessee Secretary of State.

The mailer is causing confusion for Tennessee corporations due to its appearance as an official document. Tennessee corporations are required to file annual reports with the Tennessee Secretary of State. Most corporations have also recently received annual report notices from the Secretary of State.

Corporate Records Services is requesting a $125 fee. The standard fee to file a corporation annual report in Tennessee is only $20.

“We can confirm that Corporate Records Service is not a business entity on file with our office,” Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “I strongly advise corporations to exercise caution before providing their private and confidential information or credit card information to this or any company that is representing itself in this manner.”

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With the holidays over, many people look to the new year for a fresh beginning and a time for New Year's resolutions. This month’s Tennessee Business Spotlight theme is: "Tennessee Stays Fit and Healthy." The businesses featured this month produce fitness clothing, equipment, or are homegrown gyms - all of which can help Tennesseans reach their fitness goals.

Tennessee Business Spotlight is a feature on the Secretary of State’s web site that showcases some of the state’s businesses that create jobs, produce quality products and give back to their local communities. People visiting the Tennessee Business Spotlight web page can learn about the selected companies’ goods and services, operations, employment figures, photos and links to web and social media sites that provide more information.

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On January 1, 2013 revisions in the Tennessee Business Corporation Act went into effect (2012 Public Chapter 1051). To accommodate these changes, which affect the law governing Tennessee for-profit corporations, the Business Services Division has developed new forms for for-profit corporation formations.

In addition, nonprofit corporation formation documents have been revised, using the new format developed for for-profit corporations. Limited liability company formation forms were revised in September, 2012.

New corporation charters and applications for certificate of authority must be presented on the new forms, which are available on the division’s forms page.

Tennessee has many homegrown businesses that produce goods all year round, but some of them remind us of the holidays more than others. This month’s Tennessee Business Spotlight theme is: Tennessee, Home for the Holidays! These businesses smoke hams, grow produce and cultivate Christmas trees all around the state. This month’s featured companies include one launched in the last year and another that has been in business for 65 years.

Tennessee Business Spotlight is a feature on the Secretary of State’s web site that showcases some of the state’s businesses that create jobs, produce quality products and give back to their local communities. People visiting the Tennessee Business Spotlight web page can learn about the selected companies’ goods and services, operations, employment figures, photos and links to web and social media sites that provide more information.

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