Boyd 'considering' 2018 run for gov

Knoxville businessman and baseball team owner Randy Boyd “is considering” plans to announce his 2018 candidacy for governor within the next month.

The move comes as the longtime philanthropist and Republican steps down as the state’s economic and community development commissioner to return to the private sector.

"Most people are encouraging me to run, so it's something I am considering,” Boyd told WBIR 10News Monday. “It's a big sacrifice but there are so many things Gov. Haslam has started like the ‘Drive to 55,’ like the commitment to helping our rural communities. I want to make sure that momentum continues. If I were to run, it would be to make sure that happened.”

Incumbent Republican Gov. Bill Haslam is term-limited and leaves office after 2018.

Other top Republicans rumored to make a run at the job include two members of the U.S. House of Representatives – Diane Black and Marsha Blackburn – and state Speaker of the House Beth Harwell.

In addition, state Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, has filed the paperwork to run.

On the Democratic side, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Nashville businessman Bill Freeman are rumored to join the fray.

The gubernatorial general election is set for November 2018.

Boyd announced last week that he was stepping down from his job as Haslam’s go-to person for economic growth and development in order to return to the private sector. He leaves at the end of the month.

Boyd heads Radio Systems Corp., which he created, develops area real estate and also owns the Tennessee Smokies AA baseball team. He also chairs tnAchieves, the partner organization to Tennessee Promise.

Haslam, a former Knoxville mayor, tapped Boyd in 2013 to serve as a special adviser in higher education, part of a strategy to boost post-secondary training of the state's workforce.

Haslam has previously credited Boyd with bringing some 50,000 jobs to the state and $11 billion in capital investments.

In 2013, he served as the special advisor on higher education to the state where he spearheaded the Drive to 55 initiative and Tennessee Promise.

Boyd told WBIR that on Monday alone he was approached seven times from people asking him his future political plans.

He told 10News that he plans to take the first couple of weeks of February to decide if running for governor is right for him.

"Most of the concerns are personal,” he said. “The travel, the being away. But as far as the work is concerned, I'm very comfortable that I could do the work. I'm excited about the progress we've made in education, the progress we've made in economic development, progress to help our rural communities. Those are the things that would energize me to do it.”

He added that at one time he felt campaigning was tedious, but he now feels it’s a way to meet people around the state.

"The more I've thought about it the more I've thought about it it's really governor training school,” he said. “You're basically spending your time out talking to people. If I were to run, I know I'm not the best speaker in the world, I'm certainly not the best debater. But I'd like to strive to be the best listener. Just being able to travel around the state and be a great listener and hearing people's concerns I think it would be really fun and rewarding. I think it might be something I would really enjoy.”

Randy Boyd leaving state economic development commissioner post

Randy Boyd

Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd is leaving his state post as Gov. Bill Haslam's go-to person for economic growth and development in order to return to the private sector.

Boyd's time as commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development will end at the end of the month, according to a state announcement Monday afternoon.

Folks, this is the beginning. My guess is expect his gubernatorial announcement in February or March.

On Monday afternoon Boyd tweeted: "Sad to leave ECD, but we are all still Team Tennessee. It has been an honor to serve with so many amazing people. WE ARE TEAM TENNESSEE.

Boyd heads Radio Systems Corp., which he created, develops area real estate and also owns the Tennessee Smokies AA baseball team. He also chairs tnAchieves, the partner organization to Tennessee Promise.

More: Boyd buys Old City site

Haslam, former mayor of Knoxville, tapped Boyd in 2013 to serve as a special adviser in higher education, part of a strategy to boost post-secondary training of the state's workforce.

Boyd went on to become economic development commissioner, a post he held two years.

"The state of Tennessee has gained so much from Randy’s service. To put it simply: without Randy, there is no Tennessee Promise or Drive to 55 or a comprehensive approach to job growth via workforce development,” Haslam said in Monday's statement. “I will miss his energy, passion and deep commitment to bringing economic growth and success to every corner of the state, and I am grateful for everything he has done for Tennessee."

Boyd said in a statement that he was "thankful for the opportunity to serve the governor and the people of Tennessee."

"Now, I look forward to returning home to Knoxville to continue to find ways to best serve our state," he said.

Randy Boyd: Smokies baseball team to stay in Kodak until at least 2025

Local businessman and Tennessee Smokies owner Randy Boyd doesn’t plan to bring the baseball team back to Knoxville until 2025 at the earliest – and even that’s not a guarantee.

In fact, he might sign another contract at that point and keep the team in nearby Kodak for another decade.

Boyd, who bought the Chicago Cubs’ Class AA affiliate in June 2013, said he talked with Sevierville and Sevier County officials about recruiting another team there to replace the Smokies “but (officials) weren’t interested in that and if they’re not interested in that and see it as a win-win then we’re going to stay where we’re at.”

Boyd also ruled out taking over another franchise from the Chicago Cubs although he said he had discussions with team owners about it. He called such a purchase "complicated" and said he wasn't interested.

Further, Boyd told WBIR 10News on Friday that he doesn’t have the authority to move the Johnson City Cardinals, another team he oversees, to Knoxville.

The Rookie League team, Boyd said, is actually owned by the St. Louis Cardinals and he only
manages it.

“It’s not up to us to move them. And besides, even if I had the control of it which I don’t, the St. Louis Cardinals have been there for 50 years and they have such a tradition,” said Boyd, who is also the state's economic and community development commissioner. “We just got through investing $300,000 into the stadium and investing another $250,000 over the offseason to fix up the infield and turn it into artificial turf, so the high school can use the stadium. So, we’re very invested in the stadium and love that team.”

Boyd earlier this year signed a 10-year lease to manage the Cardinals’ affiliate.

WBIR's Inside Tennessee panel meets with Randy Boyd

The baseball discussion, which took place during a taping of WBIR’s political and public affairs program "Inside Tennessee," came in the wake of Boyd recently purchasing one of the Knox Rail Salvage properties and a nearby parcel in Knoxville’s Old City for $6 million in September.

In all, Boyd’s footprint in that area of the Old City now extends to more than 11 acres. He says he's had his eyes on that property for some time.

Prior to the purchase, Boyd had discussions with East Tennessee leaders about potentially bringing the Smokies back to Knoxville.

The team left for Sevier County after the 1999 season.

Boyd’s contract with Sevier County and Sevierville, which co-own the stadium, runs out in 2025.

At that point, the team could agree to another lease or leave.
The city and county issued $19.4 million in bonds to pay for the stadium, which opened in 2000.

Guidelines were built into the lease that would require the team to pay off whatever debt service, which would include interest on the initial bonds, is left if the team were to leave prior to 2025.

For example, if the team were to leave today, that could cost as much as $10 million, according to the contract.

Boyd said the amount “is more than I can afford.”

“(I’m not leaving) for two reasons,” he said. “One because the check wouldn’t clear and two because the people in Sevierville and Sevier County – it wouldn’t be a win-win for them.”

In the meantime, Boyd said he doesn’t plan to do anything with the Knox Rail Salvage property for at least a year. He’ll let the company continue to operate and transition into a new building.

Then, he said, he’ll flatten the building and rehabilitate the area.

“It’s a family passion to fix that area up,” he said. “In the end I think we can make that something in Knoxville that we can be proud of.”

He said he has envisioned a baseball stadium there but “between now and 10 years from now there’s so many things that can happen.”

Knoxville, Boyd have not talked plans about $6M Old City land purchase

Knoxville leaders say they have not been approached by state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd about what he plans to do with the more than seven acres of property he bought last week in the Old City.

But, officials said, any major project in that area would require a major vetting process.

Boyd, who owns the Tennessee Smokies baseball team in Sevierville, paid $6 million for one of the Knox Rail Salvage properties and a nearby parcel last week.

The seller, Mike Frazier, told WBIR 10News that he spoke with Boyd during their 18 months of negotiating and Boyd told him what he wants to do with the property.

MORE: A closer look at Boyd's Old City land acquisitions

Frazier said it “will be an asset to the community,” but didn’t elaborate other than to tell WBIR reporters they “might be on to something” when asked about the long-running rumors that Boyd would build a stadium on the land and potentially relocate the Smokies team.

Boyd, a local businessman and philanthropist, told 10News that at this time he and his wife “don’t have definite plans for this property.”

City leaders on Thursday said they’ve worked often with the Boyd family, but so far haven’t talked with him about his latest land acquisition.

“Randy and Jenny Boyd are major property owners in the Old City, and so there have been many city dealings with them in recent years on various properties and projects,” said Jesse Mayshark, the city’s senior director of communications and government relations. “But we have had no proposals or requests from Randy Boyd or anyone else in regard to the future use of the Knox Rail Salvage property.”

Mayshark added: “Any request or proposal for any kind of public involvement in a redevelopment project would have to go through extensive public discussion and vetting, as is true of any redevelopment project.”

Rest of story, including the costs of moving the Smokies now, right HERE.

Randy Boyd makes major Old City buy

Local businessman and philanthropist Randy Boyd continues to scoop up major pieces of land in the Old City, this time paying a combined $6 million for one of the Knox Rail Salvage properties and a nearby parcel.

The downtown property, just east of Hall of Fame Boulevard and the James White Parkway, represents more than seven acres.

The purchases include: 400 East Jackson Ave.; 651 Willow Ave.; 501 Willow Ave.; and 0 Patton Street.

The property was acquired by RR Land, a limited liability company led by Boyd.

Boyd, who also is the state’s commissioner of economic and community development, purchased the land Sept. 1 from Knox Rail Salvage and its president Mike Frazier.

Boyd in March also paid $375,000 for the Lay Packing Company, which is next to Knox Rail Salvage on Jackson Street.

In all, Boyd’s footprint in that area of the Old City now extends to more than 11 acres.

The packing company, coupled with the salvage property, encompasses a 7-acre rectangle between east Jackson Avenue and Willow Avenue; and Patton Street and Florida Street.
The additional acreage is made up by the 0 Patton St. property bought last week and 650 Willow Ave., which he bought in March for $500,000.

Frazier also operates another Knox Rail Salvage, which sells home furnishing supplies, off Magnolia Avenue and does not plan to close it.

"We'll move the supplies (from Jackson Street) over there and to some other properties we're looking at, but we are not going out of business by any means," said Frazier, who bought the Jackson Street property in 2003 for $450,000.

Frazier said he spoke with Boyd during the sale and Boyd told him what he intends to do with the property.

"It's something that will be an asset to the community," he said, declining to elaborate.
WBIR 10News asked Frazier about the long-running rumors that Boyd, who owns the Tennessee Smokies baseball team in Sevier County, would build a stadium on the property.

"You might be on to something," he said. "But I don't want to say one way or the other."
Boyd bought the Smokies, a Chicago Cubs’ Class AA affiliate, in June 2013.

Boyd, who founded Knoxville-based Radio Systems Corp., which sells pet products branded “Pet Safe,”  issued a short statement to WBIR.

“Jenny (his wife) and I believe in the future of the Old City and want to continue to make investments in the area when we can," he said.  "At this time, we don’t have definite plans for this property.”

Rest of story HERE.

Boyd firm adds to Old City holdings

121 E. Jackson Ave.

A limited liability company led by businessman Randy Boyd purchased an Old City property this month for $1.95 million, adding to the entrepreneur's holdings in the entertainment district.

Knox County Register of Deeds records show the purchase date was March 15 for the building at 121 E. Jackson Ave.

Boyd Properties PS LLC, with Randy Boyd listed as registered agent, bought the multi-story brick building from Jerry and Judith McWhorter, according to records. The McWhorters had owned the building for decades, according to records.

The building sits across the street from Barley's and next to the NV Nightclub.

The acquisition adds another Old City site to properties with ties to Boyd and his family.

County records show Boyd Properties LLC also has title to the old Patrick Sullivan's building at 100 N. Central St.

A separate LLC, Boyd Entertainment LLC, has title to property across the intersection - Boyd's Jig & Reel, the popular pub and nightclub at 101 S. Central.

Boyd is state commissioner of Economic and Community Development. He founded Knoxville-based Radio Systems Corp., which makes pet products.

Boyd to serve as state Economic and Community Development commissioner

Randy Boyd

Radio Systems Corporation Chairman Randy Boyd has joined Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s cabinet where he will serve as the state’s new commissioner of Economic and Community Development.

He replaces Bill Hagerty, who announced his departure to join the private sector last month.

“Randy understands the importance of making sure that the business community and educators are working hand in hand to meet our workforce needs,” Haslam said Thursday in a released statement. “More than ever, offering an educated and highly trained workforce is part of attracting new business to our state and encouraging existing businesses to expand here. Randy’s experience and success in the private sector as well as his engagement in the education community make him a perfect fit to continue our focus on being the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

On Wednesday, the governor announced that McQueen, a teacher and dean at Lipscomb University in Nashville, will join his cabinet as commissioner of the Department of Education. She replaces Kevin Huffman, who also stepped down last month to join the private sector.

Boyd, 55, founded Radio Systems Corporation, which produces pet products for a number of brand names like Invisible Fence and PetSafe, in 1991. He served in 2013 as the governor’s special advisor for public education, focusing on the “Drive to 55” initiative designed to raise the percentage of

Tennesseans with college degrees or certificates from 32 percent to 55 percent by the year 2025.

Haslam has said that his work resulted in the Tennessee Promise program, which provides two free years of community college to the state’s graduating high school seniors.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to serve our state. While working with the Governor last year, we often talked about education being not K to 12 but K to J, with the ‘J’ being jobs. Now, I can work to ensure that those high quality jobs we are educating people for are there for them,” Boyd said in a released statement. “I’m first and foremost a salesman, and every salesman likes to have a great product to promote. I cannot imagine a better one than the state of Tennessee and can’t wait to promote it to other businesses around the world.”

The Knoxville resident has received several awards including Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southeast in 2008, Tennessee Business Magazine’s CEO of the Year in 2009, UT’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009, and was inducted into Junior Achievement’s East Tennessee Hall of Fame in 2008.

In 2009, Boyd helped start tnAchieves, a non-profit organization that has sent over 10,526 high school graduates to community college free of charge with mentors and was the model for the Tennessee Promise program.

Boyd also currently serves on the board of a number of organizations including the University of Tennessee College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council and Knox County’s Great Schools Partnership. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in industrial management in 1979 and a master’s in liberal studies from Oklahoma University in 1988.

He and his wife, Jenny, have two sons, Thomas and Harrison.