Longtime local businessman Hollis Bush was recognized last week for his leadership in the community.

The Claiborne Economic Partnership’s Economic and Community Development Board honored Bush during its meeting last week, presenting him with a plaque. In addition, State Representative Jerry Sexton presented him with a proclamation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Bush started having an impact on the local economic community over 46 years ago, Sexton told those gathered. He and his late brother Letton worked together to establish Bushline Furniture in 1970 and worked together until January 2000, when Letton retired. They had both been involved before that with their father, who sold furniture to stores directly from the back of his delivery truck.

“…Robust growth has always been the hallmark of Bushline, and since its inception in 1970, the company has manufactured and sold its upholstered furniture to customers in forty-eight states and ten foreign countries,” read Sexton from the proclamation. “…For nearly fifty years, Hollis Bush guided a business known for its outstanding commitment to quality and remarkable service to its many satisfied customers, remaining active at the company he co-founded until it was sold in February of this year.”

Bushline was sold to Sexton, who hails from Bean Station and also owns Sexton Furniture Manufacturing.

Bush thanked those who had gathered in his honor, including the ECD board members as well as family, friends and employees. He gave credit to his brother as well as his entire family, many of whom have worked or continue to work in the business. His immediate family includes his late parents, Kyle Claude Bush and Madge Fannon Bush and his siblings listed on the proclamation are Luther Sutton, Letton Bush, Mary Lee Hurst, Christine Carpenter and Eula Bundren.

“This is a fabulous opportunity to recognize people who make this community what it is,” Sexton said, adding that proclamation was meant to honor Hollis and his entire family.

“Hollis is a friend, but he goes beyone being a friend to this community,” Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels told those gathered.

The proclamation was signed by Sexton, Speaker of the House Beth Harwell Sen. Frank Niceley.