TOP PHOTO: Here’s a look at the new LUB offices soon after the project was finished in 2021.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Thursday at the new LUB offices on North Tennessee Avenue was a special day for a couple of longtime La Follette families. “It’s amazing,” said Jason Prim. “They did a good job, and it really looks nice,” said Jerry Sharp. Prim and his son Andrew along with Sharp and his grandson Nic toured the newly constructed offices during yesterday morning’s Campbell County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Coffee Connection.

Both families have history at the site; their families once had businesses and even lived there. Prim’s grandparents, P.J. and Dorothy Mae Prim, built a building and a business, Prim’s Bakery, on the grounds where the LUB offices now sit. Sharp’s father, J. Minton Sharp, erected the structure next door to Prim’s Bakery as part of La Follette Machine and Tool’s downtown campus.

Jason Prim and his son Andrew listened to remarks made by LUB General Manager Kenny Baird.
Jason Prim said he was glad to see that LUB maintained the outside look of the Prim Bakery building to keep its historical value. The structure burned in the spring of 1972.
Word is that the stone came from Crab Orchard, near Crossville, and that P.J. Prim cut the stone by hand.

Campbell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Missy Tackett welcomed everyone on behalf of the chamber and LUB. Kenny Baird, LUB General Manager, introduced Jason Prim and Jerry Sharp to the crowd expressing his appreciation to both families for working with LUB to make everything work. Talks about the LUB purchase of the properties began in 2016.

Jerry Sharp and one of his grandchildren, Nic Sharp, attended Thursday’s LUB event, the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Coffee Connection.
The Sharp Building, on the right, was not razed.
Here’s the new look of the Sharp Building.

There was a good turnout for the Coffee Connection. Baird said he could not take credit for all the work that went into hosting the coffee and thanked LUB employees Tonya Ellison, Terry Hill, Regina Kennedy, Christy Tidwell, Brian Weaver and Monica White for making it happen. LUB board members, elected officials as well as candidates seeking office were in attendance. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/22/2022-6AM)

One Reply to “LUB serves as Chamber Coffee host at new facilities”

  1. I only have a few memories before the fire at the bakery, but my best is a huge wedding cake that Papaw was making. I grew up working at LaFollette Machine and Tool. My Dad worked at the shop for 47 years. Hope to stop by for a visit someday.

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