Rent-to-own giant Aaron's has snapped up the 30 stores formerly run by Crusader Management, which launched in Cookeville in late 2002. Among the locations, which will be converted to HomeSmart stores, are stores in Lebanon and Murfreesboro.

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce says it needs another $400,000 to reach its $4 million goal for Destination Rutherford, a four-year economic development plan that aims to create 5,000 jobs. That means the group has raised more than $1 million since mid-May.

Murfreesboro senior-care services provider Family Staffing Solutions has recruited Bruce Plummer to be its vice president of development. Plummer joins CEO Becci Bookner and her team as they prepare to expand the 12-year-old company's footprint beyond its three local offices and two franchised locations in Texas. Plummer is a veteran of the banking sector, where he most recently was VP of marketing and business development at F&M Bank in Murfreesboro.