Author: jmuir

Tariffs Poll

Economic Tariffs Concept

The Blount County Chamber of Commerce appreciates you taking a few minutes to provide input on how implemented, announced, or pending tariffs are currently or will affect your business operations. Data collected will be used to advocate on behalf of the business community as we approach elected officials about the issue.

If you wish to be considered for a Blount Chamber focus group on tariffs, please enter your contact information. Otherwise, the poll is anonymous.

Tariffs

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The Dialogue With Celisha Gerber

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 222nd installment visiting with Celisha Gerber, a practitioner with NDCARE, who transforms lives through holistic healing while helping women struggling with hormone imbalances reclaim their vitality through alternative medicine solutions.

Celisha Gerber

Describe what NDCARE offers: NDCARE specializes in alternative medicine, offering holistic solutions to help individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. We provide Acupuncture Therapy, EVOX Reframe, Zyto BioScan, and ND Consultations—each designed to address the root causes of distress, trauma, and disease. We also offer professional-grade supplements and lab testing. Our primary focus is on helping women navigate hormone-related concerns such as dysmenorrhea, perimenopause, thyroid imbalances, and infertility. By combining innovative technology with time-tested healing practices, we guide our clients on a personalized journey to relief, resilience, and renewal.

How did you get involved with alternative medicine? My journey into alternative medicine was driven by a deep passion for holistic healing and a desire to provide solutions beyond conventional healthcare. I saw firsthand how many individuals—especially women—struggled with hormone imbalances, chronic stress, and unresolved health issues without finding lasting relief. This inspired me to explore natural, science-backed approaches that treat the root causes rather than just symptoms.

Through extensive training and experience in Acupuncture and Naturopathy, my husband and I founded NDCARE to offer a compassionate, personalized path to wellness. My goal has always been to empower individuals with effective, non-invasive treatments that restore balance and vitality.

What is your background? My background in alternative medicine comes from years of dedicated education, training, and hands-on experience. I have studied and trained extensively in acupuncture and naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Washington, graduating in 2008. Beyond formal education, I have worked closely with clients facing a wide range of health concerns, particularly women struggling with hormone imbalances, chronic stress, and fertility challenges for over 17 years.

In addition to my clinical expertise, I have developed the business acumen necessary to run NDCARE by managing operations, client care, and community outreach. I am continuously expanding my knowledge through research, advanced certifications, and staying up to date with the latest advancements in holistic healthcare. My passion for helping others, combined with a commitment to excellence, has given me the skills to provide effective, compassionate care while growing a successful practice.

Describe your customers: Our customers are individuals seeking natural, holistic solutions to improve their health and well-being, with a primary focus on women experiencing hormone-related concerns. Many of our clients struggle with issues such as dysmenorrhea, perimenopause, thyroid imbalances, and infertility, and they come to NDCARE looking for safe, effective alternatives to conventional medicine.

Beyond hormone health, we also serve individuals dealing with chronic stress, emotional trauma, and overall wellness concerns. Our clients value personalized care, innovative healing technologies, and a compassionate approach that empowers them to take control of their health journey. Whether they are new to alternative medicine or have tried various treatments before, they come to us seeking relief, resilience, and renewal.

What do you enjoy most about your career? What I love most about running NDCARE is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Seeing clients transform—finding relief from chronic pain, overcoming hormone imbalances, or regaining their energy and confidence—is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I get to help people feel better, not just by treating symptoms but by addressing the root causes of their health concerns.

I also enjoy the freedom to shape my practice in a way that aligns with my values, blending science-backed alternative medicine with compassionate, personalized care. The relationships I build with my clients, the trust they place in me, and the ability to empower them on their wellness journey make this work deeply fulfilling.

Beyond client care, I love the constant learning and innovation in holistic health. The field of alternative medicine is always evolving, and staying at the forefront allows me to bring new, effective solutions to my clients. Running NDCARE is more than a business—it’s a mission to help people live healthier, more balanced lives.

The Christman Company’s Knoxville region earns top award for safety

Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) award

The Christman Company’s Knoxville region has been recognized with the 2024 Diamond STEP Award by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Greater Tennessee Chapter.

The construction company received the Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) award, which signifies a commitment to jobsite safety and exemplary safety programs, at the chapter’s annual ceremony in Nashville in December.

“Safety is our top priority at The Christman Company,” said Marty Gibbs, senior vice president and general manager for Christman’s operations in Knoxville. “This acknowledgement of our efforts to foster safe work environments is significant because it comes from those who also work in our industry and understand our operations.”

The Christman Company has earned the Diamond award – the highest level – from ABC in Tennessee for two consecutive years. In 2023, the company earned the Associated Builders and Contractors’ national award at the Platinum STEP level. The Christman Company is now eligible again for national honors.

“We also want to acknowledge all of our team members and trade contractor partners,” Gibbs said. “It takes the contributions of everyone on the jobsite to maintain safety standards and earn this recognition.”

ABC developed the STEP program to assist construction companies in assessing and improving their safety practices and procedures. The program provides a detailed framework for companies to evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs and benchmark their performance against industry standards and peers.

The Christman Company receives the Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) award