Author: jmuir

Blount Partnership’s Emert Named to Knox News 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

Posted on September 18, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Lauren Emert
Lauren Emert

Maryville, Tenn. – The Blount Partnership is proud to announce that Lauren Emert, Director of Economic Development, has been named to the prestigious 40 Under 40 Class of 2024, an annual recognition presented by the Lincoln Memorial University School of Business and Knox News. The award honors 40 outstanding young professionals in East Tennessee who demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication to their careers and communities.

Upon receiving the honor, Emert shared her excitement, saying, “I am honored to be recognized among such an exceptional group of young leaders. It has been a tremendous opportunity to contribute to our community and support economic growth in East Tennessee.”

The 40 Under 40 award celebrates individuals who not only excel in their professional fields but also engage in selfless acts of service to improve the communities they serve. Emert’s inclusion in this distinguished group is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and impact on both the local economy and the broader East Tennessee region.

Blount Partnership President/CEO Bryan Daniels was named to the 40 Under 40 list in 2010.

The Blount Partnership congratulates her and all the recipients of the 2024 Knox News 40 Under 40 award for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

The Dialogue with Sara Hobbs

Posted on September 16, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Sara Hobbs

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 216th installment visiting with CEO & Co-Founder of Forecastle Financial Sara Hobbs whose passion is financial literacy and she provides a service that is very much anchored in her desire to help her clients be good financial stewards.

Describe your business: Our focus is to help clients preserve their wealth, save time and be empowered to make informed and intentional financial decisions with confidence. We accomplish that by offering consistent, accurate and in-depth personal cash flow management solutions. A partnership with Forecastle Financial creates visibility in our clients’ numbers and enables them to reclaim their time and pursue their passions.

How did you begin? At the time my company was founded, I was a commercial lender at a local credit union. I had more than twenty years’ experience in banking and had no intention of leaving. I enjoyed helping business owners solve problems, create efficiencies in their businesses and realize their growth plans. I was more than content in my career. But, in July 2021, something sparked in me, and that spark grew to an all-consuming fire. I knew it was time for me to take my skills and expertise elsewhere, and the forerunner to Forecastle Financial was born.

What is your background? My banking background was diverse but consistently centered on helping customers make wise financial decisions. For fourteen years, I served in various branch banking roles, each role allowing me an opportunity to help individuals, families and small businesses with their banking and borrowing needs. I spent the last seven years as a commercial lender, assisting business owners acquire capital to grow their business operations. During my lengthy banking career, I gained the expertise I need to help simplify complex financials for my clients, replacing mystery and uncertainty with clarity in their numbers.

Describe your customers: My clients are serial entrepreneurs, business owners and affluent households with complicated personal financials that have a lot of moving parts. They have multiple revenue streams, significant expenses, several properties and household staff. Their personal cash flow is like a 1,000 piece puzzle, a jumbled picture that becomes clear when all the pieces are in place. None of them have the time to sit down and put together a 1,000 piece puzzle, so they call on me for help.

The Dialogue with Tony McClanahan

Posted on September 16, 2024 by - Uncategorized

First Fruits Kitchen
First Fruits Kitchen

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 215th installment visiting with First Fruits Kitchen Executive Chef Tony McClanahan who is returning to the foodservice industry with a new business model where I can use my creativity to offer premium gourmet services.

Tell me more about First Fruits Kitchen: First Fruits Kitchen offers over 50 unique “trademark” desserts for special order and pick-up. Additionally the Kitchen will be offering a Thursday night complete dinner meal “Gourmet to Go”. A pre-set menu will be offered each week for dinner carry-out on Thursday’s between 4p.m. and 6 p.m. by reservation. Clients will be able to add bakery items and Thursday dinner meals to a website cart or simply call in orders. First Fruits Kitchen will also offer “deliveries only” for custom wedding cakes, custom lunch delivery for 20 guests or more, and event catering delivery & drop-off for gourmet meals, hor d oeuvre receptions, weddings, etc.

Describe your customers: My clients have high expectations and a desire to shop for freshly prepared gourmet bakery and meal options. My clients have distinguished palate’s and appreciate the efforts that go into every baked item and meal preparation.

What do you enjoy about running or working at the business? I enjoy the positive feedback from clients. Preparing items that are appreciated from clients is what I enjoy the most. Next it would have to be the opportunity to use my creativity on the job each day.

Winners Announced for 22nd Annual Taste of Blount

Posted on September 12, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Taste of Blount

Maryville, Tenn. – On a late summer’s eve, an eager crowd gathered to enjoy some of the best food in Blount County as a record 32 area restaurants, food trucks and caterers participated in the 22nd annual Taste of Blount hosted by the Blount Partnership at the Theater in the Park in Maryville, Tenn.

The crowd was treated with the appearance of celebrity chef Christian Gill  who has parlayed his success in the restaurant business into becoming one of the fiercest competitors on Food Network. He’s beaten Bobby Flay, taken top prize on Guy’s Grocery Summer Games and been crowned champion on Giada’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge.

“Community events like this, along with the support of local sponsors, are essential to showing the vibrancy of this area,” said Blount Partnership President Bryan Daniels. “The friendly competition among the vendors is great and Taste of Blount shows off the wide variety of places we have to eat here.”

Attendees voted for winners in seven categories while culinary experts handed out the Culinary Excellence Awards.

Taking home top honors in the People’s Choice division for best sandwich for the sixth consecutive year was REO Cheesewagon. Doubling up for best beverage and presentation was Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events. The Abbey took home the best main course award while Between the Slices won best dessert for the second straight year. Pellissippi State Culinary Institute won best overall for the second straight year.

The Culinary Excellence Awards were judged by six culinary experts – celebrity chef Christian Gill, Kaysey Sanford, Sherri McCall, Ed Mitchell, and Mandee & Eric McNew – who put their professional taste buds to the test and anointed winners in five categories. Vendors were asked to submit one food item for the judges to determine which topped their chart.

Winning best sandwich for the second straight year was Waterfront Bar & Grill. A&R Texas BBQ won for top appetizer and newcomer Yassin’s Falafel House took the honor for best main course. Between the Slices won best dessert and for the second consecutive year, Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events took home the best beverage award.

The event was sponsored by HDI, UT Federal Credit Union, Nemec Abbott Foundation, Sunbelt Rentals, ICC International, Tennessee Orthodontic Studios, Hilton, Harvest Thyme, Simmons Bank, Newell Brands, CBBC Bank, Vulcan Materials, RT Lodge, Peaceful Side Brewery, Senior Care Partners of East Tennessee, Coca-Cola and Green Meadow Wine & Spirits.

2024 Taste of Blount People’s Choice Winners

Best Appetizer: Blackhorse Pub and Brewery

Best Sandwich: REO Cheesewagon

Best Beverage: Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events

Best Main Course: The Abbey

Best Dessert: Between the Slices

Best Presentation: Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events

Best Overall: Pellissippi State Culinary Institute

2024 Taste of Blount Culinary Excellence Award Winners

Best Appetizer: A&R Texas BBQ

Best Sandwich: Waterfront Bar & Grill

Best Beverage: Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events

Best Main Course: Yassin’s Falafel House

Best Dessert: Between the Slices

Blount County Tourism Experiences Six Percent Growth in Visitor Expenditures

Posted on September 4, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Family in Townsend

As a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Blount County ranked eighth among Tennessee’s 95 counties in 2023 visitor expenditures at $576.1 million, a six-percent increase from $543.9 million in 2022, according to the Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee Counties report issued by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Gov. Bill Lee.

On an average day, visitor spending generated $1.6 million in daily expenditures, $577,881 in daily labor income and $63,822 in daily local tax collections. In total, visitor spending in Blount County generated $23.3 million in local tax revenue meaning that each household in the county saw a $1028 annual tax savings. That is up from $987 the previous year.

Davidson County, which includes the city of Nashville, topped all county indices with $10.8 billion in tourism economic impact. Shelby County was second at $4.2 billion, Sevier third at $3.9 billion, Knox was fourth at $2.0 billion and Hamilton fifth at $1.7 billion. Williamson County entered in sixth with $1.3 billion and Rutherford County was seventh at $772.9 million. Montgomery and Wilson counties at $385.6 and $374.3 million, respectively, round out the top 10.

“It’s wonderful to witness the ongoing growth of the tourism industry throughout the state, especially here in Blount County, where we’ve experienced record-high visitor spending,” said Kim Mitchell, Director of the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority. “As the leisure and hospitality industry stands as the state’s third-largest employer, it’s crucial that we keep promoting our region, which offers abundant outdoor activities and a wide range of dining and lodging choices.”

Tourism employment in the county was at an all-time high of 4,843 which also led to an all-time high payroll of $210.9 million.

State tax receipts for the county totaled $31.7 million, marking the eighth consecutive year of reaching at least $20 million.

Overall, Tennessee tourism generated $30.6 billion in domestic and international travel spending, a 25% increase of two years. Tennessee visitors spent $84 million each day in 2023 as 144 million visitors trekked across the state in 2023 according to recently released economic impact data from U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. It also marks the largest visitor spending nationally in Tennessee’s history. Travel and tourism is the third largest employer in the state.

Visitor spending sustained 191,522 direct jobs, one of every 24 in the state.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell highlighted efforts to continue the industry’s strong growth.

“When tourism grows, Tennessee reaps the benefit with increased sales tax revenue,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. We welcome visitors from around the world to experience Tennessee’s music, scenic outdoor beauty, culture and food from Mountain City to Memphis.”

“Tennessee tourism is soaring, leading to benefits to Tennesseans,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Thanks to our destination marketing organizations across the state, in addition to our leisure and hospitality businesses in this amazing accomplishment. The record growth is a testament to the strength, resilience, determination and efforts of our people and the work of our industry in bringing visitors to enjoy why Tennessee Sounds Perfect.”

The Dialogue with Susan Shepherd

Posted on August 22, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Susan Shepherd
Susan Shepherd

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 214th installment visiting with Susan Shepherd of TruYou Aesthetics Medical Spa whose mission is not to change who you are, but support you in discovering and enhancing your unique self by embracing your personal beauty and confidence in a way that’s authentic to you.

Describe what your business does. At TruYou Aesthetics, we blend advanced medical expertise with a deeply personalized approach to offer a transformative spa experience. Located at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and holistic wellness, our medical aesthetics spa is dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty while prioritizing your unique needs and goals.

Our team of skilled professionals specializes in a range of services including facial and/or body rejuvenation, skin health regeneration, and skincare treatments, all tailored to your individual preferences. We utilize state-of-the-art techniques and products to deliver results that are both effective and true to your personal aesthetic.

At TruYou Aesthetics, we believe that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, we focus on understanding your vision and guiding you towards achieving it with confidence and grace

How did you get started? My mission in entering the field of medical aesthetics stems from a profound commitment to addressing a crucial gap in the industry. Too often, aesthetic medicine is perceived as a luxury reserved for those seeking vanity, rather than a service that can genuinely enhance confidence and well-being. I recognized a significant need for real, meaningful results for a diverse range of individuals who may feel underserved or overlooked.

Who is your mentor? My greatest mentor in my career is my esteemed Medical Director and friend, Dr. Jessica Olsen. A true embodiment of determination and excellence, Dr. Olsen set her sights on becoming a doctor from a young age. By her twenties, she had not only achieved fellowship training as a medical doctor but also as a psychiatrist. Her practice is distinguished by an unmatched blend of compassion and intellect. From the moment we met, Dr. Olsen has consistently treated me and our patients with the utmost dignity and respect, never perceiving me as “less than” due to my role as a mid-level medical provider. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and genuine respect has profoundly influenced my professional journey.

Describe your customers. Our clientele at TruYou Aesthetics comprises a diverse group of men and women who seek to enhance their confidence, learn about effective skin care, or indulge in a day of self-care. They value authenticity and are highly discerning about treatments that may appear unnatural or excessive. These individuals are not interested in being sold unnecessary services; instead, they are looking for a trusted provider who listens to their needs and offers personalized, genuine care. Our clients appreciate a thoughtful, transparent approach that respects their preferences and supports their goals in a way that feels both natural and empowering.

What do you enjoy most about your business? Happy and satisfied clients that bring in their friends and family after establishing trust. This reassures me that we are meeting our communities needs while staying faithful to our mission.