In recognition of the vital role that transportation plays in the nation’s economy and infrastructure, ETHRA, Oak Ridge Transit and Lakeway Transit, is proud to celebrate National Transportation Week, taking place March 16 – 18, 2026.

This annual observance, established by Congress, honors the devoted professionals—from bus operators, mechanics, call-centers for scheduling, dispatch, to logistics planners, transit accountants and managers—who sustain the nation’s transportation systems.

“This week, we honor the people and systems that keep East Tennessee moving,” said Cynthia Plemens, ETHRA Transportation Marketing and Communications Manager.”

Whether it is connecting individuals to their jobs and communities, driving them to medical appointments, the grocery store or other interests, our transit workers and infrastructure professionals are the backbone of our economy. ETHRA’s transit door-to-door service operates from 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, excluding all major holidays.

Throughout the week, ETHRA Transportation will highlight accomplishments of ETHRA Transportation, goals achieved with employee recognition, transportation safety blogs, gift card awards for ETHRA Transportation employees and much more!

Key Highlights for the Week:

March 16, 2026: Highlighting the efforts of our transportation workers via social media outlets.

March 17, 2026: Showcasing new and future transportation employee outerwear.

March 18, 2026: Focusing on transit safety and innovation.

March 19, 2026: Picture-day! Showcasing various snapshots of our transportation staff.

March 20, 2026: Say thank you to a driver.

National Transportation Week also coincides with efforts to modernize transit, including initiatives aimed at transitioning to greener energy, enhancing safety, and improving accessibility for all riders.

ETHRA Transportation, Oak Ridge Transit and Lakeway Transit encourages the public to join in celebrating by thanking a local transit operator, supporting local transit systems, and staying safe on our roads.

For more information about ETHRA Transportation, visit http://www.ethra.org

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for March 2, 2026.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 246th installment visiting with Paulette Bailey, president of the Maryville Lions Club which is a non-profit public service organization with the primary focus on vision preservation.

Describe more about what the Lions Club does. The Lions Club conducts vision screenings in the Blount County daycares and Maryville City schools, recycles eyeglasses and plastic bags and helps individuals in need access glasses and eye surgeries. The club also partners with other organizations such as Parks & Rec, Boys & Girls Club and “A Place to Stay” to serve the greater community volunteering at various events.

What is the Lions Club history in Blount County? The Maryville Lions club was created in 1938 by a group of individuals interested in serving the needs of the Blount community. Lions International and the local TN District offer a variety of learning and training opportunities.

What do you enjoy about the Lions Club? I enjoy the camaraderie developed with fellow Lions and others working at events. Listening to interesting guest speakers at meetings. Variety of volunteer opportunities available to pursue.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 23, 2026.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 16, 2026.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 245th installment visiting with Amy Fuentes, owner of Rustic Kitchen (scheduled to open in April) which serves fresh in-house handmade country cuisine, with as many fresh ingredients as possible. It is located at 501 N Cusick St, Maryville, TN.

What is your background? I attended culinary school and have years of hands of experience working in some great local restaurants and businesses.

Who is you biggest supporter? My husband Bert, he has taught me and still continues to teach me everyday about food and cooking. (and Martha Stewart)

What do you enjoy about your business? I love all things food. I love to look out and see people enjoying there meals. I love being my own boss, and getting to make the decisions of my business

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 244th installment visiting with Joshua Symonds, service advisor with Tradewinds Mechanical which provides a more personalized repair service for small businesses and homeowners in rural and urban communities alike.

What is your background? I started in trade school back in 1998 with a strong desire to understand what an air conditioner was since we didn’t have one in Hawaii where I was born and raised. I’ve worked for large and small companies installing, repairing and maintaining refrigeration, heating, cooling and ventilation equipment until the 2008 Recession which caused massive layoff’s. I had to get my own contractors license in 2009 and start my own business if I wanted to survive and provide for my family. I became a lower cost, better skilled solution to businesses that needed maintenance and repairs. I grew that company to 10+ employees servicing global manufacturing companies, large local health care providers, large gas station chains, fast food chains.

Describe your customers: Light commercial: Office space, restaurant, health care, convenience stores, manufacturing.
Residential: Single family home, condos, apartments, manufactured homes, AirBnB rentals

What do you enjoy most about your occupation? I enjoy meeting and talking to people, hearing their stories and fixing the equipment.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 9, 2026.