Author: jmuir

UT Federal Credit Union Breaks Ground on Branch in Blount County

Posted on August 1, 2023 by - Uncategorized

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) reached a major milestone on Tuesday, July 25, as it broke ground on its Springbrook Farm Branch in Alcoa, Tennessee. This new branch will be the eighth branch location for UTFCU, and the first branch in Blount County. The branch is expected to open mid-2024.

“We exist as a credit union to serve our members and the community,” said UTFCU President/CEO Debbie H. Jones, CPA. “We want to meet our members where they are, and we have a large membership base that lives in Blount County. We look forward to serving our existing members, as well as new members, in this community.” Jones added, “Membership with UTFCU is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, conducts business, or attends school in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Union Counties.”

This project has been many years in the making and officially launched when UTFCU secured a building lot in Springbrook Farm in Alcoa, a master planned “City Center” development consisting of a retail lifestyle center, multiple residential areas, commercial office space, hotels, conference center, and more.

The new branch will provide a lobby/hospitality area, community room, multiple financial service offices, drive-thru Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), a night deposit, and a coin counter for member use.

Pictured are UTFCU’s President/CEO Debbie H. Jones and Chair of UTFCU’s Board of Directors, Mr. Mike McNeil. Also pictured are members of UTFCU’s leadership team: Hanna Gomez (VP, Marketing), Lisa Rodgers (EVP/COO), Jonathan Lodwick (VP, Information Technology), John Kruse (VP, Finance), Anne Hewitt (AVP, Retail Services), Brandy Garner (VP, Human Resources), and Mike Clonce (SVP/CLO).

For more information, visit www.UTFCU.org or call (865) 971-1971.

Vintage Car Show

Posted on July 5, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Fans of vintage automobiles can view a special collection of classic cars at the Autos Through the Ages Car Show at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend) on July 15 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The car show is free with admission to the museum being $5.

Presented by the East Tennessee Region Antique Automobile Club of America and sponsored by West Chevrolet, Twin City Dealerships and the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, the event features food and a viewing of classic cars throughout the day.

Visitors will experience how cars and trucks have evolved during the past 100 years as they see and learn about autos from T Models to Teslas.  One rare car on display is a 1934 Oldsmobile convertible, found in Morocco, is one of only 903 produced.  Others models include a 1927 Ford Mail Truck, a 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spur, a 1954 Ford Skyliner, a 1949 MG TC, a 1960 Morgan +4, a 1958 Edsel Convertible, a 1929 Ford Fire Truck and a 1933 Packard Victoria Convertible.

“There’s a lot of history in these cars and they definitely bring back plenty of memories,” said Steve West. “This a great event that showcases the great American craftsmanship that went into these vehicles.”   

“Having been around cars all my life, I really enjoy seeing these classic cars and watching the enjoyment they bring to those that have taken care of them for future generations,” said Jerry Hodge of Twin City Dealerships. “There’s just something about getting behind the wheel of cars like these and hitting the highway that brings about a great feeling of freedom.”