Author: jmuir

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.”

The Dialogue with William Turner

Posted on June 22, 2023 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 198th installment visiting with New York Life agent William Turner whose goal is to help small businesses offer its employees the opportunity for benefits and retirement plans through financial planning and insurance.

What does New York Life provide? New York Life provides holistic planning in a variety of areas including: life, disability, and traditional long term care insurance. In addition, I work with retirement planning using variable and fixed products.

How did you get started? I started working in this business after witnessing the lack of planning within my inner circles. I realized that what is often times simple solutions, if done properly could avoid these situations all together. I then got the proper licensing and training to make sure that the people closest to me had the resources and information necessary to be prepared when tragedy strikes. Now I want to extend that opportunity to my community, so that others can avoid the same hard times that I have seen hit all to close to home.

Who is your biggest supporter? My mentor in this career is Matt Quick. He has guided me through starting my own business and growing it to be client focused. He has helped me learn how to communicate with my clients to help them identify their goals as well as any potential worry areas that we can get in front of.

Describe your customers. My customers are individuals that are looking to talk and find structured time tested ways to protect what they have and build financially for the future. My clients should be ready to talk in detail about their current situation and where they would like to build to moving forward.

What are three things you wish you know when starting out? I wish that I knew the amount of resources that are within reach when starting a business in a community. I wish that I knew the importance of building the strong foundation to my business like I do now. I wish that I had established a work life balance faster.

What you enjoy most about your profession? I enjoy the flexibility that I get to have with my family. In addition I really enjoy helping others as it is really nice to get to help others take care of the same needs that I work on for my friends and family and spread the knowledge of my career.

Y-12 Federal Credit Union Tackles Financial Literacy Crisis with Y-Fi @ Work

Posted on June 14, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Y-12 Federal Credit Union (Y-12 FCU) recently developed and launched a program called Y-Fi @ Work, a comprehensive financial education program dedicated to supporting organizations that actively seek to engage their employees on the importance of financial independence. The program is free, and there are no membership requirements. 

Y-Fi @ Work is backed by an award-winning financial literacy platform, educational resources customized to employee needs, and instructor-led training offered onsite or virtually. The program also provides self-directed online modules with budgeting, saving, and understanding credit. Online financial counseling is provided 24/7.

Y-Fi @ Work is managed by the Credit Union’s financial outreach manager, John Nolan. “Statistics show that most Americans lack the critical skills to live financially healthy lives. This program is much bigger than banking or who you choose to bank with. The nation is experiencing a financial literacy crisis. We believe an essential part of our Credit Union’s framework is to provide solutions that help people discover financial freedom. I am thrilled to see lives changed through Y-Fi @ Work, and I am grateful to our partners who share our passion by supporting their employees through the program,” said Nolan.

According to online data retrieved from economists, reports from CNBC ,and through Global News Wire:

  • More than 2/3 of Americans are financially unhealthy.
  • 42% of Americans say finances negatively impact their mental health.
  • Two in three Americans could not cover a $400 emergency expense
  • 70% of employees feel financial wellness programs help reduce stress and increase loyalty to their employer.

When Y-Fi @ Work launched, The Quality Family of Companies was the first to partner with the program, offering it to their 1,800 employees as part of its comprehensive benefits package. “We appreciated the many benefits that Y-Fi @ Work program has brought to our staff at Quality Private Duty Care. It has really helped our staff to get answers to those complicated financial questions and gain understanding of their personal finances. This is priceless knowledge, especially during these difficult financial times,” explained Kristie England, Human Resources Director. 

For more information on how to offer Y-Fi @ Work to your organization or to learn more about the program and its resources, contact John Nolan at Y-12 FCU.

Pellissippi State now can certify Haas machine operators

Posted on June 12, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Pellissippi State Community College is now one of only two higher education institutions nationwide that can provide in-person assessments for those seeking Haas certification as a Basic Mill Operator, according to a Haas representative.

Haas Automation is the largest machine tool builder in the United States and one of the largest builders of CNC machines in the world. CNC stands for computer numerical control, and these machines play an important role in the manufacturing industry.

“The regional need for CNC machine operators has grown significantly,” said Andy Polnicki, director of Pellissippi State’s MegaLab. “This training and certification provide an opportunity for people in our region to be prepared to enter this field or get the promotion they are seeking.”

Four high school students from Knox and Blount counties became the first to become Haas certified at Pellissippi State on June 8.

The Haas Certification Program was developed after many discussions with Haas customers regarding their struggles with finding machine operators, according to Haas. Haas Automation listened to the customers’ issues and decided to help address the labor shortage issue by creating an online curriculum, after which students must pass an in-person, hands-on test.

“Haas is aware that watching a dozen or so videos will not make a student a machinist,” according to Haas materials. “However, we do believe that the videos and the course curriculum that we have created will give students the necessary skills and understanding to successfully become a Basic CNC Operator. Students will also gain exposure to some of the basics of machining that might otherwise take many months on the job.”

Previously, those who completed the Haas Certification online curriculum had to take their in-person, hands-on test at a Haas factory outlet. Pellissippi State offering these assessments helps alleviate scheduling conflicts at the Knoxville Haas location.

“After completion of the online curriculum, the students can schedule a time to come to Pellissippi State’s Hardin Valley or Strawberry Plains campus and participate in a hands-on practical test,” Polnicki explained. “A passing grade on the hands-on practical test will yield a Haas Certificate Diploma.”

While Pellissippi State is starting by offering the assessment for Haas Basic Mill Operator, the college’s intention is to eventually offer a series of Haas certification programs, Polnicki added.

“Employers are seeking specific skill sets, and specialized certifications such as these can often provide job applicants with an edge over other applicants,” said Susan Webb-Curtis, Pellissippi State’s new executive director for Workforce and Community Development. “The Haas certification verifies that these candidates have completed training and have been able to demonstrate the entry-level skills needed to safely and efficiently operate basic milling machinery. Being able to offer hands-on assessments for the Haas Basic Mill Operator certification is a valuable service that Pellissippi State can now offer through our Haas certified instructors.”

Those interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Andy Polnicki at [email protected].