Author: jmuir

NEXTY Electronics America, Inc. Supports Second Harvest Foodbank of East Tennessee with Cold Storage Donation

Posted on September 18, 2025 by - Uncategorized

NEXTY Electronics America truck

NEXTY Electronics America, Inc., a Toyota Tsusho Group company, has donated essential commercial-grade cold storage equipment to Second Harvest Foodbank of East Tennessee, enhancing the organization’s capacity to provide fresh, locally-sourced food to families in need.

NEXTY Electronics America delivers cold storage equipment

The donated cold room, a substantial 1,875 square feet unit standing 21 feet tall, was carefully relocated from NEXTY’s Maryville facility to Donaldson Farms in Clay County, TN. Donaldson Farms is operated by John Donaldson, owner of D&D Meats and a Second Harvest Farm Advisor. “This donation will enable us to increase our storage capacity and provide more fresh, locally raised protein to those in need,” said Donaldson. D&D Meats is a crucial partner in Second Harvest’s Harvest to Hope Initiative, connecting local producers with communities facing food insecurity.

“This gift plays a meaningful role in helping us advance our mission,” said Kristi Rule, Chief Development Officer at Second Harvest Foodbank. “Cold storage capacity is one of the greatest barriers to distributing fresh, locally raised protein, and this donation allows us to provide more families with the nutrient-rich food they need to thrive.”

NEXTY was responsible for the donation, disassembly, loading, and transportation of the cold room equipment to Donaldson Farms. The company worked with local organizations, including The Blount Partnership, Perfection Group, Warehouse Optimizers, Inc., and TLD Logistics Services, Inc., a Toyota Tsusho Group company, to facilitate the complex disassembly and transportation process.

“We are thrilled that this refrigeration unit will serve the community in its next life,” stated Cal Lovin, General Manager of Operations, NEXTY Electronics America, Inc. “This donation reflects our commitment to supporting the communities where we operate and aligns with the Toyota Tsusho Group’s values of contributing to society.”

The cold room will be used for processing and storing beef, pork, and lamb, which will support over 200,000 individuals served by Second Harvest across 18 counties in East Tennessee. The addition of this cold storage capacity at D&D Meats will have both immediate and long-term impacts, increasing the amount of fresh protein reaching Second Harvest’s network of food pantries and partners, and reinforcing a more resilient local food system.

This donation is part of NEXTY Electronics America’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement in East Tennessee.

The Dialogue with Amber Blair

Posted on September 18, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Amber Blair

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 229th installment visiting with Amber Blair, owner and licensed aesthetician of Center Stage Beauty Academy whose mission is to provide high-quality, hands-on education that prepares future beauty professionals not only to excel in their craft, but also to thrive as confident, career-ready leaders. We exist to serve our community by offering a supportive, faith-driven, and empowering environment where students can grow, build relationships, and step boldly into their future careers in the beauty industry.

Amber Blair

Describe more about what Center Stage is about. Center Stage Beauty Academy is a hybrid aesthetics and lash-focused beauty school dedicated to providing comprehensive, hands-on training in skin care, lash extensions, makeup, and advanced certifications. We combine flexible online learning with in-person practical experience to ensure students gain the knowledge, confidence, and technical skills needed to succeed in the beauty industry. Beyond technical training, we emphasize professionalism, business development, and community networking to prepare graduates for lasting careers as licensed professionals and entrepreneurs

How did you get started? My journey in the beauty industry began with a love for helping people feel confident in their own skin. What started as a personal passion turned into a calling—I knew I wanted to not only work in this field but also teach and guide others. With faith, family, and the support of my community, I opened Center Stage Beauty Academy to give others the same opportunity to grow, chase their dreams, and step into a career they love.

Who is your mentor? My biggest supporters have been my husband, Christian, and our daughter, Lavender Grace. Christian has believed in me from the very beginning—encouraging me to chase my calling, cheering me on through every milestone, and grounding me when things felt overwhelming. And Lavender is my daily reminder of why I do what I do—she inspires me to build a legacy of faith, hard work, and passion. Together, they’ve given me the strength, purpose, and love to keep moving forward and to pour into the lives of my students.

Describe your customers. My students are passionate, creative, and determined individuals who are pursuing their dreams in the beauty industry. They come from different backgrounds, but all share a common goal—to build meaningful careers and make an impact through their artistry. At Center Stage Beauty Academy, I see them grow not only in their technical skills, but also in confidence, professionalism, and leadership. They are future beauty professionals, business owners, and industry leaders in the making, and it’s an honor to walk alongside them on this journey.

What are some things you wish you knew when you started? If I could go back, I’d tell myself three things: First, it’s not just about beauty skills—you need business smarts too. Second, the relationships you build in this industry will take you farther than you ever imagined. And third, be patient—success takes time, but every step along the way is worth it.

What do you enjoy most about your business? What I enjoy most about running my business is the opportunity to watch students grow—both in their skills and their confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m playing a part in shaping their futures and helping them turn their dreams into careers. I also love the creativity and purpose that comes with building a school that reflects my values of faith, family, and community, while making a lasting impact in the beauty industry.

UT Federal Credit Union CEO Selected for Leadership Knoxville Class of 2026

Posted on September 17, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Kenyon Warren

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) CEO Kenyon Warren has been appointed to the prestigious 2026 Leadership Knoxville flagship program. Since joining UTFCU in March 2025, Warren has prioritized deepening the credit union’s longstanding commitment to community involvement. His participation in Leadership Knoxville—a 10-month immersive experience focused on civic leadership, regional collaboration, and East Tennessee culture—will reinforce Warren’s initiative to expand UTFCU’s community relationships and enhance its impact in the areas it is privileged to serve.

Says Warren, “We aim to strengthen our region through deeper collaboration across business, nonprofit, and civic sectors. I’m honored to represent UTFCU in the Leadership Knoxville program and deepen my understanding of the needs and opportunities that exist throughout Tennessee.”

Leadership Knoxville’s mission is to build a stronger Knoxville by developing leaders who are informed, engaged, and committed to service. The program equips participants with a hands-on understanding of local challenges and opportunities through sessions on government, education, economic development, and the arts. From police ride-alongs and school visits to legislative trips to Nashville, the program shapes compassionate service-oriented leaders.

In his first six months at UTFCU, Warren has launched impactful initiatives like:

  • Establishing a Community Partnership Manager to lead outreach and expand financial education across UTFCU’s footprint
  • Assessing UTFCU’s risk appetite to broaden access to financial tools for underserved communities
  • Promoting internal talent and restructuring for agility and member impact
  • Appointing a Director of Organizational Development to strengthen employee training and service

Warren’s approach reflects UTFCU’s commitment to serve “for all who love Tennessee.” Since its founding in 1969, the credit union has invested in community impact, including scholarship endowments, youth programs, the Kindness Committee, charitable giving, and support of small businesses.

Warren sees his participation in Leadership Knoxville as a critical step toward expanding UT Federal Credit Union’s influence and reinforcing its core philosophy of people helping people.

“As we grow, we’ll do so with purpose, building stronger relationships, lifting up our communities, and touching as many lives as we can,” he said. “Leadership Knoxville will help ensure our impact is both broad and meaningful.”

Winners Announced for 23rd Annual Taste of Blount

Posted on September 4, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Taste of Blount

On a late summer’s eve, an eager crowd gathered to enjoy some of the best food in Blount County as 31 area restaurants, food trucks and caterers participated in the 23nd 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 local celebrity chef Momma Mel who conducted a cooking demonstration and visited with the guests.

“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 Overall and Best Sandwich went to Clean Eatz Café. Single Barrel Events took home Best Beverage for the third consecutive year. Winning Best Dessert for the third straight year was Between the Slices. Best Main Course went to The Abbey for the second straight year. REO Cheesewagon won Best Presentation for the second time in the event’s history. The Shed Smokehouse won for Best Appetizer.

The Culinary Excellence Awards were judged by five culinary experts – Chef Cory Giaquinta, 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.

The Walnut Kitchen won Best Appetizer, Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital won Best Sandwich, Vienna Coffee Co. won Best Beverage, Yassin’s Falafel House won best Main Couse, and The Chocolate B’ar won best Dessert.

The event was sponsored by UT Federal Credit Union, Y-12 Credit Union, Bowen Door Service, ICC International, Fletcher Marketing Communications, Joseph Construction, Prisma Health, US Foods, Accident Fund, Wells Tavern, Vulcan Materials Co., Home Federal Bank, Hilton, and Simmons Bank.

2025 Taste of Blount People’s Choice Winners

Best Appetizer: The Shed Smokehouse

Best Sandwich: Clean Eatz Cafe

Best Beverage: Single Barrel Events

Best Main Course: The Abbey

Best Dessert: Between the Slices

Best Presentation: REO Cheesewagon

Best Overall: Clean Eatz Cafe

2025 Taste of Blount Culinary Excellence Award Winners

Best Appetizer: Walnut Kitchen

Best Sandwich: Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital

Best Beverage: Vienna Coffee Co.

Best Main Course: Yassin’s Falafel House

Best Dessert: The Chocolate B’ar

Downtown Maryville Alliance Advances to Public Voting Phase for Levitt AMP Music Series Grant

Posted on September 4, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Levitt Music Series vote

The Downtown Maryville Alliance in partnership with the City of Maryville, the Blount Partnership and the Clayton Center for the Arts is proud to announce its advancement to the public voting phase for the prestigious Levitt AMP Music Series Grant, a multi-year funding opportunity that could bring a free, outdoor concert series to Maryville beginning in 2026.

This initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership between the Levitt Foundation, a national leader in creative placemaking and community-building through music, and the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, with additional support from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

The Levitt AMP Music Series Grant provides up to $120,000 over three years to selected Tennessee-based nonprofits to produce a vibrant, inclusive concert series featuring professional musicians across diverse genres. The program is designed to activate underutilized public spaces and foster community engagement through the power of live music. If selected, Maryville would join a network of cities across the country hosting up to 180 free concerts statewide during the 2026–2028 grant cycle.

The Downtown Maryville Alliance has submitted a proposal to host the concert series in the Charles West Amphitheater at Jack Greene Park, transforming it into a dynamic cultural destination for residents and visitors alike. The proposal is now live on the Levitt Foundation website, where the public can cast their vote to help bring this opportunity to Maryville.

How to Vote

  • Online: Visit levitt.org/vote
  • Text: Send the keyword MARYVILLE to 877-409-5525
  • Voting Period: September 5 at 1 p.m. ET through September 15 at 8 p.m. ET
  • Voters may select up to five proposals

Public voting is a critical component of the selection process, reflecting the Levitt Foundation’s commitment to community-driven programming. The number of votes received will be a key factor in determining the six Tennessee-based finalists, to be announced on November 18, 2025.

“We’re thrilled to be in the running for the Levitt AMP Music Series Grant and excited about the opportunity to bring a free, outdoor concert series to the heart of Maryville,” said Amanda Gillooly, Executive Director of the Downtown Maryville Alliance. “This initiative would not only celebrate the power of live music but also transform an underused public space into a vibrant gathering place for our community. We encourage everyone to vote and help us make this vision a reality—let’s show Tennessee how strong Maryville’s spirit truly is!”

The Downtown Maryville Alliance encourages residents to spread the word and rally support by sharing voting information with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

For more information and to cast your vote, visit levitt.org/vote.

Levitt Music Series vote

Blount Partnership Receives TVA Workforce Invest Grant to Increase Local Training & Education Efforts

Posted on August 28, 2025 by - Uncategorized

TVA logo

The Blount Partnership announced that it was awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in aviation training and education.

“This grant from TVA’s Workforce Invest program is a game-changer for Blount County,” said Jessica Belitz, Director of Workforce Development at the Blount Partnership. “It allows us to directly respond to the growing demand for skilled workers in aviation and other high-tech industries. By investing in training equipment, career exploration tools, and student scholarships, we’re not just preparing individuals for meaningful careers—we’re strengthening the economic future of our entire region.”

In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development needs.

The grant goes to support the aviation school specializing in aviation maintenance technology programming and aviation career exploration. TVA funding supports the purchase of training equipment and scholarships to support student fees which has seen investments of nearly $4 million.

“The aviation technology school initiative represents a powerful collaboration between education and industry,” said Dr. Patty Weaver, Vice President of External Affairs at Pellissippi State Community College. “With support from TVA’s Workforce Invest grant, we can offer hands-on training and career exploration that equips students with the skills needed in today’s workforce. This is more than a program—it’s a pathway to opportunity for our students and a boost for our local economy.”

The project is a partnership among a host of local community leaders including the Industrial Development Board of Blount County, Pellissippi State Community College, Cirrus Aircraft, Standard Aero, Endeavor Air, PSA Airlines, McGhee Tyson Airport, 134th Air Refueling Wing, Alcoa City Schools, Maryville City Schools, Blount County Schools, Knox County Schools, Monroe County Schools, and the Knoxville Chamber.

The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands.

“TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also fulfilling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA.

“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors.

Over the last four years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 40 communities with a combined investment of $6 million.

Six Percent Growth in Visitor Expenditures for Blount County Tourism

Posted on August 26, 2025 by - Uncategorized

As a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Blount County ranked eighth among Tennessee’s 95 counties in 2024 visitor expenditures at $610.9 million, a six-percent increase from $576.1 million in 2023, 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 $1.7 million in daily expenditures, $600,000 in daily labor income and $67,353 in daily local tax collections. In total, visitor spending in Blount County generated $24.6 million in local tax revenue meaning that each household in the county saw a $1,063 annual tax savings.

Davidson County, which includes the city of Nashville, topped all county indices with $11.2 billion in tourism economic impact. Shelby County was second at $4.2 billion, Sevier third at $3.9 billion, Knox was fourth at $2.1 billion and Hamilton fifth at $1.8 billion. Williamson County entered in sixth with $1.4 billion and Rutherford County was seventh at $787.6 million. Montgomery and Wilson counties at $419.5 and $370.7 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 4,952 which also led to an all-time high payroll of $218.8 million.

State tax receipts for the county totaled $33.3 million, marking the ninth consecutive year of reaching at least $20 million.

Statewide, Tennessee’s tourism industry broke records for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, generating $31.66 billion in direct visitor spending and welcoming 147 million visitors. Tennessee saw a 12% year-over-year increase in international travel spending. This is notable because the report does not consider impacts from new direct flights from Iceland and Ireland added in Spring 2025. Those impacts will not appear until next year’s report.

Tennessee direct visitor spending has grown 36.6% over 2018 compared to the US AVG growth of 17.4% per data from Tourism Economics.

“I’m so grateful to our amazing tourism and hospitality industry for these remarkable results,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “The Tennessee Tourism team has been able to leverage bigger tourism budgets to help grow visitor spending over 36% in these last six years. We are leading the nation as one of just a few states that are aggressively growing tax revenue from non-Tennessee residents to benefit all seven million Tennesseans.”