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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.

Jessica Hahn Wins Sales Award

Posted on July 26, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Jessica Hahn with ACCE sales award
Jessica Hahn with ACCE sales award

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has awarded Jessica Hahn, Director of Membership of the Blount Partnership, with the Dana Ketterling Lifetime Sales Achievement Award. The award recognizes career sales achievement.

Hahn earned recognition for achieving outstanding growth in chamber membership and ongoing support of members throughout her career.

“Membership sales professionals are community champions, highlighting the impact their organizations have on the communities they serve,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “We congratulate our industry’s top achievers on their success.”

The award is presented in memory of Dana Ketterling, ACCE’s resource development officer, who was a gifted membership professional and champion of chambers of commerce and the communities they serve.

“We appreciate Jessica’s tireless efforts to promote the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and her active engagement in the community,” said Blount Partnership President/CEO Bryan Daniels. “She has set a good example for us all, and we are grateful for her many contributions that led to her receiving this award.”