The Blount County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026 Blount County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors until August 15, 2025.
Nomination form for Chamber board membership
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 22, 2024.
As part of the annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Institute, today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the 49 work-based learning (WBL) employers named a Tennessee Flagship Industry Partner for their contributions and partnerships with local school districts across the state.
Nominated by school districts across the state, Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners are employers whose partnerships with their local school districts have significantly improved student outcomes. Nomination criteria included having a WBL program that provides students with a seamless transition into postsecondary and/or the workforce, full-time employment opportunities for students upon high school graduation, employment for students with disabilities, a Tennessee Certified Pre-Apprenticeship or Registered Apprenticeship program, among others.
“Work-based learning is an integral part of Career and Technical Education that works to equip all students for success after high school,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “We applaud all the Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners for prioritizing their local districts, schools, and the workforce by offering students experiences that develop employable skills for high-demand, high-skill careers.”
The selection process for the Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners is based on the cumulative, quantitative impact each employer has on elementary, middle, and high school students through a variety of employment readiness activities, including pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and seamless postsecondary and workforce transitions.
The following employers are honorable mention Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners:
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 15, 2024.
The sixth annual Autos Through the Ages car show is set for July 20 at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (123 Cromwell Dr.) in Townsend, Tenn. Organized by the East Tennessee Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, this distinctive gathering features over 150 vehicles on display from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., regardless of weather conditions.
The event is free to attend and offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of automobiles over the past century, showcasing everything from T Models to Teslas. Visitors have the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of vehicles, including rare and special automobiles such as a 1934 Oldsmobile Convertible discovered in Morocco, a 1927 Ford Mail Truck, a 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spur, a 1954 Ford Skyliner, a 1949 MG TC, a 1958 Edsel Convertible, a 1929 Ford Fire Truck, and a 1937 Hudson Terraplane.
In addition to the car show, guests can explore the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s museum and its grounds which feature interpretive exhibits and an authentic pioneer village, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
Event sponsors include Blount Partnership, Twin City Dealerships, West Chevrolet, and the East Tennessee Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America.
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 8, 2024.
UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) reached a major milestone on Monday, July 1, as it opened the doors of its Springbrook Farm Branch in Alcoa. This new branch is the eighth branch location for UTFCU, and the first branch in Blount County.
“We exist as a credit union to serve our members and the community,” said UTFCU President/CEO Debbie H. Jones, CPA. “After much research, we decided that Springbrook Farm was where we wanted to put our new branch. This branch will allow us to serve our members where they are as we already have a large membership base that lives in Blount County. We are excited to be able to have a branch location to serve our existing members, as well as new members, in this community.” Jones added, “UTFCU is for all who love Tennessee. Membership 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. Branch Manager April Ergenbright believes that 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; is the ideal location to serve Blount County. “My roots are here in Blount County. I am confident we will be able to serve all reaches of my fellow Blount Countians from this central hub. Stop by and see us!”
The branch consists of a hospitality area, conference room, multiple financial service offices, drive-thru Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), and a coin counter for member use.
UTFCU’s Springbrook Farm Branch is located at 1858 Pauling Street in Alcoa. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; and Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 pm.
A grand opening celebration will be held at a later date. For more information, visit www.UTFCU.org or call (865) 971-1971.
Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Jessica Hahn, IOM, Director of Membership, of the Blount Partnership, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 1, 2024.
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for June 24, 2024.
