Category: Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 246th installment visiting with Paulette Bailey, president of the Maryville Lions Club which is a non-profit public service organization with the primary focus on vision preservation.

Describe more about what the Lions Club does. The Lions Club conducts vision screenings in the Blount County daycares and Maryville City schools, recycles eyeglasses and plastic bags and helps individuals in need access glasses and eye surgeries. The club also partners with other organizations such as Parks & Rec, Boys & Girls Club and “A Place to Stay” to serve the greater community volunteering at various events.

What is the Lions Club history in Blount County? The Maryville Lions club was created in 1938 by a group of individuals interested in serving the needs of the Blount community. Lions International and the local TN District offer a variety of learning and training opportunities.

What do you enjoy about the Lions Club? I enjoy the camaraderie developed with fellow Lions and others working at events. Listening to interesting guest speakers at meetings. Variety of volunteer opportunities available to pursue.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 23, 2026.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 16, 2026.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 245th installment visiting with Amy Fuentes, owner of Rustic Kitchen (scheduled to open in April) which serves fresh in-house handmade country cuisine, with as many fresh ingredients as possible. It is located at 501 N Cusick St, Maryville, TN.

What is your background? I attended culinary school and have years of hands of experience working in some great local restaurants and businesses.

Who is you biggest supporter? My husband Bert, he has taught me and still continues to teach me everyday about food and cooking. (and Martha Stewart)

What do you enjoy about your business? I love all things food. I love to look out and see people enjoying there meals. I love being my own boss, and getting to make the decisions of my business

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 244th installment visiting with Joshua Symonds, service advisor with Tradewinds Mechanical which provides a more personalized repair service for small businesses and homeowners in rural and urban communities alike.

What is your background? I started in trade school back in 1998 with a strong desire to understand what an air conditioner was since we didn’t have one in Hawaii where I was born and raised. I’ve worked for large and small companies installing, repairing and maintaining refrigeration, heating, cooling and ventilation equipment until the 2008 Recession which caused massive layoff’s. I had to get my own contractors license in 2009 and start my own business if I wanted to survive and provide for my family. I became a lower cost, better skilled solution to businesses that needed maintenance and repairs. I grew that company to 10+ employees servicing global manufacturing companies, large local health care providers, large gas station chains, fast food chains.

Describe your customers: Light commercial: Office space, restaurant, health care, convenience stores, manufacturing.
Residential: Single family home, condos, apartments, manufactured homes, AirBnB rentals

What do you enjoy most about your occupation? I enjoy meeting and talking to people, hearing their stories and fixing the equipment.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 9, 2026.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 243rd installment visiting with Robin Watts, owner and therapist at Robin’s Nest which is a holistic wellness and counseling practice that provides integrated mental health and complementary wellness services for individuals, couples, and families.

Describe more about what Robin’s Nest does. The purpose of Robin’s Nest is to address the whole person through integrated mental health and wellness services. We are in business to bridge the gap between emotional health, physical well-being, and relational stability by providing accessible, ethical, and evidence-based care within one coordinated environment.

Robin’s Nest reduces barriers to care, normalizes seeking support, and equips individuals and families with practical tools for sustainable change. By combining clinical excellence with holistic wellness services, we empower clients to move from survival patterns toward resilience, stability, and purposeful living.

At its core, Robin’s Nest exists to protect peace, restore hope, and strengthen families—one person at a time.

We offer trauma-informed counseling, specialized therapeutic modalities, and coordinated care alongside services such as assisted stretch, massage therapy, personal training, and other regulation-focused supports.

Our model brings clinical excellence and physical wellness together under one roof, allowing clients to address emotional, relational, and stress-related concerns in a comprehensive and collaborative environment. Robin’s Nest serves children, adolescents, and adults by creating individualized care plans that promote healing, resilience, and long-term well-being.

How did you get started? Robin’s Nest began from a desire to provide more integrated and accessible care than traditional models typically allow. After years of working in the mental health field and witnessing the limitations of siloed services, I recognized the need for a space that addressed emotional, relational, and physical well-being in a coordinated way.

The practice was founded to bridge gaps in care, reduce barriers for clients, and create an environment where individuals and families could receive comprehensive support under one roof. What began as a counseling vision gradually expanded into a holistic wellness model that reflects both clinical expertise and a commitment to sustainable, whole-person healing.

Describe your customers. Robin’s Nest serves individuals and families seeking integrated support for emotional, relational, and stress-related concerns. Our clients include children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and chronic stress. Many are professionals, parents, or students who are motivated to improve their mental health and overall well-being in a structured and supportive environment.

In addition to counseling clients, we also serve individuals pursuing preventive wellness services such as assisted stretch, massage therapy, and personal training to manage stress, improve physical functioning, and support long-term health. Our customers value high-quality, ethical care and appreciate a coordinated, whole-person approach delivered in a welcoming and professional setting.

What is your background? The background and skills necessary to operate Robin’s Nest were developed through formal education, professional licensure, and ongoing specialized training across multiple disciplines. As a licensed mental health professional, I have completed the required graduate education, supervised clinical experience, and state licensure requirements to provide therapy services.

In addition, all massage therapists at Robin’s Nest are state-licensed and meet regulatory requirements for professional practice. Other team members maintain certifications in their respective specialties, ensuring that each service offered is delivered by a qualified and credentialed professional.

Beyond foundational credentials, our team engages in continuing education, advanced modality training, and ongoing professional development to maintain ethical standards, clinical excellence, and best practices in integrated care. This combination of licensure, certification, and continued training ensures that Robin’s Nest operates with both competence and accountability.

What do you enjoy most about this service? What I enjoy most about running Robin’s Nest is the opportunity to create a space where meaningful change happens every day. Seeing individuals and families move from overwhelm to stability, from trauma to healing, and from isolation to connection is deeply rewarding.

I also value building a team of licensed and certified professionals who share a commitment to ethical, high-quality care. Creating a collaborative environment where clinical excellence and holistic wellness work together allows us to serve the community in a way that feels both purposeful and impactful.

Beyond the services themselves, I enjoy shaping the culture of the practice—ensuring it reflects integrity, compassion, and sustainable growth while remaining responsive to the needs of those we serve.

Eight outstanding individuals and businesses who devote their time, talent, and resources to making Blount County a remarkable place to live, work, and thrive were celebrated at the Blount Partnership’s Best of Blount Awards, presented by Foothills Milling Company and held at the Airport Hilton. The event was supported by sponsors including ICC International, AMR, DENSO, Millsaps and Bennett CPAs, Hoo La La, Hilton, Above the Rest Balloons and Events, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Regions Bank, NHC Farragut, Center Stage Beauty Academy, CBBC Bank, Pellissippi State, YMCA of East Tennessee, Company Distilling, Treasures Jewelers, and Cirrus Aircraft.

More than 600 people attended the evening, hosted by television and radio personality Frank Murphy.

“This was a special night to honor those who give so much of themselves to the Blount County community,” said Blount Partnership President/CEO Bryan Daniels. “These individuals and businesses work tirelessly to ensure this community stays strong and vibrant.”

The program highlighted a “year in review” video for the Blount Partnership and paid tribute to Clara McNutt, Elton Jones, Mike Davis, and Bryan Cable—each recognized as Blount County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Members for their exceptional service and long-standing dedication to the chamber and the community.

Brenda Sellers received the Philanthropist of the Year Award for her lifelong commitment to supporting Blount County residents and nonprofits.

Dandy Lions Gifts was named Small Business of the Year, while Realty Executives of Maryville earned Large Business of the Year.

Trinity Dental received the Community Impact Award for its work addressing community needs, including providing vital support to those facing dental challenges.

The Tourism Award went to Brian Johnston of Smoky Mountain Festivals – Big Foot Festival.

Archer Academy was honored with the Bright Future Award, and Courtney McGhee was recognized as Young Professional of the Year.

Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp received the First Responder Award for his leadership. Following the presentation of a $5,000 check from Cirrus Aircraft—part of the company’s initiative to honor those who assist in emergencies—Chief Crisp donated the funds to Maryville Police Officer Justin Brown, who sustained severe injuries in the line of duty while escorting Vice President J.D. Vance’s motorcade last fall.

2026 Best of Blount Award Winners

Philanthropist of the Year – Brenda Sellers

Small Business of the Year – Dandy Lions Gifts

Large Business of the Year – Realty Executives of Maryville

Bright Future Award – Archer Academy

First Responder Award – Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp

Community Impact Award – Trinity Dental

Young Professional of the Year – Courtney McGhee

Tourism Impact Award – Smoky Mountain Festivals – Big Foot Festival