Category: Uncategorized

The Dialogue with Jackson Greene

Posted on October 15, 2023 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 201st installment visiting with Jackson Greene, owner of Pursuit Digital which is a full-service digital marketing agency with a focus on web design, social media, and video production.

Describe more about your business. The vast majority of our clients work with us on multiple different projects, as we pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop and building client relationships. Relationships are the foundation of everything we stand for at Pursuit Digital, meaning that our focus will always be on supporting the people we have the pleasure of working with. We like to say that “OUR mission is YOUR mission.” 

How did you get started? During my first semester at MTSU, I took a job with a Maryville-based luxury home builder as their director of marketing. After working for just a few short months, they encouraged me to begin my own agency and take them on as my first client. Initially, entrepreneurship had never piqued my interest. However, with their guidance and encouragement, I made the decision to launch my own digital marketing firm halfway through my freshman year of college.

What is your background? I’ve always had a fascination with technology and media, which led to me taking a position as the director of media ministries at my home church before leaving for college. Through that position, I was blessed to receive an enormous amount of real-world experience in both technology and leadership, which solidified my desire to continue working in media moving forward.

Describe your customers. We work with everyone from non-profits to multi-million dollar businesses helping them achieve different facets of their marketing. Our objective is to provide excellent service while building relationships. People always come before profits, and we structure everything we do in a way that benefits all parties involved. To do this, we create and tailor customized packages and plans for each client to ensure they are getting the best for their unique needs.

What do you enjoy about your business? I love the different challenges every day brings, the different people I get to meet, and the different industries I get to learn. My job is never the same and that makes it tremendously rewarding!

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Named Top 25 Fine Dining Restaurant

Posted on October 4, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is honored to announce that it has been awarded with TripAdvisor’s prestigious Top 25 Fine Dining Restaurants in America for 2023.

This accolade is bestowed upon a select few restaurants in the world who have consistently received outstanding reviews and opinions from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period. Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro not only earned this esteemed recognition worldwide, but also secured a place in the top 25 fine dining restaurants in the United States.

TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards are known for celebrating excellence in the travel and dining industry. These awards are granted to businesses that consistently deliver exceptional experiences and have met TripAdvisor’s rigorous trust and safety standards. Less than 1% of the 8 million listings on TripAdvisor receive the Best of the Best recognition, underscoring the remarkable achievement and commitment to excellence that Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has demonstrated.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the TripAdvisor Top 25 Fine Dining Restaurants in America Award,” said Mark Oldham, CEO at Oldham Hospitality, which owns Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. “This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team to provide exceptional Appalachian-inspired cuisine and unparalleled dining experiences. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal patrons and the TripAdvisor community for their continued support and outstanding reviews.”

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has become a culinary destination known for its locally-sourced, farm-to-table fare and its comfortable rustic ambiance. The restaurant’s commitment to crafting innovative dishes inspired by the Appalachian region, combined with its picturesque natural surroundings, has made it a favorite among travelers and locals alike.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has consistently received glowing reviews from diners who have praised its culinary creativity, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere. This consistent stream of above-and-beyond feedback has culminated in this prestigious accolade.

As one of the top 25 restaurants in the nation, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro continues to set the standard for excellence in the hospitality industry. This award is a testament to their dedication to providing an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

For more information about Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro and to make reservations, please visit www.dancingbearlodge.com.

View complete list.

Ripley PR named Agency of the Year by Prestige Awards

Posted on October 3, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Ripley PR, the leading global public relations agency specializing in franchising, skilled trades and B2B technology, has been named the PR Agency of the Year in the Southeast United States by the Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards for 2023-2024.

“We strive to level up each year, and we’re delighted to have been chosen during our 10th anniversary as the Southeast’s PR agency of the year by an association that truly values small and mid-sized businesses,” said Ripley PR founder and CEO Heather Ripley. “We’re proud of the fact that Ripley PR demonstrates the ideals that the Prestige Awards judges consider when making their decision. Our clients continue to find the value in the results Ripley PR’s dedicated team of professionals delivers.” 

The Prestige Awards recognize small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months. Companies are shortlisted by the Prestige Award judges and  asked to support their nomination by providing evidence of their work, positive feedback from their clients and information on previous accreditation and recognition. Nominated companies also highlight the most outstanding parts of their businesses.

The judging panel based their decisions by reviewing a nominee’s service excellence, quality of the product or service provided, their innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, and consistency in performance. The winners are those who can best demonstrate their strengths in these areas.

The Southeast United States winners are featured in a celebratory issue of Prestige Awards magazine published this month.

Ripley PR is a woman-owned full-service communications agency specializing in home service and building trades, franchising, B2B technology and manufacturing public relations. Ripley founded the agency in 2013 and is currently celebrating 10 years of business.

“We aren’t your typical PR agency,” Ripley said. “Ripley PR wants to be an indispensable, value-driven partner to our clients and not just another vendor. We make it a priority to develop a relationship with our clients so we can build their brand together as a team. We celebrate our clients’ victories as we would our own.”

Ripley PR offers its clients strategic communications services, including crisis and reputation management, communications strategies, media relations and strategic planning. The agency’s unique combination of expertise and creativity in public relations helps clients build brand awareness, establish a positive reputation and capture the attention of the news and trade media covering their industries.

For more information visit www.ripleypr.com or call (865) 977-1973.

CBBC Bank Celebrates 50 years

Posted on September 28, 2023 by - Uncategorized

In honor of CBBC Bank’s 50th Anniversary a joint House of Representatives Proclamation was announced on September 19, 2023, at the Main Office on Broadway. 

Joint House of Representatives Proclamation

Pictured left to right:

Mike Baker, CBBC Bank Board of Director

Dr. James Robertson, CBBC Bank Board of Director

Art Swann, Senator

John Proffitt, CBBC Bank Board of Director

Leann Hicks, CBBC Bank Board of Director

Bob Carroll, CBBC Bank Board of Director

Mike Hearon, CBBC Bank President & CEO

Lowell Russell, Representative

Gaynell Lawson, CBBC Bank Board of Director

Jerry Dean, CBBC Bank Board of Director

4th and Forever Sponsors make donation to Alcoa City Schools Foundation

Posted on September 27, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Alcoa Head Football Coach Brian Nix and Alcoa City School Foundation President Brian Perkins receive a check for $1500 in honor of the Alcoa City School student athletes from the 4th and Forever Sponsors Garza Law Firm, Rusty Wallace Kia and The Blount Partnership presented by The Blount Partnership President-Bryan Daniels. 

WTNZ Fox 43 Sports announced at the presentation the broadcast debut of 4th and Forever Alcoa. Beginning September 30th at 9:30am on Fox43. This 8-part documentary will air spotlighting this iconic high school football dynasty.            

Filmed in an NFL Films style, this in-depth documentary of the Alcoa High School Football program’s quest for their 6th straight State Championship is a riveting and emotional ride for the viewer and an insider’s view of their most challenging 2020 season!