Category: Uncategorized

UT Federal Credit Union Breaks Ground on Branch in Blount County

Posted on August 1, 2023 by - Uncategorized

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) reached a major milestone on Tuesday, July 25, as it broke ground on its Springbrook Farm Branch in Alcoa, Tennessee. This new branch will be the eighth branch location for UTFCU, and the first branch in Blount County. The branch is expected to open mid-2024.

“We exist as a credit union to serve our members and the community,” said UTFCU President/CEO Debbie H. Jones, CPA. “We want to meet our members where they are, and we have a large membership base that lives in Blount County. We look forward to serving our existing members, as well as new members, in this community.” Jones added, “Membership with UTFCU 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 and officially launched when UTFCU secured a building lot in 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.

The new branch will provide a lobby/hospitality area, community room, multiple financial service offices, drive-thru Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), a night deposit, and a coin counter for member use.

Pictured are UTFCU’s President/CEO Debbie H. Jones and Chair of UTFCU’s Board of Directors, Mr. Mike McNeil. Also pictured are members of UTFCU’s leadership team: Hanna Gomez (VP, Marketing), Lisa Rodgers (EVP/COO), Jonathan Lodwick (VP, Information Technology), John Kruse (VP, Finance), Anne Hewitt (AVP, Retail Services), Brandy Garner (VP, Human Resources), and Mike Clonce (SVP/CLO).

For more information, visit www.UTFCU.org or call (865) 971-1971.

Vintage Car Show

Posted on July 5, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Fans of vintage automobiles can view a special collection of classic cars at the Autos Through the Ages Car Show at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend) on July 15 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The car show is free with admission to the museum being $5.

Presented by the East Tennessee Region Antique Automobile Club of America and sponsored by West Chevrolet, Twin City Dealerships and the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, the event features food and a viewing of classic cars throughout the day.

Visitors will experience how cars and trucks have evolved during the past 100 years as they see and learn about autos from T Models to Teslas.  One rare car on display is a 1934 Oldsmobile convertible, found in Morocco, is one of only 903 produced.  Others models include a 1927 Ford Mail Truck, a 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spur, a 1954 Ford Skyliner, a 1949 MG TC, a 1960 Morgan +4, a 1958 Edsel Convertible, a 1929 Ford Fire Truck and a 1933 Packard Victoria Convertible.

“There’s a lot of history in these cars and they definitely bring back plenty of memories,” said Steve West. “This a great event that showcases the great American craftsmanship that went into these vehicles.”   

“Having been around cars all my life, I really enjoy seeing these classic cars and watching the enjoyment they bring to those that have taken care of them for future generations,” said Jerry Hodge of Twin City Dealerships. “There’s just something about getting behind the wheel of cars like these and hitting the highway that brings about a great feeling of freedom.”

The Dialogue with William Turner

Posted on June 22, 2023 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 198th installment visiting with New York Life agent William Turner whose goal is to help small businesses offer its employees the opportunity for benefits and retirement plans through financial planning and insurance.

What does New York Life provide? New York Life provides holistic planning in a variety of areas including: life, disability, and traditional long term care insurance. In addition, I work with retirement planning using variable and fixed products.

How did you get started? I started working in this business after witnessing the lack of planning within my inner circles. I realized that what is often times simple solutions, if done properly could avoid these situations all together. I then got the proper licensing and training to make sure that the people closest to me had the resources and information necessary to be prepared when tragedy strikes. Now I want to extend that opportunity to my community, so that others can avoid the same hard times that I have seen hit all to close to home.

Who is your biggest supporter? My mentor in this career is Matt Quick. He has guided me through starting my own business and growing it to be client focused. He has helped me learn how to communicate with my clients to help them identify their goals as well as any potential worry areas that we can get in front of.

Describe your customers. My customers are individuals that are looking to talk and find structured time tested ways to protect what they have and build financially for the future. My clients should be ready to talk in detail about their current situation and where they would like to build to moving forward.

What are three things you wish you know when starting out? I wish that I knew the amount of resources that are within reach when starting a business in a community. I wish that I knew the importance of building the strong foundation to my business like I do now. I wish that I had established a work life balance faster.

What you enjoy most about your profession? I enjoy the flexibility that I get to have with my family. In addition I really enjoy helping others as it is really nice to get to help others take care of the same needs that I work on for my friends and family and spread the knowledge of my career.