Category: Uncategorized

Y-12 Federal Credit Union Tackles Financial Literacy Crisis with Y-Fi @ Work

Posted on June 14, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Y-12 Federal Credit Union (Y-12 FCU) recently developed and launched a program called Y-Fi @ Work, a comprehensive financial education program dedicated to supporting organizations that actively seek to engage their employees on the importance of financial independence. The program is free, and there are no membership requirements. 

Y-Fi @ Work is backed by an award-winning financial literacy platform, educational resources customized to employee needs, and instructor-led training offered onsite or virtually. The program also provides self-directed online modules with budgeting, saving, and understanding credit. Online financial counseling is provided 24/7.

Y-Fi @ Work is managed by the Credit Union’s financial outreach manager, John Nolan. “Statistics show that most Americans lack the critical skills to live financially healthy lives. This program is much bigger than banking or who you choose to bank with. The nation is experiencing a financial literacy crisis. We believe an essential part of our Credit Union’s framework is to provide solutions that help people discover financial freedom. I am thrilled to see lives changed through Y-Fi @ Work, and I am grateful to our partners who share our passion by supporting their employees through the program,” said Nolan.

According to online data retrieved from economists, reports from CNBC ,and through Global News Wire:

  • More than 2/3 of Americans are financially unhealthy.
  • 42% of Americans say finances negatively impact their mental health.
  • Two in three Americans could not cover a $400 emergency expense
  • 70% of employees feel financial wellness programs help reduce stress and increase loyalty to their employer.

When Y-Fi @ Work launched, The Quality Family of Companies was the first to partner with the program, offering it to their 1,800 employees as part of its comprehensive benefits package. “We appreciated the many benefits that Y-Fi @ Work program has brought to our staff at Quality Private Duty Care. It has really helped our staff to get answers to those complicated financial questions and gain understanding of their personal finances. This is priceless knowledge, especially during these difficult financial times,” explained Kristie England, Human Resources Director. 

For more information on how to offer Y-Fi @ Work to your organization or to learn more about the program and its resources, contact John Nolan at Y-12 FCU.

Pellissippi State now can certify Haas machine operators

Posted on June 12, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Pellissippi State Community College is now one of only two higher education institutions nationwide that can provide in-person assessments for those seeking Haas certification as a Basic Mill Operator, according to a Haas representative.

Haas Automation is the largest machine tool builder in the United States and one of the largest builders of CNC machines in the world. CNC stands for computer numerical control, and these machines play an important role in the manufacturing industry.

“The regional need for CNC machine operators has grown significantly,” said Andy Polnicki, director of Pellissippi State’s MegaLab. “This training and certification provide an opportunity for people in our region to be prepared to enter this field or get the promotion they are seeking.”

Four high school students from Knox and Blount counties became the first to become Haas certified at Pellissippi State on June 8.

The Haas Certification Program was developed after many discussions with Haas customers regarding their struggles with finding machine operators, according to Haas. Haas Automation listened to the customers’ issues and decided to help address the labor shortage issue by creating an online curriculum, after which students must pass an in-person, hands-on test.

“Haas is aware that watching a dozen or so videos will not make a student a machinist,” according to Haas materials. “However, we do believe that the videos and the course curriculum that we have created will give students the necessary skills and understanding to successfully become a Basic CNC Operator. Students will also gain exposure to some of the basics of machining that might otherwise take many months on the job.”

Previously, those who completed the Haas Certification online curriculum had to take their in-person, hands-on test at a Haas factory outlet. Pellissippi State offering these assessments helps alleviate scheduling conflicts at the Knoxville Haas location.

“After completion of the online curriculum, the students can schedule a time to come to Pellissippi State’s Hardin Valley or Strawberry Plains campus and participate in a hands-on practical test,” Polnicki explained. “A passing grade on the hands-on practical test will yield a Haas Certificate Diploma.”

While Pellissippi State is starting by offering the assessment for Haas Basic Mill Operator, the college’s intention is to eventually offer a series of Haas certification programs, Polnicki added.

“Employers are seeking specific skill sets, and specialized certifications such as these can often provide job applicants with an edge over other applicants,” said Susan Webb-Curtis, Pellissippi State’s new executive director for Workforce and Community Development. “The Haas certification verifies that these candidates have completed training and have been able to demonstrate the entry-level skills needed to safely and efficiently operate basic milling machinery. Being able to offer hands-on assessments for the Haas Basic Mill Operator certification is a valuable service that Pellissippi State can now offer through our Haas certified instructors.”

Those interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Andy Polnicki at [email protected].

Gov. Lee Issues Executive Order to Advance Nuclear Energy Innovation & Investment

Posted on May 23, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order to advance Tennessee’s position as a national leader in nuclear energy. Executive Order 101 creates the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, which will seek to build upon the state’s legacy in nuclear innovation and drive continued investment to create a nuclear energy ecosystem for the future of Tennessee. 

“Tennessee is ready-made to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth with safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy for the future,” said Gov. Lee. “Today, I’m signing an executive order that will continue our work to make Tennessee the number one state for nuclear energy companies to invest and thrive, bringing greater opportunity and quality jobs for Tennesseans.”

Yesterday, prior to signing Executive Order 101 in Knoxville, Gov. Lee joined industry leaders at the annual Nuclear Energy Assembly in Washington, D.C. to highlight Tennessee’s leading role in the future of American energy.

The Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council will consist of 15 members, including members of the Lee administration, the Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee’s Congressional Delegation and key nuclear industry stakeholders. 

The advisory council will recommend the following actions to advance Tennessee’s ability to lead the nation in nuclear energy:

·         Legislative, policy and budgetary changes to address regulatory, workforce or education barriers that exist to the creation and expansion of nuclear energy facilities in Tennessee

·         Funding opportunities for state government, local governments and the private sector

·         Storage and waste practices that continue the state’s long history of conserving Tennessee’s natural resources

·         Federal actions that Tennessee should pursue with federal partners and agencies

This year, Gov. Lee partnered with the Tennessee General Assembly to create a $50 million Nuclear Fund in the state’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The fund, proposed by Gov. Lee at his 2023 State of the State address in February, will establish a nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem built for the future of Tennessee by providing grants and assistance to support nuclear power-related businesses that choose to relocate or grow in the state. 

The Dialogue with Jennifer Bell

Posted on May 9, 2023 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 197th installment visiting with Jennifer Bell, owner of Live Hydration Spa which provides IV hydration therapy, vitamin boosters and overall wellness plans.

How did you get started? I became aware of IV therapy several years ago after getting sick every time I traveled. I began learning the benefits of IV therapy. I want to help our community become the best versions of themselves and for our spa to help promote preventative care and wellness.

Describe your customers: Anyone that is looking for a better quality of cellular health. IV Hydration offers vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients delivered directly to cells that are quickly circulated and absorbed through the bloodstream.

What do you enjoy most about your business? I enjoy providing a service that can educate and provide wellness to our community. To hear from the members how the treatment makes them feel and benefits.