Category: Uncategorized

Laura Burchfield promoted to PFG’s VP of National Accounts

Posted on January 5, 2026 by - Uncategorized

Laura Burchfield

Performance Food Group is pleased to announce that Laura Burchfield has been promoted to VP of National Accounts for PFS Corporate effective 12/28/2025. She will report to Shaun Kastner, Corporate VP of National Accounts & Business Development.

Laura joined RFS in January 2008 as a National Account Manager/Customer Service Supervisor in Louisville, TN. In 2015, she was promoted to a Corporate National Account Manager and managed 4 concepts for 29 OpCos with over 1B in sales. With Laura’s leadership, she achieved a 22% increase in targeted exclusive brand conversions. In this role, she won numerous awards from our vendors for her outstanding leadership and customer service.

Laura is on the External Partnership Committee for Women of PFG and is a member of WFF. She is very engaged in her community as demonstrated by the many boards she is on (Blount Memorial Hospital Foundation, First United Methodist Church, 100+ Women Who Care of Sevier County). Additionally, she still finds time to volunteer for many other community events. Please join us in congratulating Laura on her promotion and supporting her in her new role

UTFCU Brings Holiday Cheer to Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home

Posted on December 22, 2025 by - Uncategorized

UTFCU holiday home visit

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) shared the spirit of the season with residents of the Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home through a series of festive events and thoughtful contributions. Coordinated by UTFCU’s Kindness Committee, these efforts created meaningful moments of joy and connection for retired veterans and their families throughout November and December.

UTFCU first partnered with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH) to provide tickets for the veterans to attend ETCH’s annual Fantasy of Trees event on November 26. Residents enjoyed the dazzling holiday displays and décor, with UTFCU staff volunteers assisting as wheelchair pushers to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for attendees.

On December 12, UTFCU volunteers rejoined the veterans’ home to host a festive holiday party. Staff members helped decorate the space, distributed goodie bags, assisted with bingo, and spent time visiting with residents. Adding to the celebration, UTFCU Director of Member Solutions Ron Arms served as DJ and bingo caller, creating a lively and engaging afternoon.

“It was an honor to support our veterans, and spending time listening to their stories filled with courage, resilience, and lots of laughs was a gift I’ll always cherish,” said Kindness Committee Chair, Sarah Messer. “I am so grateful for our amazing team whose hard work and heart made this special day possible. We can’t wait to go back next year!”

In addition to these events, departments and branches across UTFCU each sponsored a resident of the veterans’ home for the holidays, supporting a total of 20 veterans. Teams shopped for personalized gifts based on individual Christmas wish lists, ensuring each resident will have something meaningful to open on Christmas Day.

The Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes have served veterans across the state since 1991, providing skilled nursing care and individualized accommodations that promote comfort, dignity, and respect. UTFCU is proud to support Ben Atchley’s activity programming, which plays an essential role in promoting socialization and engagement among residents.

UT Federal Credit Union remains committed to building lasting relationships and supporting organizations that serve the community, particularly those who have given so much in service to others.

The Dialogue with Charity Patterson

Posted on December 22, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Charity Patterson

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 240th installment visiting with Charity Patterson, owner of Divine Beauty Hair and Nail Salon which offers hair and nail care need for men, women, and children.

Who has helped guide you in your career? My co-workers Donna Kimbrell and Donna Reed have always been by my side through all of my 30 years in the industry. Always pushing me to continue the trade and there anytime I have questions or concerns. My biggest supporter are my clients without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Describe your customers? My customers are amazing and not just customers, they are family. If they ever need anything all they have to do is call we are a community and we help each other.

What are three things you wish you knew when you started? Long-term commitment, patience, and financial planning.

What do you enjoy most about your business? I love the family that I have in this community and the support that they show to me every single day.

RT Lodge welcomes Kelley Harris as general manager

Posted on December 11, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Kelley Harris RT Lodge general manager

RT Lodge announced the retirement of General Manager Gary Doyle, whose leadership has shaped the property for more than two decades. Doyle will remain on RT Lodge’s board of directors but will pass the role of general manager to seasoned hospitality executive and Blount County native Kelley Harris at the end of this month.

RT Lodge, an approachable luxury retreat in Maryville, Tennessee, offers cozy overnight accommodations, MICHELIN Recommended fine dining at The Restaurant at RT Lodge, creative cocktails in the Morningside Room, full-service Carriage House day spa and distinctive meeting spaces. It is located only minutes away from McGhee Tyson Airport, metropolitan Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Doyle joined RT Lodge in 2004 after an already distinguished career that included serving more than 10 years as innkeeper and manager at Blackberry Farm during its formative years in the 1980s and early 1990s. Later, Doyle opened and operated the beloved Bistro by the Tracks. Over his 20 years at RT Lodge, Doyle has guided the property through significant growth and milestones, including the recent addition of the new Carriage House spa and Meeting House gathering space and earning a coveted MICHELIN Recommendation.

“After more than two decades at RT Lodge, this place has become a part of who I am,” Doyle said. “Stepping away is bittersweet, but it brings me such comfort to know the Lodge is entering its next chapter under someone who understands the heart of hospitality. Kelley’s leadership style and passion for hospitality are exactly what this extraordinary property and its remarkable team need.”

Stepping into the role is Harris, a respected figure in regional hospitality with more than 20 years at Blackberry Farm, where she built its renowned event programming and led guest experience departments and world-class spa operations. For the past two years, Harris has served as part of the Oldham Hospitality leadership team, helping the company grow its lodging, food and beverage, and retail businesses. Harris brings a deep understanding of the RT Lodge experience, strong appreciation for its team and shared vision for its next chapter alongside Executive Chef Trevor Stockton.

“It is a true honor to follow in Gary’s footsteps,” Harris said. “His leadership and dedication have shaped RT Lodge into a place beloved by guests, staff and the community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on that legacy. I’m excited to invest myself fully in the continued success and growth of this extraordinary property.

“The team here is exceptional, and I look forward to everything we will accomplish together. I am also deeply grateful for the partnership of owners Beth Holman and David and Annie Colquitt – their vision and genuine passion for hospitality are inspiring, and I’m excited to work alongside them as we guide RT Lodge into its next chapter.” RT Lodge celebrates Doyle’s remarkable contributions and looks forward to welcoming Harris as she helps guide the property into its next chapter of elevated guest experiences and renewed community connection.

The Dialogue with Lindsay Elsten

Posted on December 7, 2025 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 239th installment visiting with Lindsay Elsten, owner of Daisy’s NA Bar & Bottle Shop which creates an inclusive space rooted in East Tennessee heritage. It’s a place where community can gather around innovative non‑alcoholic beverages and comforting bites that spark curiosity and connection.

Lindsay Elsten

Describe more about Daisy’s: By blending Appalachian tradition with playful design and approachable menus, Daisy’s fosters belonging, celebrates local flavor, and builds a sustainable hub for emotional well‑being and lasting community impact.

Daisy’s NA Bar & Bottle Shop offers a curated selection of non‑alcoholic beverages, wellness shots, and simple, comforting bites designed for easy enjoyment. It operates as both a bar and retail space, giving guests the chance to discover innovative drinks while also taking favorites home. With a focus on approachable menus, playful Appalachian design, and streamlined service, Daisy’s provides a welcoming spot for everyday relaxation, special gatherings, and community events.

What was the idea behind a business like this? Daisy’s began as a vision to create a welcoming, alcohol‑free space that reflected both my East Tennessee roots and my passion for community connection. After years of involvement with Sober in Knoxville and hosting inclusive events, I saw the need for a dedicated place where people could gather, celebrate, and enjoy innovative non‑alcoholic options without compromise. Drawing on my background in marketing and event planning, I started shaping Daisy’s with a blend of Appalachian charm, playful branding, and practical operations – turning a personal dream into a community hub for sobriety and shared joy.

Describe your customers: Our customers are a mix of sober-curious explorers, people in recovery, wellness enthusiasts, creative locals, and supportive allies who all value warmth, inclusivity, and the value of conscious living. They’re drawn to our simple menus, functional wellness shots, and welcoming events that foster connection. Instead of rushing in and out, they linger, share their experiences with others, and experiment with new offerings because they trust our curation and feel at home in the space we’ve created.

What do you enjoy about running your business? What I find most rewarding about running our business is the atmosphere we get to create each day. We’ve built a place where people can gather without pressure, explore non-alcoholic options, and feel genuinely welcome. I enjoy watching our customers relax into conversation, try something new, and leave feeling connected. There’s also a creative satisfaction in shaping our menu and branding with Appalachian character – it’s a chance to blend tradition with innovation. More than anything, I appreciate knowing that our work contributes to the sober community and offers everyone a space that feels both comforting and inspiring.