Category: Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 238th installment visiting with Jesse Martin, Director of Pellissippi State’s Aviation Technology Program which prepares individuals for aviation maintenance careers.

Describe more about what the program does. The Aviation Technology training program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in the aviation maintenance or aviation repair industry. The degree will provide individuals knowledge and skills associated with repair and installation of aviation electronics, aircraft structures, and aircraft mechanical systems.

What skills will a graduate leave with?

I. Interpret and apply written and digital technical documentation to extract relevant procedures and specifications for maintenance tasks.
II. Apply mathematical and physical principles to diagnose and resolve airworthiness discrepancies in aircraft systems.
III. Apply regulatory, safety, and operational guidelines to return aircraft to service.
IV. Demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment and appropriate tools suitable for specific maintenance tasks.

What is your background? I started in aviation in 1997 by getting my private pilot certificate. In pursuit of a career in corporate aviation as a pilot, I earned my A&P certificate along with my Commercial certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings. After 9/11, the industry shifted and there was a pilot surplus, but I was able to continue working as an A&P technician.

I started as an aviation maintenance technician apprentice and earned my Airframe certificate through real-world experience. I went back to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to finish my bachelors degree in Aviation Technology – AMT/Flight. Through some twists and turns in life, I changed careers and taught K-12 math and science for eight years and earned licenses in the financial services world. I now have 18 years in aviation maintenance, 8 years in education and 11 years in business and finance.

Describe your students. At PSCC, our aviation technology students are dedicated, invested and diligent. Our first cohort is representing our program and our school well. We look for qualities such as integrity, great work ethic, and life-long learners who master their craft.

What do you enjoy most about the program? I enjoy problem-solving, and growing this program through high functioning practices and well founded procedures. This position has given me the opportunity to build something that will impact our community for generations to come and to create a program that I believe will be the new standard of what it is to train the next generation of aviation professionals.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for November 17, 2025.

The Blount County Chamber of Commerce is assessing the impact of the 2025 tariffs.  We are gathering actionable insights on how tariffs are affecting hiring, investments, supply chains, and more.  Understanding the real-world effects of tariffs is critical to shaping effective advocacy and policy solutions. By leveraging this resource, we can better support our members and contribute to the broader efforts to address these challenges. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 237th installment visiting with Randy Carson, founder of the YOLO Foundation which is a non-profit working to make dreams come true for adults with terminal illness.

Describe your customers: Any adult in Blount, Knox or Sevier counties that have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. They are not required to be a hospice patient, however, our priorities will be given to hospice patients, veterans, active duty miltary, economically disadvantaged, and severity of illness.

How did you get started with organizing this non-profit? I worked in the healthcare industry for 40+ years, including Hospice and Personal Care. I’ve also been a volunteer and board member of Make a Wish East Tennessee for several years. I’ve seen first hand the value of helping fulfill dreams for those who are suffering with significant health issues. When I retired last year, I found that I needed to do something that was part of the community and help bring smiles and joy to those less fortunate than myself.

What do you wish you knew when you started? In general, I somewhat knew what I was getting into, however, I had never started a non-profit from ground up. It was challenging and time consuming to get this organization started. It literally took a “Village” to make it happen and there are many thanks to go around for everyone who played a part in the process. I joke that if I had known what I know now, I might not have chosen this path BUT, I am so glad I did.

What do you enjoy most about this venture? I enjoy helping others realize their dreams becuse YOLO (you only live once) and time is short for those who qualify for a Dream from YOLO.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for November 10, 2025.

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) has been named Corporate Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountain Chapter. The award was presented during AFP’s National Philanthropy Day 2025 celebration on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at The Relix in Knoxville, TN.

Nominated by the Pellissippi State Foundation, one of the credit union’s long-term community partners, the award recognizes UTFCU’s commitment to uplifting the region through education, financial empowerment, and compassionate giving.

“Our purpose has always been to pour our resources and care back into the communities we’re privileged to serve,” said Kenyon Warren, President and CEO of UT Federal Credit Union. “We’re grateful to the Pellissippi State Foundation for their nomination and to AFP for this meaningful recognition.”

Since its founding in 1969, UTFCU has been guided by a people-first, community-focused mission. That commitment has grown into an expansive network of local partnerships and philanthropic initiatives, including:

• $850,000 in scholarships and scholarship endowments supporting students at the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Community College.
• The UTFCU Kindness Committee, an employee-led program that coordinates volunteerism and charitable giving across the credit union’s service areas.
• Nearly 100 local sponsorships over the past year, supporting schools, small businesses, youth programs, and nonprofits throughout Tennessee.
• The return of UTFCU’s “Acts of Kindness” initiative this fall, providing meals, volunteer hours, and resources to the community and nonprofits.
• Financial wellness programs, financial education, and credit-building solutions that help members strengthen their financial foundations.

These efforts reflect UTFCU’s ongoing strategy of growing locally and giving locally, ensuring every initiative makes a difference in the lives of members and neighbors. “Being recognized for our philanthropic efforts motivates us to do even more,” Warren added. “We want to touch more lives, support more families, and help more communities thrive. That’s what being a Tennessee credit union is all about.”

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 236th installment visiting with Angela Chaffin, owner of Bloom Functional Wellness, which helps people in our community take charge of their health by finding and addressing the underlying causes of fatigue, hormonal changes, digestive issues, and other chronic symptoms. We use personalized testing and natural, evidence based treatments to help patients feel and function their best.

How did you get started? was inspired to start Bloom after my own heath journey. Having worked in traditional medicine for many years, I realized that many people weren’t finding lasting solutions to their health concerns. That experience led me to functional medicine where I discovered a more comprehensive, root-cause approach to healing.

What is your background? I have masters degree in nursing and am board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I later became certified in Functional Medicine.

Describe your customers? My customers are men and women who want to take an active role in their health. They’ve tried traditional medicine without lasting results and are ready for a more personalized, natural approach to health.

What are somethings you wish you knew when you started? How much better I could help people feel, the advanced testing available for diagnosing, and possibly I wish I knew a broader network of other functional practices to create more of a holistic community referral system for my patients.

What do you enjoy most about your profession? Helping people feel better and understand their bodies better and how to specifically take the best care of themselves.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for November 3, 2025.