Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for October 21, 2024.
Blount Partnership Newsletter – October 21, 2024
Tag: Chamber of Commerce
Peaceful Side Brewery Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival Competition
Peaceful Side Brewery earned a gold medal at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival (GABF®) competition, hosted and presented by the Brewers Association.
In the 2024 competition, beers and ciders spanning 107 categories and 175 different styles were judged meticulously by 285 judges over 7 days. Awards presented during the Great American Beer Festival competition are considered coveted symbols of brewing excellence globally, and brews that receive an award are considered the most excellent representation of their style category.
Peaceful Side Brewery was recognized with a Gold Medal in the Brett beer-style category for its First Release: Part 2, an iteration of the brewery’s Saison brand. This Saison evolved from the Blackberry Farm Brewery Classic Saison recipe which won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 2016 – the renowned international beer competition. Peaceful Side Brewery now produces all Blackberry Farm Brewery beer after the purchase of the brewery in Maryville, Tennessee in December 2023.
Building on the award-winning Classic Saison recipe, Peaceful Side Brewery’s First Release: Part 2 was aged in an oak foeder and dry-hopped with New Zealand Riwaka hops, creating the unique, tropical profile that the GABF awarded the Gold Medal.
“Making beer with artistic intention using quality ingredients is an integral piece of our story as an evolving brewery. We know we make great beer because we’re here every day, working hard to maintain that consistency. To be recognized on a national level for our hard work is an incredible feeling that fills our hearts with joy,” said Chris Meadows, Head of Brewery Operations at Peaceful Side Brewery.
Thanks to a panel of 285 professional judges from around the world and over 250 volunteers, the Great American Beer Festival competition analyzed 9,216 entries. The
2024 competition saw entries from 1869 breweries and cideries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
“The Great American Beer Festival competition recognizes greatness in innovation and craftsmanship from brewers all over the country, and the Brewers Association takes great pride in crowning one winner from each category as ‘Best in Class,’” remarked Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. “The Brewers Association is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s winners.”
Pellissippi State awarded $2M for new Aviation Technology degree
Pellissippi State Community College has been awarded nearly $2 million through the third round of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Grants, to support the creation of a two-year associate degree in Aviation Technology, with a focus on Aviation Maintenance Technician Training.
The new degree program, located at Pellissippi State’s Blount County Campus, will provide students with hands-on training in cutting-edge aviation technology, and allow them to work with emerging innovations in design, creation, testing, installation of aviation electronics, aircraft structures and mechanical systems.
“This is a tremendous collaboration with the Blount Partnership that will have a significant impact on our students and local businesses alike,” said Pellissippi State Vice President for External Affairs Patty Weaver. “With a widening gap between the number of retiring aircraft mechanics and those entering the field, this partnership ensures we are responsive to the workforce needs of area businesses who are seeking skilled professionals, while providing our students with meaningful career opportunities.”
The GIVE program, established in 2019, is designed to address skills gaps in Tennessee’s workforce by supporting the development of career pathways that connect postsecondary institutions with local K-12 school systems and local employers.
Grants of up to $2 million each are awarded through the GIVE program to collaborative efforts that create or expand academic programs, develop work-based learning experiences or provide industry-recognized certifications in areas of high demand.
“The state with the workers will win every time, and that’s why workforce development has been one of my top priorities since day one,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. “As a result, companies are choosing to invest and expand in our state, creating greater opportunity and quality of life for all Tennesseans.”
Pellissippi State’s program will equip students with the necessary skills to pursue careers as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Maintenance Technicians. To graduate, they will need to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s certification exams, both in knowledge and practical skills.
Aircraft mechanics that graduate from this program will be in high demand for aviation jobs and in other fields that require high mechanical knowledge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aviation industry will need to fill approximately 12,000 aircraft mechanic positions annually to keep up with demand.
Pellissippi State’s new degree program aims to help bridge this gap by providing highly qualified graduates to meet workforce needs.
The GIVE Grant, along with the collaboration of industry partners and the Blount Partnership, plays a key role in helping Pellissippi State develop this degree, which will prepare students for successful careers in aviation maintenance.
“We are incredibly grateful for Governor Lee’s support through the GIVE 3.0 Grant,” Weaver said. “Over the next year, we’ll be developing the program with the goal of launching it for students in fall 2025.”
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Secures Spot in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best for the Second Year in a Row
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is proud to announce that, for the second consecutive year, it has earned a place among TripAdvisor’s Top 1% Fine Dining Restaurants worldwide for 2024. This prestigious accolade underscores the restaurant’s commitment to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences and consistently earning outstanding reviews from the TripAdvisor community.
Being recognized in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for two years in a row is a testament to Dancing Bear’s relentless pursuit of excellence. The award is given to less than 1% of the 8 million businesses listed on TripAdvisor and celebrates those who consistently offer remarkable experiences while meeting rigorous trust and safety standards.
“We are beyond thrilled to be recognized again among the finest dining establishments in the United States,” said Mark Oldham, CEO of Oldham Hospitality. “Our team’s passion for showcasing Appalachian-inspired cuisine and creating memorable dining moments for our guests is at the heart of what we do. This award belongs to our entire team and to the guests who continue to support us with their kind reviews.”
Nestled in the tranquil beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is celebrated for its locally sourced, farm-to-table approach to Appalachian cuisine. Diners have praised the restaurant’s innovative dishes, attentive service, and inviting rustic ambiance—-qualities that have earned this repeat distinction.
Blount Partnership Newsletter – October 14, 2024
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for October 14, 2024.
Local Artist Pinkie Mistry to Install New Mural in Downtown Maryville
Celebrated East Tennessee artist Pinkie Mistry is set to bring a new wave of creativity to down- town Maryville with the installation of a stunning new mural outside her gallery. Known for her vibrant palette knife landscapes and botanicals, Mistry’s newest work will feature a magnolia tree, reminiscent of the one she cherished in her childhood. The mural pays homage to the tree she and her sisters would sit under, picking the delicate white blossoms and weaving unforgettable childhood memories.
“I wanted to capture the beauty and warmth of the magnolia tree that was so much a part of my childhood,” said Mistry. “It represents a place of joy and discovery for me, and I hope it becomes a welcoming and inspiring landmark for the Maryville community.”
This mural will join Mistry’s impressive portfolio of public art throughout East Tennessee, including a vibrant butterfly mural in down- town Sevierville, a striking bluebird mural at Anakeesta for their Bird Venture attraction, and several smaller butterfly murals that grace the Smokies as part of her acclaimed “Wings of Wander” series. Mistry’s artistic vision also brought the iconic black bear mural in down- town Gatlinburg to life, celebrating the region’s wildlife and natural beauty.
In addition to her nature-inspired murals, Mistry collaborated with two other local artists on a temporary mural in downtown Maryville, helping transform the facade of a building under construction and proving that public art can revitalize spaces and elevate communities.
As Pinkie Mistry’s mural installation begins, residents and visitors are invited to watch the artwork unfold over the next several weeks, culminating in an unveiling celebration at the grand opening of her gallery, where her other works will be on display. The mural and Pinkie Mistry’s gallery are located at 123 W. Harper Ave., Maryville, TN.
Daniels Named International Economic Development Council Board Chair
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC)’s Board of Directors has selected seven new economic development leaders to serve on the organization’s 2025 Board of Directors for a two-year term. The board has also selected the leadership positions for the coming year. The process took place at the annual board meeting on September 15 during IEDC’s Annual Conference in Denver. All board and officer terms begin on January 1, 2025.
“These new board members represent a dynamic mix of experience, innovation, and passion for advancing economic development,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta and current board chair. “IEDC’s 2025 board includes increased representation from throughout the U.S. and globally. I’m excited to collaborate with these leaders as we work to drive impactful initiatives that will benefit communities across the globe. Their vision and leadership will be instrumental in guiding IEDC into a new era of growth and success.”
“It is an honor to take on the role of board chair for IEDC,” said Bryan Daniels, CEcD, CCE, IOM, President and CEO of the Blount Partnership and current board vice chair. “I am eager to work alongside such a talented and innovative team. Together, we will have the opportunity to collectively move the field forward by embracing the opportunities in front of us and showcasing our unique abilities, anticipating and responding to rapid changes, and championing new ideas and strategies to promote sustainable economic growth.”
“I am thrilled to welcome this new group of visionary leaders to our board of directors,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “Their extensive expertise and commitment to economic development will be invaluable in propelling IEDC toward a prosperous future for this profession, our members d stakeholders, and our organization.”
Below is the list of IEDC’s 2025 board members. The 2025 board is comprised of 33% members from the southeastern U.S., 23% from the central U.S., 20% from the western U.S., 17% from the northeastern U.S., and 7% international members. IEDC’s current membership includes 182 international members representing 21 countries.
2025 Chair of the Board
Bryan Daniels, CEcD, CCE, IOM, President and CEO, Blount (Tenn.) Partnership
Immediate Past Chair
Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD, President and CEO, Invest Atlanta
Vice Chair of the Board
Danielle Casey, CEcD, President and CEO, Albuquerque (N.M.) Regional Economic Alliance
Secretary/Treasurer
Clyde Higgs, President and CEO, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
Standing Committee Chairs
Julie Curtin, President, Economic Development, Development Counsellors International
Chris Masingill, CEcD, CEO, St. Tammany (La.) Corporation
Quentin Messer, Jr., CEcD, President and CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Jared Smith, CEcD, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Henderson (Nev.)
Standing Committee Vice Chairs
Kevin Dick, CEcD, President and CEO, Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Barb LaMue, CEcD, EDFP, President and CEO, New North (Wis.), Inc.
Heather McDaniel, CEcD, EDFP, President, Ithaca (N.Y.) Area Economic Development
Mandi Mitchell, CEcD, President and CEO, Lafayette (La.) Economic Development Authority
New Board Members (Two-Year Terms)
Clare Barnett, Director of Business Growth, City of Toronto
Taylor Davis, Senior Director, Workforce Development and Partnerships, Elevate Rapid City (S.D.)
Tray Hairston, Esq, CEcD, Economic Development Attorney, Butler Snow LLP
Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Director, Pinellas County (Fla.) Economic Development
Jolene Schalper, CEcD, EDP, EDFP, Executive Vice President, Great Falls (Mont.) Development Alliance
Cornell Wesley, Chief Economic Development Officer, City of Birmingham (Ala.)
Courtney Zaugg, CEcD, EDP, President, Plaka + Associates
Renominated Board Members (Two-Year Terms)
Beth Bowman, President and CEO, Irving-Las Colinas (Texas) Chamber of Commerce / Irving Economic Development Partnership
Joi Cuartero-Austin, CEcD, Senior Program Officer for Economic Vitality, Main Street America
Haldane Davies, PhD, Executive Director, Orion Consultancy Services
Dennis Fraise, CEcD, President and CEO, Lee County (Iowa) Economic Development Group
David Griggs, CEcD, President and CEO MetroHartford (Conn.) Alliance
Trish Heidenreich, CEcD, Founder and CEO, Economic Development Initiatives Group
Maureen Krauss, FM, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership
Heather McDaniel, CEcD, EDFP, President, Ithaca (N.Y.) Area Economic Development
Josh Mejia, Economic Development Specialist, Office of Economic Development, City of Arlington (Texas)
Courtney Pogue, CEcD, CCIM, CRE, EDP, LEED, AP, Senior Director, Grow America
Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council
Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (Fla.)
Jared Smith, CEcD, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Henderson (Nev.)
Joy Wilkins, CEcD, HLM, Principal, Serving Communities, LLC
Rob Williams, EDP, Director, Department of Economic Initiatives, SourceLink
Outgoing Board Members
Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation
David Leezer, CEcD, FM, Assistant City Manager for Economic Development, City of Hazelwood (Mo.)
Ann Marie Miller, CEcD, Director, Credits and Incentives, Hickey & Associates, LLC
Jonathan Morgan, PhD, Professor of Public Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government
Mike Neal, CCE, CCD, FM, HLM, IOM, President and CEO, Tulsa (Okla.) Regional Chamber
Jonas Peterson, CEcD, President and CEO, Southwest Michigan First
About IEDC
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org.
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Blount Partnership Newsletter – September 30, 2024
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UT Federal Credit Union Celebrates Newest Branch Location with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) celebrated the official grand opening of its newest branch with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony recently. This branch is the eighth branch location for UTFCU, and is the first branch in Blount County, located in the Springbrook Farm area in Alcoa.
The community was invited to attend the ceremony at the branch, which included light refreshments, door prizes, and remarks by UTFCU President and CEO Debbie Jones, UTFCU Board Chair Mike McNeil, chief architect Gregor Smee of Smee + Busby Architects, and project builder Steve Whitson of Whitson Construction. “We’ve been planning this day for some time, and we were all just really excited to be able to mark our official opening in Blount County with this ribbon-cutting,” said Debbie Jones, President & CEO for UT Federal Credit Union, about the event. “We received a lot of feedback from our members over the years requesting a local branch for the thriving community here, and that made today even more special.”
Along with local officials and area business leaders, many members of the community were in attendance. Also in attendance that day were some of the very same credit union members who had waited for years to see a branch in their area. For many reasons, “(w)e knew this corridor would be the perfect place” added Jones.
UTFCU’s Springbrook Farm Branch is located at 1858 Pauling Street in Alcoa. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ET.