Tag: Chamber of Commerce

The Dialogue with Susan Shepherd

Susan Shepherd
Susan Shepherd

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 214th installment visiting with Susan Shepherd of TruYou Aesthetics Medical Spa whose mission is not to change who you are, but support you in discovering and enhancing your unique self by embracing your personal beauty and confidence in a way that’s authentic to you.

Describe what your business does. At TruYou Aesthetics, we blend advanced medical expertise with a deeply personalized approach to offer a transformative spa experience. Located at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and holistic wellness, our medical aesthetics spa is dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty while prioritizing your unique needs and goals.

Our team of skilled professionals specializes in a range of services including facial and/or body rejuvenation, skin health regeneration, and skincare treatments, all tailored to your individual preferences. We utilize state-of-the-art techniques and products to deliver results that are both effective and true to your personal aesthetic.

At TruYou Aesthetics, we believe that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, we focus on understanding your vision and guiding you towards achieving it with confidence and grace

How did you get started? My mission in entering the field of medical aesthetics stems from a profound commitment to addressing a crucial gap in the industry. Too often, aesthetic medicine is perceived as a luxury reserved for those seeking vanity, rather than a service that can genuinely enhance confidence and well-being. I recognized a significant need for real, meaningful results for a diverse range of individuals who may feel underserved or overlooked.

Who is your mentor? My greatest mentor in my career is my esteemed Medical Director and friend, Dr. Jessica Olsen. A true embodiment of determination and excellence, Dr. Olsen set her sights on becoming a doctor from a young age. By her twenties, she had not only achieved fellowship training as a medical doctor but also as a psychiatrist. Her practice is distinguished by an unmatched blend of compassion and intellect. From the moment we met, Dr. Olsen has consistently treated me and our patients with the utmost dignity and respect, never perceiving me as “less than” due to my role as a mid-level medical provider. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and genuine respect has profoundly influenced my professional journey.

Describe your customers. Our clientele at TruYou Aesthetics comprises a diverse group of men and women who seek to enhance their confidence, learn about effective skin care, or indulge in a day of self-care. They value authenticity and are highly discerning about treatments that may appear unnatural or excessive. These individuals are not interested in being sold unnecessary services; instead, they are looking for a trusted provider who listens to their needs and offers personalized, genuine care. Our clients appreciate a thoughtful, transparent approach that respects their preferences and supports their goals in a way that feels both natural and empowering.

What do you enjoy most about your business? Happy and satisfied clients that bring in their friends and family after establishing trust. This reassures me that we are meeting our communities needs while staying faithful to our mission.

Jessica Hahn Wins Sales Award

Jessica Hahn with ACCE sales award
Jessica Hahn with ACCE sales award

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has awarded Jessica Hahn, Director of Membership of the Blount Partnership, with the Dana Ketterling Lifetime Sales Achievement Award. The award recognizes career sales achievement.

Hahn earned recognition for achieving outstanding growth in chamber membership and ongoing support of members throughout her career.

“Membership sales professionals are community champions, highlighting the impact their organizations have on the communities they serve,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “We congratulate our industry’s top achievers on their success.”

The award is presented in memory of Dana Ketterling, ACCE’s resource development officer, who was a gifted membership professional and champion of chambers of commerce and the communities they serve.

“We appreciate Jessica’s tireless efforts to promote the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and her active engagement in the community,” said Blount Partnership President/CEO Bryan Daniels. “She has set a good example for us all, and we are grateful for her many contributions that led to her receiving this award.”

Blount Chamber Board Nomination

Blount Partnership chamber logo

The Blount County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026 Blount County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors until August 15, 2025.

Board Nomination Form

Nomination form for Chamber board membership

Nominator Name
Nominee Name

Autos Through the Ages Car Show Set for July 20

Autos through the ages car show in Townsend, Tennessee.

Autos through the ages car show in Townsend, Tennessee.

The sixth annual Autos Through the Ages car show is set for July 20 at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (123 Cromwell Dr.) in Townsend, Tenn. Organized by the East Tennessee Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, this distinctive gathering features over 150 vehicles on display from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., regardless of weather conditions.

The event is free to attend and offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of automobiles over the past century, showcasing everything from T Models to Teslas. Visitors have the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of vehicles, including rare and special automobiles such as a 1934 Oldsmobile Convertible discovered in Morocco, a 1927 Ford Mail Truck, a 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spur, a 1954 Ford Skyliner, a 1949 MG TC, a 1958 Edsel Convertible, a 1929 Ford Fire Truck, and a 1937 Hudson Terraplane.

In addition to the car show, guests can explore the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s museum and its grounds which feature interpretive exhibits and an authentic pioneer village, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

Event sponsors include Blount Partnership, Twin City Dealerships, West Chevrolet, and the East Tennessee Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America.