Tag: Chamber of Commerce

UT Federal Credit Union Opens Branch in Blount County

Posted on July 1, 2024 by - Uncategorized

UTFCU building
UTFCU building

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) reached a major milestone on Monday, July 1, as it opened the doors of its Springbrook Farm Branch in Alcoa. This new branch is the eighth branch location for UTFCU, and the first branch in Blount County.

“We exist as a credit union to serve our members and the community,” said UTFCU President/CEO Debbie H. Jones, CPA. “After much research, we decided that Springbrook Farm was where we wanted to put our new branch. This branch will allow us to serve our members where they are as we already have a large membership base that lives in Blount County. We are excited to be able to have a branch location to serve our existing members, as well as new members, in this community.” Jones added, “UTFCU is for all who love Tennessee. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, conducts business, or attends school in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Union Counties.”

This project has been many years in the making. Branch Manager April Ergenbright believes that Springbrook Farm in Alcoa, a master-planned “City Center” development consisting of a retail lifestyle center, multiple residential areas, commercial office space, hotels, conference center, and more; is the ideal location to serve Blount County. “My roots are here in Blount County. I am confident we will be able to serve all reaches of my fellow Blount Countians from this central hub. Stop by and see us!”

The branch consists of a hospitality area, conference room, multiple financial service offices, drive-thru Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), and a coin counter for member use.

UTFCU’s Springbrook Farm Branch is located at 1858 Pauling Street in Alcoa. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; and Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 pm.

A grand opening celebration will be held at a later date. For more information, visit www.UTFCU.org or call (865) 971-1971.

Jessica Hahn Graduates from Institute for Organization Management

Posted on July 1, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Jessica Hahn, IOM, Director of Membership, of the Blount Partnership, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.

The Dialogue with Charlie Ingram

Posted on June 13, 2024 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 213th installment visiting with Charlie Ingram, director of Right at Home Maryville which offers in-home or in-facility care and assistance to elderly and/or disabled adults.

How did you get started? My family was served by Right at Home in Southwest FL, when my father’s health was failing. Their flexibility and personal care for him was a GODSEND! We have been raving fans ever since. Recently the owners of the franchise in Maryville decided to make a change, and we were ecstatic to expand to Blount County.

Describe your customers. Families reach out to us initially, when they are needing some help “around the margins” of life. They realize they can avoid, or at least forestall, an upending life change with well timed assistance. Identifying the times-of-day/days-of-week where the greatest impact can occur allows seniors to age “in-place” in comfort and dignity.

More than 20% of the work we do is with Veterans. Helping them navigate the programs to get the support from the VA that is due them, is one of the most satisfying feelings in this field.

What do you enjoy most about the business? Our caregivers are the best! Nearly everyone in the office takes a roll in the onboarding and orientation of new caregivers. We treat them like gold and that translates to amazing client response. We love the feedback loop.

Tremont Institute Hosts Virtual Naturalist Week with Activities for All Ages

Posted on June 10, 2024 by - Uncategorized

From June 17-21, 2024, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is hosting Naturalist Week, a free virtual event designed to connect people with nature from wherever they are. Kids and adults are encouraged to explore their backyards, local parks, or any green spaces to notice the nature around them.

Naturalist Week features the Level Up Challenge, where participants earn points by engaging in outdoor activities such as eating a meal outside, following an insect’s travel path, or camping in the backyard. Participants collect 25 points to win a prize and enter a drawing for a custom Tremont experience. Point totals should be submitted online by Monday, June 24 to receive a prize in the mail.

Last year, 56 individuals ranging from 4 to 77 years old from 13 states completed the Level Up Challenge, earning a total of 2,088 points. A local participant shared with event organizers, “I noticed how magical it is to share time and perspectives with someone else while in nature. My daughter and I love similar experiences, but introduced new ways of seeing something to each other.”

On Thursday, June 20, Tremont is hosting The Big Day, a challenge to document as many species as possible, including plants, mammals, fungi, insects, birds, and lichens. For each observation shared on Tremont’s website or social media, a generous donor will donate a dollar to support Tremont’s environmental education programs.

“Over the last two years, we have stories of people exploring with their grandkids, taking intentional time outside during lunch breaks at work, and discovering nature mysteries in their backyards,” said Tremont’s Marketing Director, Erin Rosolina. “It’s incredibly heartening to see people explore biodiversity and find wonder in their own outdoor spaces.”

To wrap up the week, Tremont is hosting a family-friendly happy hour at Yee-Haw Brewing Company in Knoxville on Friday, June 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. A dollar from each pint sold will support Tremont’s programming.

Virtual Naturalist Week is taking place at the same time as an in-person Naturalist Week on Tremont’s campus inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The in-person event is an overnight environmental camp for adults, and includes several of the same activities as the virtual event, including The Big Day. A few spots remain for the in-person Naturalist Week camp; learn more at gsmit.org/event/naturalist-week.

Though not required to participate, Tremont encourages donations to Naturalist Week; the funds raised throughout the week will support the nonprofit’s year-round work to connect people of all ages with nature, both through on-campus experiences in the Smokies and educational outreach in the surrounding communities.

Learn more about Naturalist Week activities, including the Level Up Challenge and species documentation, at gsmit.org/naturalist.

The Dialogue with James Ambagis

Posted on May 28, 2024 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 212th installment visiting with James Ambagis, owner of True Comfort Heat and Air which specializes in HVAC services like repairs, installations, duct cleaning and commercial and residential maintenance.

What is your background? I I kicked off my HVAC journey by taking my father-in-law’s class at Tennessee Valley Technical Programs in Alcoa, where I got my EPA certification. After I finished my contract in the U.S. Army, I continued learning by working for other HVAC companies the area. Once I decided to go out and start my own company, I took the American Contractors Exam and earned my Tennessee State Mechanical License. I’ve been running my company for now 3 years!

Describe your customers? We have a wide variety of customers ranging between residential and commercial clients in Blount County and surrounding areas.

What do you enjoy most about your business? It’s truly rewarding to work alongside my wife, Alyssa, as we develop our business and lay a solid groundwork for our future. This business has opened doors to support the community in ways I never envisioned. I am grateful for the independence our company offers. Even though there are busy and stressful periods, I genuinely enjoy my work and the chance to serve my friends, family and community.