Tag: Chamber of Commerce

Vintage Car Show

Posted on July 5, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Fans of vintage automobiles can view a special collection of classic cars at the Autos Through the Ages Car Show at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend) on July 15 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The car show is free with admission to the museum being $5.

Presented by the East Tennessee Region Antique Automobile Club of America and sponsored by West Chevrolet, Twin City Dealerships and the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, the event features food and a viewing of classic cars throughout the day.

Visitors will experience how cars and trucks have evolved during the past 100 years as they see and learn about autos from T Models to Teslas.  One rare car on display is a 1934 Oldsmobile convertible, found in Morocco, is one of only 903 produced.  Others models include a 1927 Ford Mail Truck, a 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spur, a 1954 Ford Skyliner, a 1949 MG TC, a 1960 Morgan +4, a 1958 Edsel Convertible, a 1929 Ford Fire Truck and a 1933 Packard Victoria Convertible.

“There’s a lot of history in these cars and they definitely bring back plenty of memories,” said Steve West. “This a great event that showcases the great American craftsmanship that went into these vehicles.”   

“Having been around cars all my life, I really enjoy seeing these classic cars and watching the enjoyment they bring to those that have taken care of them for future generations,” said Jerry Hodge of Twin City Dealerships. “There’s just something about getting behind the wheel of cars like these and hitting the highway that brings about a great feeling of freedom.”

The Dialogue with William Turner

Posted on June 22, 2023 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 198th installment visiting with New York Life agent William Turner whose goal is to help small businesses offer its employees the opportunity for benefits and retirement plans through financial planning and insurance.

What does New York Life provide? New York Life provides holistic planning in a variety of areas including: life, disability, and traditional long term care insurance. In addition, I work with retirement planning using variable and fixed products.

How did you get started? I started working in this business after witnessing the lack of planning within my inner circles. I realized that what is often times simple solutions, if done properly could avoid these situations all together. I then got the proper licensing and training to make sure that the people closest to me had the resources and information necessary to be prepared when tragedy strikes. Now I want to extend that opportunity to my community, so that others can avoid the same hard times that I have seen hit all to close to home.

Who is your biggest supporter? My mentor in this career is Matt Quick. He has guided me through starting my own business and growing it to be client focused. He has helped me learn how to communicate with my clients to help them identify their goals as well as any potential worry areas that we can get in front of.

Describe your customers. My customers are individuals that are looking to talk and find structured time tested ways to protect what they have and build financially for the future. My clients should be ready to talk in detail about their current situation and where they would like to build to moving forward.

What are three things you wish you know when starting out? I wish that I knew the amount of resources that are within reach when starting a business in a community. I wish that I knew the importance of building the strong foundation to my business like I do now. I wish that I had established a work life balance faster.

What you enjoy most about your profession? I enjoy the flexibility that I get to have with my family. In addition I really enjoy helping others as it is really nice to get to help others take care of the same needs that I work on for my friends and family and spread the knowledge of my career.

Y-12 Federal Credit Union Tackles Financial Literacy Crisis with Y-Fi @ Work

Posted on June 14, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Y-12 Federal Credit Union (Y-12 FCU) recently developed and launched a program called Y-Fi @ Work, a comprehensive financial education program dedicated to supporting organizations that actively seek to engage their employees on the importance of financial independence. The program is free, and there are no membership requirements. 

Y-Fi @ Work is backed by an award-winning financial literacy platform, educational resources customized to employee needs, and instructor-led training offered onsite or virtually. The program also provides self-directed online modules with budgeting, saving, and understanding credit. Online financial counseling is provided 24/7.

Y-Fi @ Work is managed by the Credit Union’s financial outreach manager, John Nolan. “Statistics show that most Americans lack the critical skills to live financially healthy lives. This program is much bigger than banking or who you choose to bank with. The nation is experiencing a financial literacy crisis. We believe an essential part of our Credit Union’s framework is to provide solutions that help people discover financial freedom. I am thrilled to see lives changed through Y-Fi @ Work, and I am grateful to our partners who share our passion by supporting their employees through the program,” said Nolan.

According to online data retrieved from economists, reports from CNBC ,and through Global News Wire:

  • More than 2/3 of Americans are financially unhealthy.
  • 42% of Americans say finances negatively impact their mental health.
  • Two in three Americans could not cover a $400 emergency expense
  • 70% of employees feel financial wellness programs help reduce stress and increase loyalty to their employer.

When Y-Fi @ Work launched, The Quality Family of Companies was the first to partner with the program, offering it to their 1,800 employees as part of its comprehensive benefits package. “We appreciated the many benefits that Y-Fi @ Work program has brought to our staff at Quality Private Duty Care. It has really helped our staff to get answers to those complicated financial questions and gain understanding of their personal finances. This is priceless knowledge, especially during these difficult financial times,” explained Kristie England, Human Resources Director. 

For more information on how to offer Y-Fi @ Work to your organization or to learn more about the program and its resources, contact John Nolan at Y-12 FCU.