Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for October 13, 2025.
Blount Partnership Newsletter – October 13, 2025
Tag: Chamber of Commerce
The Dialogue with Renée Riker
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 232nd installment visiting with Renée Riker, founder and wellness consultant of Empower Freedom, a LifeWave Brand Partner, which provides natural, drug-free wellness technology that helps the body heal and restore itself.
Describe more about what you do. I believe people deserve to age vibrantly and to know natural solutions exist. My mission is to empower others with drug-free options for better health and flexible business opportunities that create freedom. I also mentor people who want to build a business that helps others.
What is your background? After nearly 30 years with Toyota in project management and over 20 years as a real estate entrepreneur, I was introduced to this technology. Seeing its impact on people inspired me to launch Empower Freedom. My career at Toyota built leadership and operations expertise; real estate gave me entrepreneurial experience, and ongoing training equips me to serve clients and mentor my team.
Describe your customers. I work with people who want natural solutions to feel better, live energetically, and age with confidence, as well as those ready to design a life on their terms and build a business that helps others.
Name three things you wish you knew when you started? The power of networking. Consistency matters more than speed. People need time and education before embracing new solutions.
What do you enjoy about this business? I love seeing lives transform, people getting out of pain, regaining energy, and finding hope again, and mentoring others who want to create income and impact.
Open for Business, Staying Safe During Federal Shutdown
Blount County and the Townsend community remain open and welcoming to visitors while federal agencies operate with reduced staffing. We are closely coordinating with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) officials and local emergency services to prioritize visitor safety and protect our natural and cultural resources.
What visitors should know now:
- GSMNP will remain open during the federal shutdown.
- The federal government shutdown may affect services inside national parks nationwide; many park visitor centers and staffed facilities may operate on reduced hours or be closed, and some routine services (trash removal, staffed restrooms, ranger programs) could be limited or suspended.
- GSMNP will post official updates and alerts on its website; visitors should check the park’s official “Plan Your Visit / Alerts” page before arriving. National Park Service
- Many airport personnel will remain on the job; however, travelers should allow additional time when traveling through McGhee Tyson Airport.
Townsend & Blount County alternatives — safe, local options
We encourage visitors to enjoy Townsend and Blount County’s many outdoor and cultural experiences that do not rely on federal staffing, including local trails, state parks, museums, guided outfitters, restaurants and festivals.
Some options include:
- Shadows of the Past Trail (Townsend): A 10-mile self-guided walking tour through 13 historic sites with interpretive signs.
- Maryville-Alcoa Greenbelt Trail: Eighteen miles of connected parkway paths linking scenic parks, the Blount County Library, and Maryville College.
- Foothills Parkway: Catch sweeping fall-color views from one of the region’s most iconic scenic drives with frequent pull-offs for jaw-dropping views.
- Fly Fishing in Townsend: The Little River runs right through Townsend, offering pristine, accessible waters for trout fishing. Local outfitters provide guided fly-fishing lessons and gear rentals.
- Horseback Riding in Townsend: Explore gentle forest trails and riverside routes on guided horseback rides with local stables and outfitters.
- Mountain Biking at Vee Hollow: Ride over 14 miles of purpose-built singletrack and flow trails for all skill levels – located right in Townsend.
- Tuckaleechee Caverns: Discover one of the area’s natural wonders featuring underground waterfalls, towering caverns, and fascinating geology, open and guided by local experts year-round.
- Jeep or UTV Rentals: Feel the wind in your hair while taking in the views from the Missing Link or Foothills Parkway in an open-air jeep or UTV.
See our “Things to Do” list in the media kit for more ideas.
Safety first – our guidance for visitors
- Expect fewer park rangers and limited on-site emergency staffing inside GSMNP; choose short, well-marked trails and avoid remote backcountry travel. Experts and park advocates warn that under-staffed parks can pose safety and resource risks. National Parks Conservation Association
- Pack out trash and leave no trace — some trailheads may not have trash services during a shutdown.
- Choose managed, staffed alternatives — state parks, museums and private outfitters with their own staff and safety protocols.
- Travel prepared — water, maps (paper), first-aid kit, charged phone, and a plan for no restroom or trash facilities.
- Avoid gated/posted-closed areas — respect closures; do not move or bypass gates or barricades.
- Check official sources before travel — GSMNP alerts, NPS active alerts page, and local visitor center updates. National Park Service
Economic importance
Tourism is vital to our community. Visitor spending in 2024 reached $610.9 million, supporting thousands of local jobs and hundreds of businesses across Blount County. We’re encouraging responsible visitation to support local economies while prioritizing safety.
For assistance planning a Townsend visit and recommendations outside of the national park, contact the Greater Smokies Region/Townsend Visitor Center at 800-525-6834.
A media kit with local photos and the “Things to Do” alternative list is available here.
Blount Partnership Newsletter – September 29, 2025
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for September 29, 2025.
The Dialogue with Brook Nash
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 231st installment visiting with Brook Nash of Nash Wealth Advisory, whose purpose is rooted in service—helping individuals, families, and businesses use money as a tool to achieve what matters most to them through thoughtful planning and accountability.
Describe more about what you do. I provide financial planning and investment advice to clients. Some of the common goals that I help clients with are retirement, education, estate planning, tax management and employer retirement plans.
How did you get started? I started as an advisor after a 20-year career as an engineer. I started with a large, national broker dealer. After 5-years with them, I decided that the independent advisor model better suited my preferences.
What is your background? I am a business owner. In addition to obtaining the necessary licenses to practice as a Wealth Advisor, I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® & a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®).
Describe your customers. I have a variety of clients. I help young families, retirees, business owners, those who work in the trades, engineers, healthcare professionals, preachers, etc. A common trait is that they are good people who love their families and want to be good stewards
What are three things you wish you knew when you started?
1. There is a sales component to this business, as with most businesses. I wasn’t aware of this, but it’s probably good that I wasn’t.
2. A perfectionist mentality can be a roadblock. Strive for excellence, not perfection.
3. No one can predict the future. Plan wisely. Invest wisely. Trust God.
What do you enjoy about this profession? I enjoy the fulfillment of helping clients with their life goals. I am honored & humbled when I am invited into someone’s life to walk alongside them as they plan to send their children to college, as they dream about what they will spend their time doing when they do not have to go to work, as they implement strategies to help future generations and causes that are dear to them. The relationships that are forged by working towards a common goal are very special.
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Nash Wealth Advisory is not affiliated with Osaic Wealth or registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.
The Dialogue with Keith Edmonds
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 230th installment visiting with Keith Edmonds, branch manager with AnnieMac Home Mortgages which helps families realize homeownership by guiding them through the process by providing the best options.
Describe what AnniMac does. We help clients understand their options for buying or refinancing their home, for primary, second, or investment homes.
How did you get started? I started working in the financial services industry immediately after graduating from Maryville College in 2007.
What is your background? I have always enjoyed helping people and working with numbers. These traits, along with my education and continuous desire to learn and be the best at what I’m doing has allowed me to be a real asset for my clients.
Describe your customers. My clients are individuals and families looking for their first home, to move into a larger home for a growing family, to purchase a home to be closer to their family or passion, or those who would like to invest in their future with an investment property.
What do you enjoy most about this profession? The most rewarding aspect of my job and business is seeing the excitement of clients when they get to purchase their dream home.
Blount Partnership Newsletter – September 22, 2025
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for September 22, 2025.
NEXTY Electronics America, Inc. Supports Second Harvest Foodbank of East Tennessee with Cold Storage Donation
NEXTY Electronics America, Inc., a Toyota Tsusho Group company, has donated essential commercial-grade cold storage equipment to Second Harvest Foodbank of East Tennessee, enhancing the organization’s capacity to provide fresh, locally-sourced food to families in need.
The donated cold room, a substantial 1,875 square feet unit standing 21 feet tall, was carefully relocated from NEXTY’s Maryville facility to Donaldson Farms in Clay County, TN. Donaldson Farms is operated by John Donaldson, owner of D&D Meats and a Second Harvest Farm Advisor. “This donation will enable us to increase our storage capacity and provide more fresh, locally raised protein to those in need,” said Donaldson. D&D Meats is a crucial partner in Second Harvest’s Harvest to Hope Initiative, connecting local producers with communities facing food insecurity.
“This gift plays a meaningful role in helping us advance our mission,” said Kristi Rule, Chief Development Officer at Second Harvest Foodbank. “Cold storage capacity is one of the greatest barriers to distributing fresh, locally raised protein, and this donation allows us to provide more families with the nutrient-rich food they need to thrive.”
NEXTY was responsible for the donation, disassembly, loading, and transportation of the cold room equipment to Donaldson Farms. The company worked with local organizations, including The Blount Partnership, Perfection Group, Warehouse Optimizers, Inc., and TLD Logistics Services, Inc., a Toyota Tsusho Group company, to facilitate the complex disassembly and transportation process.
“We are thrilled that this refrigeration unit will serve the community in its next life,” stated Cal Lovin, General Manager of Operations, NEXTY Electronics America, Inc. “This donation reflects our commitment to supporting the communities where we operate and aligns with the Toyota Tsusho Group’s values of contributing to society.”
The cold room will be used for processing and storing beef, pork, and lamb, which will support over 200,000 individuals served by Second Harvest across 18 counties in East Tennessee. The addition of this cold storage capacity at D&D Meats will have both immediate and long-term impacts, increasing the amount of fresh protein reaching Second Harvest’s network of food pantries and partners, and reinforcing a more resilient local food system.
This donation is part of NEXTY Electronics America’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement in East Tennessee.
The Dialogue with Amber Blair
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 229th installment visiting with Amber Blair, owner and licensed aesthetician of Center Stage Beauty Academy whose mission is to provide high-quality, hands-on education that prepares future beauty professionals not only to excel in their craft, but also to thrive as confident, career-ready leaders. We exist to serve our community by offering a supportive, faith-driven, and empowering environment where students can grow, build relationships, and step boldly into their future careers in the beauty industry.
Describe more about what Center Stage is about. Center Stage Beauty Academy is a hybrid aesthetics and lash-focused beauty school dedicated to providing comprehensive, hands-on training in skin care, lash extensions, makeup, and advanced certifications. We combine flexible online learning with in-person practical experience to ensure students gain the knowledge, confidence, and technical skills needed to succeed in the beauty industry. Beyond technical training, we emphasize professionalism, business development, and community networking to prepare graduates for lasting careers as licensed professionals and entrepreneurs
How did you get started? My journey in the beauty industry began with a love for helping people feel confident in their own skin. What started as a personal passion turned into a calling—I knew I wanted to not only work in this field but also teach and guide others. With faith, family, and the support of my community, I opened Center Stage Beauty Academy to give others the same opportunity to grow, chase their dreams, and step into a career they love.
Who is your mentor? My biggest supporters have been my husband, Christian, and our daughter, Lavender Grace. Christian has believed in me from the very beginning—encouraging me to chase my calling, cheering me on through every milestone, and grounding me when things felt overwhelming. And Lavender is my daily reminder of why I do what I do—she inspires me to build a legacy of faith, hard work, and passion. Together, they’ve given me the strength, purpose, and love to keep moving forward and to pour into the lives of my students.
Describe your customers. My students are passionate, creative, and determined individuals who are pursuing their dreams in the beauty industry. They come from different backgrounds, but all share a common goal—to build meaningful careers and make an impact through their artistry. At Center Stage Beauty Academy, I see them grow not only in their technical skills, but also in confidence, professionalism, and leadership. They are future beauty professionals, business owners, and industry leaders in the making, and it’s an honor to walk alongside them on this journey.
What are some things you wish you knew when you started? If I could go back, I’d tell myself three things: First, it’s not just about beauty skills—you need business smarts too. Second, the relationships you build in this industry will take you farther than you ever imagined. And third, be patient—success takes time, but every step along the way is worth it.
What do you enjoy most about your business? What I enjoy most about running my business is the opportunity to watch students grow—both in their skills and their confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m playing a part in shaping their futures and helping them turn their dreams into careers. I also love the creativity and purpose that comes with building a school that reflects my values of faith, family, and community, while making a lasting impact in the beauty industry.
UT Federal Credit Union CEO Selected for Leadership Knoxville Class of 2026
UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) CEO Kenyon Warren has been appointed to the prestigious 2026 Leadership Knoxville flagship program. Since joining UTFCU in March 2025, Warren has prioritized deepening the credit union’s longstanding commitment to community involvement. His participation in Leadership Knoxville—a 10-month immersive experience focused on civic leadership, regional collaboration, and East Tennessee culture—will reinforce Warren’s initiative to expand UTFCU’s community relationships and enhance its impact in the areas it is privileged to serve.
Says Warren, “We aim to strengthen our region through deeper collaboration across business, nonprofit, and civic sectors. I’m honored to represent UTFCU in the Leadership Knoxville program and deepen my understanding of the needs and opportunities that exist throughout Tennessee.”
Leadership Knoxville’s mission is to build a stronger Knoxville by developing leaders who are informed, engaged, and committed to service. The program equips participants with a hands-on understanding of local challenges and opportunities through sessions on government, education, economic development, and the arts. From police ride-alongs and school visits to legislative trips to Nashville, the program shapes compassionate service-oriented leaders.
In his first six months at UTFCU, Warren has launched impactful initiatives like:
- Establishing a Community Partnership Manager to lead outreach and expand financial education across UTFCU’s footprint
- Assessing UTFCU’s risk appetite to broaden access to financial tools for underserved communities
- Promoting internal talent and restructuring for agility and member impact
- Appointing a Director of Organizational Development to strengthen employee training and service
Warren’s approach reflects UTFCU’s commitment to serve “for all who love Tennessee.” Since its founding in 1969, the credit union has invested in community impact, including scholarship endowments, youth programs, the Kindness Committee, charitable giving, and support of small businesses.
Warren sees his participation in Leadership Knoxville as a critical step toward expanding UT Federal Credit Union’s influence and reinforcing its core philosophy of people helping people.
“As we grow, we’ll do so with purpose, building stronger relationships, lifting up our communities, and touching as many lives as we can,” he said. “Leadership Knoxville will help ensure our impact is both broad and meaningful.”