Tag: Economic Development

Downtown Maryville Alliance Receives Multi-Year Grant to Present the Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series

Posted on November 19, 2025 by jmuir - Uncategorized

The Downtown Maryville Alliance in partnership with the City of Maryville, the Blount Partnership and the Clayton Center for the Arts announced that it has been awarded a multi-year grant of $36,000 in matching funds to present a free outdoor music series at the Charles West Amphitheater at Jack Greene Park in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The schedule, along with performing artists, will be released in early 2026.

“We are thrilled to bring the Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series to life at Jack Greene Park,” said Amanda Gillooly, Director of the Downtown Maryville Alliance. “This grant allows us to create a vibrant, welcoming space where our community can come together and celebrate the power of live music. It’s more than concerts—it’s about building connections, supporting local culture, and making downtown Maryville a destination for everyone.”

Levitt Music Series Grants are an exciting, multi-year matching grant program bringing the joy of free, live music to towns and cities across the country. Each Levitt Music Series location presents 7-10 free outdoor concerts per year, injecting new life into underused public spaces and creating joyous, welcoming community destinations. Levitt Music Series Grants encompass several grant opportunities, including the Levitt AMP program that the Downtown Maryville Alliance will be presenting as the Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series.

In a first of its kind collaboration, the Levitt Foundation—a national social impact funder supporting the largest free outdoor concert series in America—has partnered with the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, with support from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, to award six communities based in Tennessee with multi-year Levitt AMP matching grants, which will bring up to 180 free concerts across the state over three years.

Levitt AMP grants support free, live music in towns and cities with a population of up to 250,000. Levitt AMP concert series reflect the three goals of the Levitt AMP program: Amplify community pride and a city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music; and illustrate the importance of inclusive and vibrant public Places. From rural Alaska to Appalachian Main Streets and Midwestern locales to now six locations in Tennessee, the Levitt AMP Music Series is a catalytic opportunity for towns and cities across America to realize a shared mission—building community through music to create a healthy and thriving future for all.

“Since the Levitt AMP Music Series began ten years ago in 2015, we’ve seen dynamic social and economic impact as nonprofits across the nation activate public spaces through the power and joy of free, live music,” said Sharon Yazowski, President & CEO of the Levitt Foundation. “Levitt concert series are community destinations, brought to life when friends, families, and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds come together for a shared experience. Through this exciting partnership with the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, the Levitt Foundation is thrilled to welcome [Your Organization Name] as a new grantee and watch as the Levitt AMP [Your City/Town] Music Series plays a meaningful role in strengthening the social fabric, creating economic vitality, and adding to the cultural vibrancy of your community.”

Including the Downtown Maryville Alliance, the six Tennessee Levitt AMP grantees represent towns and cities from across the state. In addition to presenting artists hailing from around the world and nation, these music series will also feature award-winning performers and musicians drawn from the vibrant music communities of Tennessee.

“Tennessee has always been a place where creativity and innovation flourish. Building on our proud history and tradition of progress, we are expanding the state’s entertainment sector and driving local economic growth and tourism thanks to this partnership with Levitt. This series will bring Tennesseans together to celebrate the extraordinary talent that defines our state,” said Deputy Governor and Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.

Combining a total of 34 new and 32 returning grantees, the Levitt Foundation will award over $7 million dollars over the next three years to nonprofits serving towns and cities across the U.S. as part of the Levitt Music Series Grants. Levitt Music Series reach a broad range of communities across America, presenting seasoned, award-winning artists to acclaimed, emerging talent in a wide array of music genres, spanning pop, rock, folk, World music, country, jazz, Latin, children’s shows, blues, and more.

NEXTY Electronics America, Inc. Supports Second Harvest Foodbank of East Tennessee with Cold Storage Donation

Posted on September 18, 2025 by jmuir - Uncategorized

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.

NEXTY Electronics America delivers cold storage equipment

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.

Blount Partnership Receives TVA Workforce Invest Grant to Increase Local Training & Education Efforts

Posted on August 28, 2025 by jmuir - Uncategorized

The Blount Partnership announced that it was awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in aviation training and education.

“This grant from TVA’s Workforce Invest program is a game-changer for Blount County,” said Jessica Belitz, Director of Workforce Development at the Blount Partnership. “It allows us to directly respond to the growing demand for skilled workers in aviation and other high-tech industries. By investing in training equipment, career exploration tools, and student scholarships, we’re not just preparing individuals for meaningful careers—we’re strengthening the economic future of our entire region.”

In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development needs.

The grant goes to support the aviation school specializing in aviation maintenance technology programming and aviation career exploration. TVA funding supports the purchase of training equipment and scholarships to support student fees which has seen investments of nearly $4 million.

“The aviation technology school initiative represents a powerful collaboration between education and industry,” said Dr. Patty Weaver, Vice President of External Affairs at Pellissippi State Community College. “With support from TVA’s Workforce Invest grant, we can offer hands-on training and career exploration that equips students with the skills needed in today’s workforce. This is more than a program—it’s a pathway to opportunity for our students and a boost for our local economy.”

The project is a partnership among a host of local community leaders including the Industrial Development Board of Blount County, Pellissippi State Community College, Cirrus Aircraft, Standard Aero, Endeavor Air, PSA Airlines, McGhee Tyson Airport, 134^th Air Refueling Wing, Alcoa City Schools, Maryville City Schools, Blount County Schools, Knox County Schools, Monroe County Schools, and the Knoxville Chamber.

The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands.

“TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also fulfilling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA.

“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors.

Over the last four years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 40 communities with a combined investment of $6 million.

Local Schools Awarded Classroom Grants and Student Scholarships to Support Future Construction Workforce

Posted on May 9, 2025 by jmuir - Uncategorized

Three local public schools received $2,500 each in classroom grants as part of a new initiative to support construction education and training, thanks to the newly established Foundation for Future Building Trades. In addition, six students were awarded scholarships totaling $6,000 to further their education or purchase tools and supplies for careers in the construction industry.

Classroom Grants Awarded:

Heritage High School – Instructor Jason Tipton will lead students in constructing a 10’ x 12’ storage shed, teaching framing techniques and foundational layout skills including flooring, walls, rafters, doors, and windows.
William Blount High School – Instructor Doug Blair will oversee two projects: flag-building in a fundamentals class and Adirondack chair construction for year one students. Both projects emphasize tool safety, measurement, and hands-on craftsmanship.
Maryville Junior High School – Instructor Jeremy Russell will utilize funding to enhance shop safety and efficiency by adding storage and dust collection systems, creating an environment conducive to learning and skill development.

Student Scholarships Awarded:

Colton Richardson, Heritage High School – $2,500
Christian Eggleton, William Blount High School – $1,500
Hunter Johnson, William Blount High School – $1,000
Brayden Sargent, William Blount High School – $500
Rafael Amos Sanchez, William Blount High School – $500

Students could apply for scholarships to support either continued education or the purchase of tools and equipment needed for employment in the construction field.

These awards were made possible through the consolidation of nearly $450,000 from the former Builders & Associates of Blount County chapter into the Foundation for Future Building Trades. The Foundation will fund classroom grants and scholarships with a focus on residential construction, aiming to grow the pipeline of skilled workers in the local construction industry.

The initiative is overseen by the Blount Partnership’s Construction Workforce Advisory Committee, which manages grant and scholarship disbursements.

“We are excited to provide these opportunities to local students and are committed to helping shape the future of the construction industry, particularly in residential building,” said Blount Partnership’s Director of Workforce Development Jessica Belitz. “These scholarships and grants will not only help students succeed but will also strengthen the local workforce, ensuring that our community has access to highly skilled professionals for years to come.”

The Foundation is actively seeking donations to sustain and grow this effort, which aligns with broader goals of workforce development and regional economic growth.

Photo 1 caption: Hunter Johnson, Braydon Sargent, Denver Hunt (Denver Hunt Construction), Rafael Sanchez, Christian Eggleton of William Blount High School each received a check.
Photo 2 caption: Greg Newman (Roger Newman Heating & Air) presents a check to Colton Richardson of Heritage High School.

PSA Airlines, McGhee Tyson Airport announce new maintenance base creating nearly 100 jobs

Posted on April 15, 2025 by jmuir - Uncategorized

PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group and leading regional airline, and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) have agreed to terms for PSA to open and operate a maintenance base at the airport. As part of the deal, PSA will use the hangar previously occupied by a maintenance provider.

The TYS maintenance base will be PSA’s 10^th maintenance base. It will be fully operational by this summer and is a strategic addition that supports PSA’s growing fleet and will serve as a “B check” facility. “B checks” occur two to three times each year and are more in-depth than routine checks that are performed frequently.

“As we continue to grow our fleet and further strengthen our reliability, the addition of our new maintenance base at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is an important step forward,” said Dion Flannery, PSA President and Chief Executive Officer. “Knoxville has aviation-rich talent, and we’re excited about the opportunity to add local aviation maintenance expertise to the PSA team, further enabling PSA to deliver satisfied customers to their destination safely and on time.”

TYS Airport, City of Knoxville, and Blount County leaders echoed excitement about this new relationship and what it means for the area and its people.

“The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is excited to welcome PSA Airlines’ maintenance base to McGhee Tyson Airport and thanks them for investing in our community,” said Patrick Wilson, President of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. “This partnership reflects our strategic goal of promoting the continued growth of aerospace industry jobs and investments in our region. PSA’s announcement adds to an impressive list of aerospace companies and training opportunities already available in East Tennessee including the new aviation maintenance technician training school at Pellissippi State Community College in Blount County.”

“I want to welcome PSA Airlines Maintenance Base to East Tennessee and extend my gratitude for their commitment to open this new facility at McGhee Tyson,” said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our Airport and our entire region. One of our major priorities is giving our young people the chance to succeed. This maintenance base is a tremendous opportunity for them and another reason our Aviation Academy at Pellissippi State in Blount County is so very important. The PSA maintenance facility is a great addition to the diverse aerospace employment and education opportunities already in our area.”

“I am excited to see more growth and expansion at McGhee Tyson Airport,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. “Adding nearly 100 new jobs and more investment in our region is a big win for us all.”

Great job opportunities for local aviation maintenance talent

PSA’s TYS maintenance base will employ nearly 100 team members, including aircraft maintenance technicians, leads, supply chain professionals for its Stores facility, and operations-focused Management and Support Staff.

Those interested in being considering for open roles in PSA’s new maintenance base, including aircraft maintenance technicians, aviation parts specialists and more should stop by PSA’s TYS Maintenance Base Career Fair, which is April 15 and 16 at the Hilton TYS Airport from 9 – 5 p.m. ET both days. Additionally, people can visit www.psaairlines.com to search and apply for career opportunities at the company’s TYS maintenance base and throughout its network.

PSA’s other maintenance bases are at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dayton International Airport (DAY), Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), Norfolk International Airport (ORF), Pensacola International Airport (PNS) and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).

The Foundation for Future Building Trades to fund Classroom Grants and Scholarships for Construction Careers

Posted on October 29, 2024 by jmuir - Uncategorized

The former Builders & Associates of Blount County chapter has consolidated its funds, totaling nearly $450,000, into the Foundation for Future Building Trades to support the next generation of construction professionals. These funds will establish classroom grants and scholarships designed to encourage students to pursue careers in construction, with a special emphasis on residential buildings.

Beginning in Spring 2025, Heritage High School, William Blount High School, and Maryville Junior High School will receive initial grants and scholarships amounting to $2,500 each per semester. Future expansion to other schools is anticipated, helping to broaden the reach of this initiative and further develop the local construction workforce pipeline.

The program is overseen by the Blount Partnership’s Construction Workforce Advisory Committee, which will manage the grant and scholarship disbursement. The fund aims to address the growing need for skilled workers in the construction industry by offering financial support to students, helping them build a foundation for their future careers in the field.

The Foundation for Future Building Trades is actively seeking donations to expand the program, ensuring a continuous and growing flow of trained professionals into the construction workforce. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to support economic growth and community development in the region.

“We are excited to provide these opportunities to local students and are committed to helping shape the future of the construction industry, particularly in residential building,” said Denver Hunt, former Builders & Associates of Blount County chapter representative. “These funds will not only help students succeed but will also strengthen the local workforce, ensuring that our community has access to highly skilled professionals for years to come.”

For more information on the Foundation for Future Building Trades or to make a donation, please contact the Blount Partnership at 865-983-2241.

Pellissippi State awarded $2M for new Aviation Technology degree

Posted on October 18, 2024 by jmuir - Uncategorized

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.”

Daniels Named International Economic Development Council Board Chair

Posted on October 9, 2024 by jmuir - Uncategorized

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.

Blount Partnership’s Emert Named to Knox News 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

Posted on September 18, 2024 by jmuir - Uncategorized

Maryville, Tenn. – The Blount Partnership is proud to announce that Lauren Emert, Director of Economic Development, has been named to the prestigious 40 Under 40 Class of 2024, an annual recognition presented by the Lincoln Memorial University School of Business and Knox News. The award honors 40 outstanding young professionals in East Tennessee who demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication to their careers and communities.

Upon receiving the honor, Emert shared her excitement, saying, “I am honored to be recognized among such an exceptional group of young leaders. It has been a tremendous opportunity to contribute to our community and support economic growth in East Tennessee.”

The 40 Under 40 award celebrates individuals who not only excel in their professional fields but also engage in selfless acts of service to improve the communities they serve. Emert’s inclusion in this distinguished group is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and impact on both the local economy and the broader East Tennessee region.

Blount Partnership President/CEO Bryan Daniels was named to the 40 Under 40 list in 2010.

The Blount Partnership congratulates her and all the recipients of the 2024 Knox News 40 Under 40 award for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

More than 60 Students Ink with Companies on Blount County Job Signing Day

Posted on May 14, 2024 by jmuir - Uncategorized

Alex Schroetke walks through the tunnel during Blount County Job Signing Day

More than 60 students from area high schools took part in the sixth annual Blount County Job Signing Day activities at the Airport Hilton as they inked with 29 local employers to begin their careers.

These seniors either took career and technical education (CTE) courses on a career pathway, earned an industry certification in school, or participated in work-based Learning (WBL).

“This event dispels the misperception that every student needs to go to a four-year university for a good job,” said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell. “These students have excelled in the classroom and in the work environment while in high school and are launching their full-time careers right now. We need to continue to promote the fact that there are many different pathways to highly skilled, high-paying jobs. It also represents the notion that we have the best rising workforce in our community, and we want to keep our young people right here in our community.”

Students are taking positions in welding, media production, construction, nursing, cosmetology, advanced manufacturing, electrical apprenticeships, and more.

Some of the companies offering these students positions are DENSO, Blackberry Farm, Danny Davis Electrical, Blount Memorial Hospital, Cherokee Millwright, ICC International, TVA, RIX, Roger L. Newman, Massey Electric, Murphy Bobcat, Harrison Construction, Haven Media, Axis Fabrication and Machine Co., and Garner’s Automotive.

Presented by the Blount Partnership, signing day promotes the notion that although every student’s path may be different, and sometimes nontraditional, there are opportunities for meaningful careers in Blount County. It also celebrates the fact that there are multiple opportunities for high school students to explore and begin preparing for careers. Some students are going on to start their careers full-time, some are going to continue a combination of school and work, and some are going to work now with the plan of starting school later.

“We have worked with educators, businesses and the community to change the perceptions of certain careers that were labeled as dirty and dangerous with low pay,” said Blount Partnership Director of Communications Jeff Muir. “We have managed to show students these jobs can be high-tech, safe, high-paying careers. We are seeing that work come to fruition as the mentality is really changing and career and technical education is being valued.”