We hope you had a wonderful Christmas break. If you're looking for a great trip to take in 2016, consider visiting Cuba in November. From someone that has been there, I can highly recommend the trip. It's something you won't regret. Click here for information.

 

SOFT SKILLS CLASSES OFFERED THIS SPRING

It's Your Career! That's the focus of five free soft skills sessions offered in partnership by the Blount County Public Library, the Adult Education Foundation of Blount County and the Blount County Chamber of Commerce that are scheduled over the next five months.

 

With more and more millennials entering the workforce, employers have noticed many workers in a variety of professions are lacking in several areas, including problem solving, conflict resolution and critical observation. But, even though they possess the hard skills to get an interview, it's the important soft skills that will land the job and help them keep it.

 

All classes are conducted at the library located at 508 N. Cusick in Maryville and limited to 30 participants. Those interested must register online at www.blountchamber.com/community/soft-skills. A complete class description is located on the registration site. All classes run from 8-10 a.m. with networking beginning at 7:30 a.m.

 

Registrations are currently being accepted for:
Jan. 15 - Effective Communication
Feb. 9 - Information Management
March 18 - Team Building
April 15 - Conflict Management
May 20 - Mentoring

 

CHECK YOUR ONLINE LISTING

As 2015 draws to a close, now it a good time to check your online listing at www.BlountChamber.com. Please make sure all your contact information is correct. If you need to make updates to your listing, email Amy.

 

MLK LUNCHEON SET FOR JAN. 15

The annual MLK Luncheon that kicks off a full weekend of activites leading up the MLK Day is set for Friday, Jan. 15 from noon-1 p.m. at the Clayton Center for the Arts. Tickets are $35 each or $275 for a table of eight. Call the Chamber at 865.983.2241 to reserve your spot.

 

Additional events on MLK weekend include a viewing of the movie "Selma" on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Clayton Center. On Sunday, Jan. 17 a community worship service will be held at the First Baptist Church Alcoa at 4 p.m. with guest minister, Rev. Dr. Cordell Simpson. He is Pastor of the Eighth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville. The MLK Parade is Monday, Jan. 18 at 12:30 beginning at the MLK Center with a walk to Maryville College. Following the parade, Dr. Barbara Hampton, Professor of Music at Hunter College of the City University of New York, will be the keynote speaker at the Clayton Center at 2 p.m. All events are free and open to all.

 

REMEMBER TO SHOP LOCAL

Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!

 

Customer service is more personalized, hands-on and noteworthy from smaller businesses.

 

Find what you're looking for in the Chamber Directory.

 

GOT AN EVENT OR NEWS? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT

Is your organization hosting an event in the community? Submit it here on our community calendar. If it's a tourism event, please email Ashlee so she can post it on www.SmokyMountains.org.

 

Also, please send us any news releases or good news about your business. We'd love to share it with the community.

 

REMEMBER WHEN

"Say Say Say," written and performed by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney topped the Billboard Music Charts this week in 1983. The video centers around two con artists called "Mac and Jack" (played by McCartney and Jackson), and is credited for the introduction of dialogue and storyline to music videos.