As we enter the midway point of the traditional summer vacation, the Blount Partnership reminds you to play it safe this holiday weekend. If you're looking for a fireworks show, head on down to Townsend for its 4th of July celebration. The celebration is located next to the Highland Manor Inn (7766 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Townsend)!

Also, be sure to come out on Tuesday, June 30 for the Blount Young Leadership Development (BYLD) Social at The Casual Pint in Maryville. The networking begins at 5:30 p.m.

 

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Considered the premier softball tournament in the country, this year's Smoky Mountain Classic Softball Tournament features the top-ranked teams in the United States, July 10-12. Admission is $6 for Friday and Saturday, and $5 for Sunday. Children age 6 and under are FREE.

 

Be sure to come out early and watch the Home Run Derby on Thursday, July 9 to kick off the tournament. Local participants will compete at 5:30 p.m. with the top two winners competing in the main event at 7 p.m. at Sandy Springs Park. The event is free.

 

tnACHIEVES SEEKS MENTORS

The mentor application for the tnAchieves Class of 2016 is open! While returning mentors do not need to complete the mentor application again to serve, we ask that you take a few minutes to share the following link ( www.tnachieves.org/mentor-application) with your family, friends, and co-workers. We simply cannot recruit the mentors needed without you!

 

We want to ensure every student in our community has a local resource as they transition from high school into post-secondary and thank you for your commitment and support.

 

BE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS PARTICIPATING IN SAVE LOCAL NOW

The Blount Partnership is thrilled to announce Save Local Now, our newest FREE member benefit! We at the Blount Chamber chose to partner with Save Local Now for many reasons. Here are the top three:
1. Save Local Now brings our community a proven "Buy Local initiative.
2. Save Local Now provides our members with free digital marketing tools.
3. Save Local Now offers our members effective time management solutions.

 

Chamber members can use Save Local Now to create, manage and analyze their very own digital marketing campaigns. Bundled together on one single platform, Save Local Now includes live business listings, deal and event publishing, email marketing, iPhone and Android apps, social media sharing, SEO, and real-time analytics. After receiving an activation email, members of the Blount Chamber are eligible to create unlimited digital marketing campaigns using the Save Local Now platform.

 

For consumers, Save Local Now ( www.savelocalnow.com) is a website and iPhone and Android app that gives people access to exclusive offers from their favorite businesses. Locals and tourists alike can use Save Local Now to access deals, events and savings where they shop, eat and play from any browser on any device. Access local deals, events, and promotions by visiting savelocalnow.com, or by downloading the free SLN app on your iPhone or Android. Saving money and buying local in Blount County has never been easier.

 

DOWNLOAD THE BLOUNT PARTNERSHIP APP

As a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Blount County is home to some of America's most spectacular views and breathtaking scenery, ranking high among Tennessee's 95 counties in tourism activity. If you are looking to locate or expand your business, you have found the ideal solution. The Blount Partnership-as a cooperative effort between three of the county's key development organizations: Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board and the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority-promotes economic growth and stability, fosters community development and enhances the overall quality of life.

 

Use this free app to access news and to navigate the Blount Chamber economic development information, member business and upcoming area events for Blount County. The app also links you to the Blount Partnership websites and social pages.

 

Search for Blount Partnership at the iTunes and Google Play app stores or download here: Apple | Android

 

FREE BUSINESS OPERATION WORKSHOPS

The Blount County Chamber of Commerce and the Blount County Library have partnered with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center to present free business operation workshops on Google, social media, business marketing and planning, starting a business and government contracting for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

 

Workshops are held at the Blount County Chamber, 201 S. Washington St., Maryville, TN, and at the Blount County Library, 508 North Cusick Street, Maryville, TN. Participants are free to bring their own lunch.

 

For more information or to attend any of the following workshops, participants are asked to register by clicking on the Training tab at www.tsbdc.org.

 

Location	Date	Seminar Topic	Time
Library	Aug. 6	Growth Wheel - Business Processes	11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Register Here
Chamber	Aug. 20	Google-ize Your Business	11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Register Here
Library	Sept. 10	Growth Wheel - Choosing Employees	11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Chamber	Sept. 24	Starting a Business	9 a.m.-Noon
Chamber	Oct. 8	Social Media	11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Library	Oct. 22	Growth Wheel - Ownership & Management	11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Chamber	Nov. 12	Business Planning	9 a.m.-Noon

 

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

"Step by Step," the biggest-selling hit single from New Kids on the Block topped the Billboard Music Chart this week in 1990. The lead vocals were sung by Jordan Knight. Danny Wood sang "Step 1", Donnie Wahlberg sang "Step 2", Jordan Knight sang "Step 3", Joey McIntyre sang "Step 4", and Jonathan Knight sang "Step 5."

New Kids On The Block - Step By Step