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Also, be on the lookout for information regarding a Cash Mob that is coming to a small Blount County business on Monday, Nov. 10. Be sure like our Blount Cash Mob Facebook page to find out the location as the date nears.
FLETCH CARD
 East Tennessee Children's Hospital is introducing the FLETCH Savings Card. The FLETCH Savings Card (Friends Love East Tennessee Children's Hospital) allows cardholders to save 20 percent at select retail stores and restaurants for 10 days this fall, October 24-November 2. Proceeds from the card benefit East Tennessee Children's Hospital. View the participating retailers and details on how to get your card at www.etch.com/fletchcard
PLEASE SUPPORT AMENDMENT 2
 The Blount County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Judicial Selection Amendment to the Tennessee Constitution, commonly known as "Amendment 2." Amendment 2 will be on the statewide ballot this November 4. Passing Amendment 2 will strengthen our state constitution and add more checks and balances to how we select our appellate court judges.
- Yes on 2 protects the right of Tennesseans to vote to keep or fire the judges at the end of their respective terms.
- Yes on 2 adds a new layer of accountability by having our elected representatives in the Legislature confirm or reject the Governor's appointees.
- Yes on 2 helps keep the influence of special interest money away from our judges and out of our state.
Judges are like referees. They need to be unbiased and apply the law fairly, not make rulings based on campaign contributions. We need the best judges, not the best politicians. We want fair and impartial judges held accountable to the people of Tennessee. Amendment 2 has been endorsed by many other respected organizations and has strong bi-partisan support. Vote Yes on 2 is co-chaired by Governor Bill Haslam, former Governor Phil Bredesen and former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson and has been endorsed by many other leaders from every corner of our state. Please watch the campaign video and visit VoteYES2.org for more information.
EARLY VOTING CONTINUES THROUGH OCTOBER 30
 Don't forget to vote in the midterm elections on Tuesday, November 4! Every voice counts.
Early voting continues through October 30. Visit GOTV.VoteForJobs.com for important election information specific to Tennessee, early voting, absentee ballot tools, as well as active polling place locators.
GET READY FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
 The Blount County Chamber is participating in Small Business Saturday on November 29. It's a day to celebrate the local businesses that make our community great -- and anyone can join in, from business owners to shoppers to government officials.
The day was setup to help businesses with their most pressing need -- getting more customers. The day encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before.
If your small business is interested in participating, please email Amy. We are trying to get the word out about shopping locally at the beginning of the holiday season.
GET TICKETS FOR BLOUNT COUNTY'S LARGEST NETWORKING EVENT
 Tickets are on sale for $10 for the Spooktakular Party at Primetime October 28 at Maryville College's Alumni Gym. This Halloween-themed event is your best opportunity to meet many Chamber members from all sectors of the community in one location. Instead of standing at a booth, like a traditional trade show, you can use this event to network and meet new people in the business community!
Over 300 people are already are on board. So, put on your Halloween costume, bring a door prize and join us. Get tickets by calling the Blount Partnership at 865.983.2241 or email Amy.
TICKETS ON SALE FOR BEST OF BLOUNT AWARDS
 The Blount Excellence Awards have been renamed the Best of Blount Awards, and 2014 marks the first time the awards will focus on the Blount County community as a whole, rather than only on the business community. Hosted by The Blount Partnership for over 10 years, the Best of Blount will now celebrate those individuals and businesses that give their time and resources to make our county such a great place.
The event will be the evening of November 6 at the Clayton Center for the Arts, with a reception starting at 5 p.m. The awards ceremony and speaker starts promptly at 6:30 p.m., with awards presented in five categories: Business of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year, Community Impact Award, Bright Future Award and Tourism Award. Each will be given to a peer-nominated business or individual, with each nomination vetted and reviewed by an independent committee. Nominees do not have to reside inside Blount County, but must have made an impact on the Blount County community over the last 12 months.
 Our special guest for the evening will be Robert O'Neill, a member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. One of the most highly decorated veterans of our time, he has deployed more than a dozen times and held combat leadership roles in more than 400 combat missions. He has been involved in some of our nation's most important campaigns.
Mr. O'Neill is speaking on behalf of Your Grateful Nation, a non-profit corporation that is dedicated to supporting our special operation heroes and their families by providing executive-level mentoring, transitional services and family stabilization support.
Schedule
5:00 p.m. - Cocktail reception
6:30 p.m. - Awards Ceremony
7:00 p.m. - Special guest Robert O'Neill
Tickets are on sale by calling 865.983.2241 or online
$45 - Chamber Member & General public with cocktail reception
$35 - Chamber VIP Member with cocktail reception (Must call Chamber to reserve)
$25 - Chamber Member & General public without cocktail reception
GET YOUR AD IN BASICALLY BLOUNT
 You'll want to get your ad in the 2015 Basically Blount lifestyle magazine and membership directory. This annual, full-color periodical includes intriguing stories and area photography that highlight the best of Blount County, plus your business. It also has a color-coded directory and buyer's guide of all Chamber Members.
The publication, which is a commemorative over-sized magazine, is distributed throughout the area and is an excellent resource for you to promote your business to customers seeking goods and services from area businesses. Check out the media kit for more information.
GOT AN EVENT? 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
This week I highlight one of Motown's most well-known songs with the Four Tops' "Reach Out I'll be There," which topped the Billboard singles chart this week in 1966.
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