Want to get more out of networking? Mark May 26 on your calendar as we offer a free network training class with Raeus Jae Cannon. The class takes place from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Chamber office, and she will give you techniques to improve relationship building. Please RSVP to Amy if you're interested.

 

As you've probably seen, the Chamber is offering a trip to Spain this November. If you've been wavering or not quite sure what the trip involves, join us for a webinar conducted by the travel company on Monday, May 18 at 5 p.m. at the Chamber office. This is a great way to really see and understand how you can be part of this amazing trip to Costa del Sol. RSVP to Amy.

 

Coming up on Thursday, May 28 is this month's coffee club being held at Topside Wine & Spirits.

The Chamber has a number of framed prints from the likes of Jim Gray, Lee Roberson and others up for bid until noon, Friday, May 22. Please come by 201 S. Washington St., Maryville, Tenn., to view these fine pieces of art that need a new home.

 

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW "BUY LOCAL" INITIATIVE: SAVE LOCAL NOW

The Blount Partnership is thrilled to announce Save Local Now, our newest FREE member benefit! We at 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 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. Click the image to learn more.

 

 

PROPEL MENTOR/PROTEGE PROGRAM

Firms located in Anderson, Blount, Jefferson, or Roane counties with less than five employees are eligible for a scholarship through a grant from the State of Tennessee's "LIFTTN" initiative. Click image to see criteria.

 

GLENN SHEPARD RETURNS IN JUNE

Internationally recognized management guru and bestselling author Glenn Shepard returns to the Blount Chamber on June 2 to present his seminar entitled " Be the Manager Other Managers Envy and Bosses Can't Wait to Reward" This seminar will help prepare managers that are ready to move from management to leadership.

 

Additionally, he'll show you how to motivate your people, not just manage them. How to get them to follow you because they believe in your goals, your skills as a leader, and they are committed.

 

He'll also explain why the Millennials require such a different supervisory style than Gen X or Baby Boomers, and how to apply Dr. Ken Blanchard's (author of The One Minute Manager) principles of situational leadership to get all the different generations to work together as a team.

 

Register today for $129. When three or more enroll, the fourth person attends for FREE.

 

TRAVEL TO SPAIN

The Blount Partnership has joined up with Central Holidays West to offer a nine-day, seven-night vacation trip to Spain and the Costa Del Sol, November 9-15, 2015. The trip departs from Tyson McGee Airport and includes airfare, hotels, meals and day trips. The cost is $2,999 per person (double occupancy). Find out more at our webinar on May 18 at 5 p.m.

 

Enjoy superb cuisine that includes 14 meals consisting of seven buffet breakfasts and seven dinners. Also, enjoy sightseeing tours that include entrance fees to Seville, Ronda and the Rock of Gibraltar.

 

To see a complete itinerary of this fabulous trip and download the registration form here.

 

GET TICKETS FOR HOPS IN THE HILLS

The inaugural Hops in the Hills is coming to downtown Maryville, June 26-27. It will be a yearly craft beer festival celebrating the science and agriculture of the region.

 

Many craft brewers will be on hand to offer samplings of their beers. In addition, there will be two seminars on "The Growing of Hops" and "Craft Beer 101." Trent Gillard from Hellbender Hops, will be on hand to educate about the growing of hops. In the later, attendees can learn brewing from some of the best experts and brewers in our area, as well as the art of crafting a fine brew.

 

For tickets and/or sponsorship opportunities, log on to www.HopsInTheHills.com.

 

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	June 11	Growth Wheel - Business Legal Issues	11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Register Here
Chamber	June 25	Getting Ready to Go to the Bank-Business Planning	9 a.m.-Noon Register Here
Library	Aug. 6	Growth Wheel - Business Processes	11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Chamber	Aug. 20	Social Media	11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
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

Beginning its three-week run atop the Billboard Singles Chart this week in 1974 was "The Streak," a popular country/novelty song written, produced, and sung by Ray Stevens. In total it sold over five million copies internationally and ranked on Billboard magazine's Top hits of 1974 at number 8.