Blount Partnership News and Events

 
Check out our 81st installment of The Dialogue where we visit with Jeff Hensley, owner/operator of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches.
 
If you or someone you know is looking for a job, please check out www.BlountAreaJobs.com. Additionally, if you need employees, please utilize the job board to advertise your open positions. Click here to get started.
 
COME OUT TO THE BLOUNT COUNTY JOB FAIR
The Blount County Job Fair sponsored by Cirrus Aircraft and Pellissippi State Community College is coming to the Second Harvest Food Bank on Friday, May 19, 2017, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. If your business is interested in participating to hire new employees, email Claire for more details.
 
JOIN US FOR RIBBON CUTTINGS
Join us for a pair of ribbon cuttings this week. The first is Tuesday, May 16 at Which Wich Superior Sandwiches (2156 Hamilton Crossing, Alcoa) from 10:30 a.m.-noon. The second is Friday, May 19 at Cornerstone of Recovery (4726 Alcoa Hwy., Alcoa) from 2-4 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided at both.
 
VILLAGE TINKER CASH MOB
A cash mob will be held at The Village Tinker (417 W Broadway Ave, Maryville) on Tuesday, May 16 from 4-5 p.m. The first 25 attendees receive a $20 gift certificate to be used that day courtesy of Foothills Bank. So come support a small business.
 
ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE UPDATE
You are invited you to an economic & workforce update meeting with Blount Partnership President/CEO Bryan Daniels on Thursday, May 18 from 3-5 p.m. (201 S. Washington St., Maryville). Daniels will deliver an update on economic and workforce development in Blount County. Get the latest on steps being taken to get recent high school graduates into the workforce faster, along with initiatives to bring educators and companies in line to get the necessary skills to work in the 21st century job environment. Please RSVP by May 17.
 
LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING SCHEDULED
The Blount Partnership, First Tennessee and Twin City Dealerships will host a local legislative briefing with the city mayors from Friendsville, Louisville, Townsend and Rockford on Friday, May 19 from 8-9 a.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville).
 
USE CHAMBER DISCOUNT TO ATTEND EAST TN WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
As a Blount County Chamber member, you can attend the 2017 East Tennessee Women's Leadership Summit "Leading Beyond Limits," on Friday, June 9 at the Airport Hilton for $99.

The East Tennessee Women's Leadership Summit is an annual event, hosted by the Women's Leadership Council, a group of women volunteers who share a common interest in improving the lives of women in East Tennessee. The Summit's speakers and activities are targeted to help women in East Tennessee Live. Learn. Lead. in all aspects of their lives.

Sign up here or get the 411.
 
SIGN UP FOR FINAL SOFT SKILLS CLASS
Registrations are currently being accepted for the final free soft skills session set for Friday, May 19 entitled "Managing Change in the Workplace." While change can seem scary for some people, managing change well is what helps people grow in their work and stay relevant. Join us to explore effective strategies for selling and managing change at work.

All classes are conducted in the Blount County Library's learning lab located at 508 N. Cusick in Maryville and limited to 50 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.
 
CHECK OUT MAY MEMBER-TO-MEMBER PROMOTIONS
The May member-to-member promotions are in. Check out the special deal for the Women's Leadership Summit, PCS's free IT network audit and . See these and other promotions at member-to-member promotions. New offers are being posted almost daily, so check out the Blount County Chamber of Commerce Member-to-Member promotions online. This Member-to-Member Promotional Program offers you and your company the opportunity to market your products and services to the membership.
 
Here's how it works:
1. Submit a PDF of a service, product or discount you'd like to offer to the Chamber membership to jmuir@blountpartnership.com. Be sure to include an expiration date.
2. An email with all the promotions will be sent out on the final Monday of every month to our member database.
3. All promotions will be posted on www.BlountChamber.com
 
SHOPPER EMPOWERMENT
Maybe I'm only surrounded by sensible shoppers, but I don't know anyone that will purchase a product of significant price without researching it first. I know I won't even buy a pair of shoes without reading the reviews. Read more

Learn more about marketing your small business in a digital world, ask questions about social media, and take the time to discuss future campaign ideas. What are you waiting for? It's free with your chamber membership. Schedule your FREE session today.
 
If you have any questions regarding your free digital marketing member benefit ( Save Local Now), your digital platform, or online marketing in general please reach out the Blount Chamber's Rachel Coffman.
 
REMEMBER TO SHOP LOCAL
Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!
 
Your local retailers have done some of the legwork for you - offering a select inventory aimed at matching what you're looking for in terms of quality and value.
 
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
"Monday, Monday" recorded by the Mamas & the Papas topped the Billboard Music Chart this week in 1966. It was the group's only number-one hit. The Mamas & the Papas won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for this song.

Events

 

May 15-21

 

The Dialogue

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So here we go with our 81st installment visiting with Jeff Hensley, owner/operator of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches.
 
Describe Which Wich Superior Sandwiches.A fast casual sandwich shop offering over 30+ sandwich, salad, and wraps. We have dessert items - brownies, krispies, cookies and awesome milkshakes made with 100% ice cream. We offer a great catering menu as well.
 
How did you get started in this business? While researching various franchises our family ate at a Which Wich in Mt. Juliet, TN and loved it. From there we contacted the company and went through the steps to get approved as a franchisee and signed an area development agreement in January 2015.
 
What is your background? I grew up in the retail business with my dad owning grocery stores. I am a graduate of the University of Tennessee and spent most of my career as a food broker. I have almost 30 yrs in sales, marketing and management background.
 
Who is your mentor? My dad; Darrell Hensley. His hard work, value of customer service, common sense to business has been instrumental as a mentor throughout my career. My dad had a 41 year career in grocery store retail. He has also been by biggest supporter in everything I have set out to do.
 
Describe your customers. Our customer is a wide a base. Obviously, the sandwich lover but really all ages. From the kids menu for the younger guests, to the hang out place for high school and college crowd, to the 25-54 age group are probably the most attracted. And a great place for all milkshake enthusiast.
 
Name three things you wish you knew when you started. 1. The importance of a great inventory system. 2. To start off with a great bookkeeper. 3. The key to a good management to support the growth of the organization.
 
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