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May 1, 2017-
There's a new group of professionals in town and they want to hit the ground running. The Young Professionals of Obion County met Thursday night for their first official monthly meeting at Poplar Meadows Country Club. The focus on the April meeting was professional development and featured two guest speakers from the Obion County Chamber of Commerce, Chamber President, Greg Dozier and Obion County Chamber of Commerce CEO, Lindsay Frilling.
Dozier message was to encourage the members to get involved in their community through the many community service clubs and activity groups in the area. He spoke about how he was a Dyer County native and had come to Obion County with no real connections. Now, as well as acting Chamber President, he serves on the board of several local organizations. He said after moving to Obion County, he had worked his way up in the community by getting involved and networking with other professionals. Dozier applauded the members for attending the meeting and showing an interest in becoming active in their community while making connections with one another. Getting involved and making connections with young professionals with like-minded goals will not only help them, but it will also help the businesses of Obion County that they represent. He emphasized that personal success is directly tied to how much effort a person puts into being successful.
When Mrs. Frilling addressed the group, she said that while she is from Obion County, she has no family connections in the area and she achieved her goals through hard work and determination. She told the group about the usual complaint about the lack of big name businesses and opportunity in Obion County. Frilling told the group that one of the main reasons growth is so limited here is due to the "max exodus" of Obion County's young adults upon graduating high school and college. "If the patrons and the work force aren't here, we will never get restaurants like Olive Garden to come here. We need people to stay here, work here, support the local businesses and return here after college to put forth the effort to make Obion County grow."
"The Young Professionals of Obion County are a group of people who's mission is to connect and grow the young talent in the Obion County area.", Chairman Lauren Tanner explained. She outlined the goals of the group as a focus on community development, professional development and social experiences. Each of those areas are very important to the group and they plan to focus on one of those three topics at each meeting. She explained that the focus of the April meeting was professional development. "Our guest speakers are leaders within the Obion County Chamber of Commerce and we have planned tonight's meeting as a networking event for our members." Tanner said the May meeting will focus on social development and be structured that way. It will be held May 25 at Discovery Park of America's Libation Station.
The Young Professionals of Obion County Chairman is Lauren Tanner, Co-Chair is Carolina Conner and Cody Martin is Treasurer.
Editor's note: Staff reporter Megan Dame may be contacted by email at megan@ucmessenger.com
Join us for our May meeting on May 25th!! Want more information on YPOC? Text YPOC to 22828 or email us at
ypofobioncounty@gmail.com
Ready to join? Fill out the application
here!
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Small Business Spotlight: Job World
Job World, Inc., Inc., is a family owned and operated business that has been proudly serving the greater Obion County area for over 22 years. Founded by Gladys Davis in 1995, Job World, Inc., is a complete human resource service, specializing in industrial, clerical and professional job placements. We pride ourselves on serving both the needs of the Employer and the Employee to help bridge the gap and further the growth of our community. Our mission is to provide outstanding service and excellent personnel coupled with the most competitive rates in the industry. 
A common misconception about Job World, Inc., is that we only provide clients with temporary employees. However, in light of the current labor market more and more businesses are using Job World, Inc. to screen their fulltime employees, enabling the client to focus on their business and increasing profits rather than the hiring process. With 85% of our temporary placements leading to fulltime employment, it is easy to see why using Job World, Inc., is a great option for both the Employer and Employee.
Job World, Inc., has the most in-depth interview and testing process in the area including pre-employment drug screening-knowing the importance of thoroughly screening potential employees before assigning them to our client. Job World, Inc., also conducts the client's orientations including policies and procedures and safety regulations specific to the employer.
At Job World, Inc., we value each of our clients and take extra measures to fill positions based on each client's specific criteria and need. By partnering with Job World, Inc., clients eliminate the stress of hiring and receive the convenience of being able to pick up the telephone and request employees for the next day with the assurance that Job World, Inc., will have qualified employees reporting to work.
The best part about using Job World, Inc., is that we handle all of the paperwork which saves our clients valuable time and money. We issue the payroll checks, cover local, state, and federal taxes, provide a comprehensive liability policy, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and offer optional supplemental health insurance. We promise to provide quality staffing service with fast turnaround time; therefore, minimizing neglected responsibilities that are losing money. At Job World, Inc., we do it all for YOU!
In addition to staffing, Job World, Inc., offers comprehensive workplace drug and alcohol screening programs. This includes pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and random drug screening for both DOT and Non-DOT along with Breath Alcohol Testing and training for managers as well as employees on the affects that drugs and alcohol have in the workplace. All staff members are fully trained and certified in drug testing protocols acting in accordance with Federal regulations.
If you are a business owner or manager having issues with staffing, or you are someone seeking employment, Job World, Inc., is here to help. We offer free consultations and price quotes. To schedule your free consult, call 731-885-3060. Our office is located at 120 Barham Road, Union City, TN 38261.
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Business Matters
Thank you to the new Center Point Business Solutions for sponsoring our April Business Matters! Kim Watts, COO, gave an awesome presentation on "Building A Culture of Service". Thank you to everyone who came out and participated!
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Baptist Ahead of the Game
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City has announced
that it is one of the first hospitals in  Tennessee to offer a new minimally-invasive procedure to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the upper leg, a serious and common condition associated with an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Drug-coated balloons are used to treat PAD in the upper legs once medical management has failed. The first procedure at Baptist Union City was performed by Wright Jernigan, M.D.
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New Lighting at Airport
Everett-Stewart Regional Airport would like to thank Mr. Jeff Boyd and Gibson EMC who  recently updated out outdoor lighting to LED. This upgrade will greatly enhance the airport's security and lighting system. Gibson EMC is a wonderful partner who realizes the importance of the airport and supports our efforts to promote our community. This is demonstrated by their ongoing commitment to economic development efforts, not only at the airport, but throughout the region.
Jo Ann Speer, Manager
Everett-Stewart Regional Airport
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Thunderbolt Receives Honors
Thunderbolt Broadcasting in Union City took home four state honors in the Tennessee Associated Press Broadcast and Media Editors Awards Banquet held in Nashville. The event was held to honor exemplary journalistic work from media members in radio, newspaper and television in 2016. KYTN/WQAK News Director Charles Choate was honored in the categories of "Best Newscaster", "Best Enterprise Story", "Best Light Feature" and "Best Weather Coverage". Over 1,000 submissions of work were received from across the state for this years event. Choate and Thunderbolt Broadcasting President Paul Tinkle attended the ceremonies at the Nashville Marriott Vanderbilt.
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Judy Long Named One of West Tennessee's Most Influential Women
Judy Long, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Citizens Bancshares Inc. and First Citizens National Bank, was presented the Sterling Award on Tuesday, April 6, 2017. The Sterling Awards ceremony and reception honoring the 20 Most Influential Women of West Tennessee was held at The J. Walter Barnes Conference Center at Jackson -Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN.
The Sterling Awards were created by Jackson Area Business and Professional Women and Jackson Sun to honor women in the West Tennessee area who have achieved a significant level of success. Long was recognized as a leader in business, serving as a role model to other women in her profession and her community.
Among her many contributions to West Tennessee are her service to United Way of West TN,
Dyersburg / Dyer County Chamber of Commerce, Dyersburg Rotary, and Dyersburg State Community College. Long has been previously recognized as Dyersburg / Dyer County Woman of the Year, American Business Women's Association Woman of the Year, and Paul Harris Award Recipient.
She is a graduate of Union University; Bank Administration Institute School, University of Wisconsin; Mid-South School of Banking, University of Memphis; and Bank Administration Graduate School of Bank Operations, Vanderbilt University. She is also a graduate of Dyersburg/Dyer County Leadership and WestStar Leadership programs.
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ColorCoat, Inc Coming to South Fulton
SOUTH FULTON, Tenn. - Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe along with ColorCoat, Inc. officials announced today the company will locate new operations in South Fulton. The windows and doors coating application company will invest $600,000 and create 80 new jobs in Obion County.
"I want to thank ColorCoat for choosing to locate its new facility in South Fulton and creating 80 new jobs in Obion County," Rolfe said. "This is a big win for South Fulton and the state of Tennessee, and I look forward to our future partnership with ColorCoat and seeing this company grow and succeed in our state."
ColorCoat is the largestthird party exterior coatings applicator for the window and door industry in the United States. The 14-year-old company has operations in many states across the U.S.
"We are excited about opening the newest branch of ColorCoat Inc. in the state of Tennessee," ColorCoat, Inc. CEO Mario Bekeris said. "Everyone here has been so welcoming and helpful. We thank you all for your hospitality and look forward to becoming part of the community of South Fulton."
ColorCoat's new facility will be used to paint vinyl and fiberglass windows and doors. With this new facility, ColorCoat will be better equipped to service its customers and the surrounding states.
"I am excited about the new industry coming to South Fulton," South Fulton Mayor David Lamb said. "One of my goals when I was elected mayor was to try and bring more industry and retail business to the area so it would provide more badly needed jobs. I hope with ColorCoat's announcement will come more industry and jobs to South Fulton."
"We are very excited to have ColorCoat, Inc. join our Obion County business community and are especially excited they have chosen South Fulton," CEO, Obion County Joint Economic Development Council Lindsay Frilling said. "We look forward to a long-term relationship while offering jobs to our citizens and creating success for the company."
"TVA and the Weakley County Municipal Electric System congratulate ColorCoat, Inc. on its announcement to locate and create new jobs in Obion County," John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development, said. "We are pleased to partner with the State of Tennessee, Obion County Economic Development Council, the City of South Fulton and Obion County officials to facilitate ColorCoat's new location decision."
South Fulton and Obion County are represented by Sen. John Stevens (R - Huntingdon), Rep. Andy Holt (R - Dresden) and Rep. Bill Sanderson (R - Kenton) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
 
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OC Workforce Development: Work Ethics Certificate Program
On April 11, representatives from the Obion County Joint Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Williams Sausage, CenterPoint Business Solutions, Commercial Bank, NW Tennessee Workforce Board, TCAT Newbern, and Obion County Schools met to discuss the implementation of the Work Ethics Certificate program in Obion County Schools, and the impact it could have on employment in our area.
Obion County Schools Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, George Leake, explained the basics
 of the initiative to those in attendance, including requirements, benefits, and outcomes of the program. "We at Obion County Schools are committed to providing students with every available resource to help them reach their personal goals," said Leake. "This applies to AP classes for students who plan to attend college as well as dual enrollment opportunities for those students who wish to enroll in a technical school or go to work immediately after graduation. The Work Ethics Certificate will complement our existing programs to give students measurable criteria with which they can show employers that they are committed to becoming reliable workers. We have listened to local businesses and industries when they have stressed the need for soft skills - attendance, reliability, and trainability- and the Work Ethics Certificate will help prepare students in these skill areas."
The Work Ethics Certificate consists of a set of standards which students meet in various ways; attendance, tardiness, GPA, proof of being drug-free, earning post-secondary credit while in high school (dual enrollment, dual credit, and/or AP classes), and post-secondary enrollment are all standards in which students can earn points toward the certificate. By earning 20 points by the end of the student's senior year, he/she is awarded the Work Ethics Certificate.
Business and industry partners commit to supporting the initiative by guaranteeing an interview to any student who successfully earns the certification and a high school diploma. The business has no commitment to hire the student, only to grant an interview if all other application requirements are completed. Williams Sausage, the second-largest employer in Obion County, became a partner the day of the meeting. Hopefully, many more businesses will also invest in the future of our students and our community's future workforce.
If you have any questions or would like more information on how you can become a partner in the Work Ethics Certification program in Obion County, contact George Leake at the Obion County Board of Education at (731) 446-9599, or email
leakeg@ocboe.com.
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Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Chamber Membership?
Here are a few benefits you receive with your chamber membership:
Free Ribbon Cuttings (For new chamber membership, new location, new business partner, etc)
Networking opportunities at monthly Business Matters and Business After Hours
Free New Member listing in "At Work" newsletter
eBlasts sent to over 1,500 representatives
Free link to your existing web site and e-mail through our online web based software
Free Clubs & Organizations Directory
Free Government Officials Directory
Free Website listing
Free referrals
Free on-line job posting
Free on-line events calendar posting
Free on-line hot deals posting
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TENNESSEE MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES GENERATED $124 MILLION IN 2016
Main Street communities created more than 1,000 new jobs
NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today the 2016 economic impact and reinvestment statistics from 30 certified Tennessee Main Street communities across the state. These Main Street communities created more than 1,000 new jobs and generated over $124 million of public/private investment in 2016, while continuing to be a vital part of the state's economic growth.
"Downtown revitalization reflects positively on the entire state when seeking new economic opportunities," TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said. "It is encouraging to see this grassroots support for Tennessee Main Street communities and the new jobs and businesses that come from both public and private investment."
Tennessee Main Street provides technical assistance and training for communities in developing solutions to make downtowns safe, appealing, vibrant places where people want to shop, work, live and invest.
Reinvestment statistics from the designated Tennessee Main Street communities reporting include:
- Net new jobs: 1019
- Net new businesses: 231
- Building rehabilitation projects: 332
- Public improvement projects: 99
- Total private investment: $58.8 million
- Total public investment: $$65.4 million
- Net new housing units: 281
- Volunteer hours contributed: 100,588
- Total public/private investment: $124.2 million
Additionally, Tennessee Main Streets collectively reported more than 1.3 million people attending their downtown events.
"The annual reinvestment statistics show encouraging levels of investment in Tennessee historic commercial downtown areas," Nancy Williams, Tennessee Main Street director, said. "Downtown housing and lodging are showing renewed interest, and while it's impressive that more than a million people attended events in 30 Main Streets last year, the lasting impact comes from building improvements, new businesses and new jobs."
There are currently 34 certified Main Street program communities across Tennessee: Athens, Bolivar, Bristol, Brownsville, Cleveland, Collierville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dayton, Dyersburg, Fayetteville, Franklin, Gallatin, Greeneville, Jackson, Jonesborough, Kingsport, Lawrenceburg, Lebanon, Maryville, McKenzie, McMinnville, Murfreesboro, Morristown, Paris, Pulaski, Ripley, Rogersville, Tiptonville, Savannah, Sevierville, Sweetwater, Union City and Winchester. Four of the programs were newly certified in 2016 and not included in the full year's statistics.
Tennessee Main Street is a coordinating partner with the National Main Street Center. Designated communities are required to meet national accreditation standards annually, which include illustrating broad-based community support for the program, a comprehensive work plan, a sufficient operating budget and adequate staff and volunteer support.
For more information about the Tennessee Main Street Program, visit tennesseemainstreet.org. For more on the National Main Street Center, visit mainstreet.org.
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| List Your Available Commercial Property With Us Let us help you spread the word about your available commercial property by listing it at www.obioncounty.org. If you have commercial property you would like to list, please contact Lindsay Frilling at lfrilling@obioncounty.org. |
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2017-2018 Tennessee Municipal Guide
Municipal Publishing, LLC is proud to present the 2017-2018 Tennessee Municipal Guide.
Check out this years Tennessee Municipal Guide
here
!
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2017 Tennessee Vacation Guide
Complete tourism information is at your fingertips with comprehensive road maps, contact information and detailed facts about state attractions!
Check out this years Tennessee Vacation Guide here!
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Any Chamber member interested in receiving the hospital's cafeteria menu weekly may contact Emily Medley, food and nutrition services director, at
emily.medley@bmhcc.org.
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