THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER PRESENTED BY:
LEARN ABOUT PROPOSED LEGISLATION
CREATE A POSITVE WORK CULTURE
Join Keith Galloway, Clear Leader Group, February 3 at 8:30 a.m. for a webinar entitled, “Four Forces of Disengagement.”

Learn what employee disengagement is and what causes it. We will uncover the four forces of disengagement and how to overcome them. Learn how to lift employee morale creating a positive workplace culture that gets optimal business results.


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
EARLY RISERS NETWORK HERE
The Blount Chamber is hosting AM Connect on Friday, February 12 at 8:15 a.m.


AM Connect is a virtual networking event designed to offer members the opportunity to build business relationships with other members and to gain exposure for their business or organization.

AM Connect is open to anyone associated with a Chamber member business. Participation is not reserved to the representative(s) listed on the Chamber membership. 
COFFEE CLUB RETURNS
Wake up to new business contacts at Coffee Club sponsored by Tennessee Strategies on Feb. 25 from 7:45-9 a.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville)

Coffees are designed to offer our members the opportunity to build business relationships with other members and to gain exposure for their business or organization in an "open house" setting.

Coffees are open to anyone associated with a Chamber member business. Participation is not reserved to the representative(s) listed on the Chamber membership.

We will follow the physical distancing guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Pledge. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a mask and we will be taking temperatures.

Entrance to the coffee will be the outside stairwell. 
SBA RESOURCES TO RECOVERY
Small business operators take note of the following U.S. Small Business Administration resources available now to assist you in your operations.

First and Second Draw Paycheck Protection Program Loans now available! Find a lender & more information here.

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans now available through December 31, 2021: for small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue- More info here.

Do you have a 7(a), 504 or Micro Loan already? SBA Debt Relief is available here.

Applying for an EIDL loan and need funds? The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly here.

Eligible applicants may qualify for Shuttered Venue Operators Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million here.
PPP FORGIVENESS UPDATE
  • Interim Final Rules on Forgiveness 
  • Forgiveness Forms and Instructions
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Forgiveness

Effective immediately, SBA will no longer deduct EIDL Advances from forgiveness payments remitted to PPP lenders.

New: For Borrowers with a PPP of $150,000 or Less, Streamlined Forgiveness Application Now Available-Form 3508S

Note:  Borrowers should work with their PPP lenders on forgiveness.
JOIN THE MAP PROJECT
Believe it or not, people still use paper maps.
In fact, over 60 Chamber members have already signed up.

That's why the Blount County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be partnering with the award-winning marketing and cartographic team of Town Square Publications to produce our Community Street Map and Resource Guide. This publication will help you market your business directly to area business owners, new residents and visitors for the next 18-24 months. Over 10,000 copies will be distributed via the Chamber of Commerce and through 150+ high traffic distribution points.

Advertising your business and our community via this print and online publication is very economical, but space is limited. A Town Square Publications representative will be contacting you soon but please don’t hesitate to reach your representative by calling the sales and marketing team directly at (865) 221-8877 or email marketing@tspubs.com to review the details and options.
MINDFULNESS AT WORK
The March 26 edition of soft skills classes offered by the Blount County Public Library is quickly approaching.

This Zoom Webinar session is entitled "Mindfulness at Work: Reducing Stress and Regaining Balance." Employing mindfulness at work can help increase effectiveness, decrease mistakes, and even enhance creativity. Learn mindfulness tools that help you destress, tune in and get the job done.

All participants will earn .5 CEUs per session for participating. They will also receive an email survey two months after workshop participation to assess application of new ideas.
NEED ASSISTANCE IN
HR, MARKETING OR ACCOUNTING?
Have you experienced supply chain disruptions, staffing challenges, a decrease in business or a business closure as a result specifically due to COVID-19

Through the CARES Act the TSBDC has received funding to hire industry professionals to provide consulting at no cost for our clients. If you need assistance in the areas of accounting, marketing and human resources contact our center!

Let our consultants help navigate the complexities of business ownership during a Pandemic.  


With barriers brought on by COVID-19, we believe small businesses still need that human connection to help identify pools of opportunity. With the simple press of a button, you can find yourself meeting virtually with a consultant who wants to help you and your business succeed on every level.
WEBINAR CALENDAR
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center is hosting a myriad of online training webinars to assist you in all facets of your businesses. Take advantage of training opportunities with the SBDC at no cost.

February 2 from 10 a.m.-noon

February 2 from 6-7 p.m.

February 10 from 10-noon

February 11 from 10-noon

February 16 from 10 a.m.-noon

February 16 from 9-10:30 a.m.

February 23 from 10-11 a.m.

February 25 from noon-1 p.m.
February 10 from 9-10:30 a.m.
Would you like to build your virtual sales confidence and pick up key techniques that will help you lead sales meetings?

February 17 from 9-10:30 a.m.
Do you want to grow your emotional intelligence and better respond to the challenges in your life?
February 4 at 10 a.m.

Developing relevant, original branded content can allow you to build trust, provide value, establish thought leadership and—perhaps most importantly—recover momentum lost during COVID-19.
Learn why developing relevant original content can maintain and strengthen customer relationships when tangible touchpoints are diminished.
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February 11 from 11-noon

In a world where safety is addressed in a “how to” be safe manner, it’s time to address the "why". This course leads employees on a journey of self-reflection and realizations on why safety matters, resulting in a better appreciation and practice of workplace safety.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
February 1-7

February 8-14
February 12 -- AM Connect
February 12-13 - Likin' Lichens

Save the Date
BE SURE YOU'RE FOLLOWING US
If you aren't following us on social media, you must. We are constantly updating information as each day progresses. So, give us a like and stay up-to-date as we move through this crisis.
 
 
And follow tourism updates here:
Here's a great way to offer Member-to-Member deals using your chamber member account. Check the deals.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts to this page at no charge. Click Here
REMEMBER WHEN . . .
Topping the Billboard Hot 100 this week in 1989 was "When I'm With You" by Sheriff. This song is also notable that it was one of the few number-one hits not to have a promotional video during the MTV era. In addition, the song is known for lead vocalist Freddy Curci holding the final note for 19.3 seconds, making it the longest-held note for a male pop singer.
NEWLETTER SPONSORS