Thank you to those who participated in Operation Thank You by delivering 2019 Blount Chamber membership packets. It was tremendous success. If you have any undelivered packets, please bring them back by Friday.

 

COFFEE CLUB AT CHAMBER

This month's coffee club, sponsored by Smoky Mountain Fund Raising, is set for Feb. 28 at 7:45 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.

 

NETWORKING 101

Presenter Betsy Cunningham is hosting a free seminar entitled "Networking - It's Not Just for Sales People," on February 26 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville). Networking 101 focuses on how to connect, create and cultivate relationships whether in a group or one-on-one setting. Participants will learn how to introduce themselves in a meaningful way, be goal focused and other strategies to make meeting people more beneficial. So, take that step and see how much good networking skills can improve your personal and professional life. REGISTER HERE.

 

FACEBOOK GOT YOU RUNNING IN CIRCLES?

Join us February 27 from 9-11 a.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville) for a DIY workshop presented by Epic Nine. Rethink your Social Media for 2019. Imagine feeling confident about your business's social media strategy for 2019. If you feel like you are spinning your wheels across the social media landscape and not seeing much return on all the time and money you've invested in it, you're not alone. Join us as we tackle some of the frustrations that small businesses have on social media and answer these questions: What sort of ROI should I expect on social?; Are ads necessary for success?; How do I get engagement on my posts? REGISTER HERE.

 

CHAMBER NIGHT WITH THE ICE BEARS

Join fellow Blount County Chamber members as we watch the Ice Bears in action March 9 at 7:35 p.m. at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Bring the family and enjoy a fun and relaxing evening. Everyone receives a free Ice Bears cap. Get your tickets today.

STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Sponsored by First Tennessee Bank and Twin City Dealerships, the first State Legislative Update is scheduled for March 1 at 8 a.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville) with Senator Art Swann and Representatives Jerome Moon and Bob Ramsey. Please RSVP.

 

BLOUNT COUNTY JOB FAIR SEEKS PARTICIPANTS AND SPONSORS

The Blount County Chamber of Commerce, working off its mission statement to promote economic growth, is hosting a job fair presented by Blackberry Farm, Pellissippi State, Staffing Solutions and Resource MFG on March 28 from 2-6 p.m. at Foothills Mall in Maryville.

If you are interested in sponsoring, please review the form here.

Any business or company interested in participating can reserve booth space which includes one eight-foot table, two chairs and table linens if needed. The fee is $160 for Blount Chamber members and $210 for non-members. Please complete the form register.

 

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST SOFT SKILLS CLASS

It's Your Career! That's the focus of a free soft skills session offered in partnership by the Blount County Public Library, the Adult Education Foundation of Blount County and the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.

Registrations are currently being accepted online at www.blountchamber.com for a class entitled Time Management on March 29. 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.

All classes are conducted in the Blount County Library's learning lab located at 508 N. Cusick in Maryville and limited to 50 participants. 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.

 

PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

Take advantage of your Blount Chamber discount and protect you, your family and employees by enrolling in IDShield. IDShield monitors identity from every angle and alerts you to status changes immediately. It can also help restore your identity if it has been compromised. LEARN MORE

 

LYNDA AT THE LIBRARY

Businesses need to take advantage of the Blount County Library's subscription to Lynda.com. Using your library card, get access to Lynda.com, a LinkedIn Company, with thousands of courses in software, creative and business skills to develop your staff skills and meet learning needs at your own convenience. Learn More.

 

YOU CAN POST YOUR OWN MEMBER-TO-MEMBER DEALS

Blount Chamber members can now post their own Member-to-Member deals on this page at no charge. Simply login to your account, Click on the "New Coupon" button, fill out the form and click save. It's that easy.

Click here if you need access to your login information.

Of course, we will be happy to add your coupon. Just email information about the product or discount you'd like to offer to the Chamber membership to jmuir@blountpartnership.com. Be sure to include an expiration date.

View the latest deals.

 

REMEMBER TO SHOP LOCAL

Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!

 

Shopping at a local store means you can get an expert opinion about the products that you're purchasing.

 

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 or any good news about your business, please send it to us. We'd love to share it with the community.

 

REMEMBER WHEN

Topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week in 1988 was "Seasons Change" by Exposé. It was their only No. 1 hit.