THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER PRESENTED BY: |
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LEGISLATIVE & FINANCIAL IMPACT SURVEY |
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WHAT'S INSIDE:
- 2021 Legislative Session in Review
- Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Review
- Profiles in Leadership
- Meet 2021's New Lawmakers
- Vote Yes on 1
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BIZ BAROMETER INDICATES
CONSUMER IMPROVEMENTS
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Outlook among Tennessee consumers has improved heading into the summer months. However, this improvement in outlook was the result of two offsetting trends. Perceptions of the current economic situation rose dramatically. Conversely, expectations for the future of the economy and views regarding making large purchases declined.
This suggests that even though consumers believe the economy has improved as it recovers from the pandemic, concerns about rising taxes and inflation might dampen consumers’ desire and ability to increase spending. READ REPORT (PDF).
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MAXIMIZING YOUR MEMBERSHIP |
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Learn more about the Blount Chamber and the many opportunities that go along with being a member. Learn how to make the most of the benefits afforded to you with an in-person workshop on July 14 from 3-4 p.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville).
Your membership is a corporate membership. Please encourage co-workers to get involved, educated, network and promote your company via Blount Chamber events and opportunities.
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CYBERSECURITY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW |
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Does cybersecurity sound like a buzzword to you? It’s definitely a hot topic right now, but for a good reason! We use technology every single day. Whether you’re emailing a client to schedule a meeting or paying your bills online, your hands touch tech. There’s no reason to fear using tech if you’re proactive with security and routinely train your team. Join us to learn simple steps to protect your data and care for your business on July 28 from 8:30-10 a.m. the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville). Register here.
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WORKFORCE STRATEGY DISCUSSSION |
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Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Dr. Jeff McCord is discussing workforce strategy at Pellissippi State Community College (10915 Hardin Valley Rd., Knoxville) on July 15 from 2:30-4 p.m.
McCord will discuss back to work efforts, long term strategies, funds provided to local areas, workforce needs and take questions from employers.
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Wake up to new business contacts at coffee club sponsored by United Services, Inc., at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville) on July 29 at 7:45 a.m.
Coffees are designed to offer 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.
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MAKE EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS |
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Make plans to attend our Effective Presentations class on August 4 at 8:30 a.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville). This session is taught by Bill Conner, Airman & Family Readiness Specialist, 134ARW, TN Air National Guard.
We’ll look at how to structure your presentation to get all your information across, how to use visual aids to enhance your message, and how you can “work the room” in ways that make public speaking more enjoyable for you and more effective for your audience!
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MAKE A LUNCH TIME CONNECTION |
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Join us for a midday networking lunch on August 12 at 11:30 a.m., at Smoky Mountain Brewery (743 Watkins Rd., Maryville). Meet, mingle, lunch, connect, nibble, engage and network with other influential professionals.
Open to all Blount County Chamber members, but you must Register Online. This is a Dutch Treat lunch.
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TSBDC HOLDING IN-PERSON CONSULTATIONS |
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After a year of working remotely, Knox TSBDC is excited to see you in person! Its business specialists will be scheduling in person, telephone and virtual appointments at the Blount County Chamber!
All of our training events will be available online unless noted.
To receive services, you must register with our Small Business Development Center by visiting our website and Requesting Free Advising. Select "Virtual Advising", follow directions from there.
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Every Monday through August 2
July 12 from noon-1 p.m.
July 12 from 2-3 p.m.
July 14 from 10 a.m.-noon
July 15 from 10 a.m.-noon
July 20 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
July 20 from 9-10 a.m.
July 20 from 10 a.m.-noon
July 21 from 9 a.m.-noon
July 21 from 2-5 p.m.
July 22 from noon-1 p.m.
July 27 from 2-3 p.m.
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July 12-18
July 19-25
Save the Date
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On July 31, experience a unique culinary event as Dancing Bear Lodge partners with New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center to host Bacon at the Bear. This fundraiser features some of the most sought-after regional chefs as they prepare Appalachian cuisine using the world-famous Benton’s Bacon and Ham. PURCHASE TIX.
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BE SURE YOU'RE FOLLOWING US |
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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:
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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
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Topping the Billboard Hot 100 this week in 1982 was "Don't You Want Me" by the Human League. In November 1983, Rolling Stone named it the "breakthrough song" of the Second British Invasion of the US.
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