THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER PRESENTED BY:
THIS IS HOW WE BREW IT
Wake up to new business contacts at coffee club sponsored by Camellia Trace Apartments on August 26 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.
RIBBON CUTTING
Express Strategic Services is holding a ribbon cutting to toast its Flourishing Five at its new location at 357 N. Houston St., Maryville on August 26 at 3:30 p.m.
Oh yeah, and that tip about why you shouldn't run behind cars. Why is this a bad idea? Because you'll get exhaust-ed! ðŸ˜‚
MAXIMIZE WITH US
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 August 24 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.
GIVE BACK OPPORTUNITY
Sky City is excited to announce that it partnered with CO.STARTERS to bring their proven methods and programs to support our work in Blount County. As important leaders and stakeholders in our community, we’d love to have you involved as we roll out this new initiative to help ensure its success in our region. CO.STARTERS works at the intersection of economic and community development to help individuals and communities thrive through entrepreneurship.

Here’s where we need your help. We’re hosting a three-part VIRTUAL CO.STARTERS Community Training on September 14, 15, 16. The CO.STARTERS Team has provided us with a list of the various community roles we’ll need to fill. Our team would love for you to participate in the training, or at minimum, the first part of it. The goal of the training is for our community leadership to come together around a common vision and figure out the best way to plug in moving forward. We’re also looking to get a number of the group certified as CO.STARTERS Certified Facilitators. MORE INFORMATION (PDF). 
TASTE THE BEST FOOD AROUND
Taste of Blount, a collection of savory food favorites from restaurants, caterers, food trucks and gourmet grocers, returns for its 19th year at the Theater in the Park in Maryville (across from the Blount County Courthouse) Thursday, Sept. 9 from 6–8 p.m.
 
Tickets, which are $25 for Blount County Chamber members, $30 for the public can be purchased online. Taxes and fees are added onto online ticket price.

To receive the Blount Chamber member rate, enter promo code: tobyum

New to this year’s event includes the ability to purchase cold brews and spirits, thanks to a partnership with Cherokee Distributing and the East Tennessee Distillers Guild.
 
Click here to view the ever-growing list of food vendors.
DE-ESCALATION AND RESOLUTION
On Sept. 24 from 8-10 a.m., gain insights into your conflict management style and the styles of your team. Discover your own emotional triggers, explore ways to deal with conflict, and leave with best practices you can apply in professional and personal settings.

Take your career to the next level with this soft skill session. Soft skills are strengthened and developed over time, and are necessary if you desire to climb the career ladder. 

Register for the Zoom Meeting.
GET YOUR COMPANY NAME OUT THERE
The annual Townsend Fall Heritage and Bluegrass Festival and Old Timers Day will be held on September 24-25, 2021 at the Townsend Visitor Center. We would like to invite you to be a sponsor of this award-winning festival, which brings in a great number of overnight visitors to Blount County.

This is an exceptional opportunity to promote your business while providing a wide assortment of enjoyable activities for both our neighbors and visitors.

Download the sponsor information page.
TSBDC HOLDING IN-PERSON CONSULTATIONS
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.
 
Visit our website to request free advising: Request Free Advising 
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.

August 24 from 10 a.m.-Noon

August 26 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

August 26 from 10 a.m.-noon

August 26 from 1-2 p.m.

August 31 from 4-6 p.m.

August 31 from noon-12:30 p.m.

August 31 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
August 23-29

August 30-September 5
September 3 -- Kelly & Ellis Concert

Save the Date
September 9 -- Taste of Blount

MAKE A WEEKEND AT RT LODGE
Labor Day Weekend is a great opportunity to bring the entire family and enjoy the long weekend at RT Lodge. Chef Trevor Stockton and the Lodge culinary team are serving an incredible Labor Day BBQ under the Sperry Tent with live music on Friday, September 3. Special room rate is $189/night plus tax and includes a full breakfast. 
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 1961 was "Tossin' and Turnin'" by Bobby Lewis. It was named the number one single on the Billboard chart for 1961, after spending seven consecutive weeks at the top. It was also featured on the soundtrack for the 1978 film Animal House.
NEWLETTER SPONSORS