WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE
Extending COVID-19 business liability protections to be considered in house and senate this week – The 2020 law was designed to protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits and claims of COVID-19 injury. HB2671/SB2448 proposes to extend the protections until June 30, 2023, to match sunset dates on other similar COVID-19 laws. 

Newly filed legislation seeks to repeal Tennessee’s 75-year-old right-to-work laws – HB2598/SB2538 would repeal Tennessee’s long-standing and effective right-to-work laws. The Tennessee Chamber opposes efforts to repeal right-to-work and will continue to support Yes on One efforts which would enshrine right-to-work in the state’s constitution. Current law stipulates that employment may not be based on someone’s decision to join a labor union or not.

OTHER BILLS OF INTEREST
COVID-19 Employers with Mandatory Vaccine Policies – HB1867/SB1823 requires employers with a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy to grant medical exemptions to an employee who has provided a statement from a licensed healthcare practitioner.

E-Verify and Business Protections – HB1853/SB1780 implements three protections for businesses within Tennessee e-verify law and lowers the state’s employee threshold for the e-verify mandate from 50 or more employees to those with 25 or more employees. 

Cash Acceptance Mandate – Legislation that is harmful to the business community is scheduled to be heard on the House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on Wednesday. HB1873/SB1858 puts unnecessary restrictions on business by prohibiting businesses from requiring credit or prohibiting cash as a payment when purchasing goods and services. 
MFG Update
The manufacturing industry in Tennessee is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. The Tennessee Manufacturers Association is exploring the current manufacturing industry and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the midst of the adoption of Industry 4.0. 

Ribbon Cutting
Join us Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. as we welcome Marine Fasteners (1903 Big Springs Rd., Maryville) to the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Beverages and light snacks provided by Vienna Coffee Company.

Coffee Club Feb. 24
Join us Feb. 24 from 7:45-9 a.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville) for Coffee Club sponsored by Common Sense Pest Control.

Coffees are open to anyone associated with a chamber member business. Gain some exposure for your company. 
Healthy Boundaries for Success at Work
Join us Feb. 25 as you can learn how to use boundaries to work smarter and create more effective & productive working relationships.
Small Business Resources
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center hosts a myriad of online training webinars to assist in all facets of businesses.
View a full list of upcoming workshops and trainings with the SBDC or request a free advising session.
Need to Hire?
Join us March 29 for the Blount County Job Fair at Foothills Mall. Sponsorships and company participation are available. Follow the links below for more details. 

The Dialogue: New Member Spotlight
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 172nd installment visiting with Dr. Hilary Anderson, owner of Align Health and Holistic Medical Center, which is an integrated medical clinic in South Maryville since 2005. 
Host a Table at Remake Learning Day
Join Pellissippi State as it hosts Remake Learning Day on April 30 at the Blount County Campus. Businesses and organizations are invited to host a table to interact with families and show off the type of product or service they offer. Table hosts are responsible for providing an activity that is suitable for kids (suitable for K-12 aged children), ideally related to the industry the business is in. The event and registration are free.
2/17/22 at TriHop Brewery
2/22/22 at Sky City
2/23/22 at Marine Fasteners
2/25-27/22 at Foothills Mall
Full List of Events
Tennessee Winter Beer Fest
On Feb. 19, the Tennessee Winter Beer Fest celebrates its 10th year. The TWBF is at The Carriage House Restaurant in Townsend. Proceeds benefit New Hope Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center.
Save the Date
March 17 -- QuickBooks 101
March 21 -- Women in Business
March 23 -- Cybersecurity
March 31 -- Coffee Club
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