WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE
TISA Program – HB2143/SB2396 was heard and passed in the House Education and Administration Committee. It establishes the TISA education funding formula. The plan is an aggregate split between LEA's and funding derived from the state budget. The model focuses on individual student centered funding, in which education dollars follow an individual child. 

Protecting Critical Infrastructure – HB2246/SB2077 passed on the Senate floor. As amended, it clarifies instances where local governments have exceeded their authority by prohibiting the siting of critical infrastructure or passing ordinances that make siting for a project infeasible.

Voluntary Workshare Program – HB1274/SB0958 passed on the Senate floor. It establishes a voluntary shared work unemployment benefits program that allows certain employers to submit to the department of labor and workforce development for approval a plan to reduce employee work hours in exchange for employee access to a certain level of unemployment compensation benefits.

Transportation Improvement Plan Released – The relocation of Alcoa Highway is one of several critical transportation projects across the state scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2023. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Transportation Interim Commissioner Joe Galbato released TDOT’s annual three-year transportation program, featuring just over $3.6 billion in infrastructure investments for 58 individual project phases in 34 counties across the state. Read More.
Afternoon Mixer
Join us April 14 as the Tom Hatcher Charity sponsors the Afternoon Mixer held at the Blount Partnership from 3:45-5 p.m.

Mixers 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.
Early Voting Begins
Early voting the Blount County Primary and Rockford City elections runs April 13-28. Election day is May 3.


Tennessee is an open partisan primary state with nonpartisan registration. Voters are not required to formally affiliate with a party. Every voter can choose a ballot line-Republican or Democrat-to vote in the primary.
 
The bottom line is, you do not have to have a party affiliation to vote in the May 3 primary. 
Power Up Lunch
Join us for a midday networking lunch on April 12 at 11:30 a.m., at Peaceful Side Social in Townsend. Meet, mingle, lunch, connect, nibble, engage and network with other influential professionals.

Event chair Tony Saddy of Get Fit Maryville leads the event.

Networking Training
Raeus Cannon shows how to profit from existing relationships and drive business to your door. Join us April 12 from 2-3 p.m. at the Blount Partnership so you can forever avoid making that "dreaded cold call."

Learn how to build stronger relationships that drive higher profitability.
Young Professionals
Blount County Young Professionals (BCYP) invites individuals ages 21-40 who work, live, or play in Blount County to join BCYP.

The first event to meet and network is at Smoky Mountain Axe House on April 26 at 4:30 p.m.
Dream Big Awards
The U.S. Chamber’s Dream Big Awards program is accepting applications to be considered for a $25,000 cash prize. The awards celebrate the success of small businesses and highlight their contributions to America’s economic growth. Application deadline is July 8, 2022. Awards presented in eight categories: Community Support & Leadership, Emerging Business, Green/Sustainable Business, LGBTQ-Owned Business, Minority-Owned Business, Veteran-Owned Business, Woman-Owned Business, and Young Entrepreneur. 

Businesses applying need to use this Chamber Number when submitting: 966840
You Don't Have to Fly Solo
Join us April 29 as Sky City Entrepreneur Center members and staff talk connections: why they're important, how to make them, and where to go for help along the way.
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.
4/11 at Green Meadow Country Club
4/11-15 at Townsend Visitor Center
4/16 at Townsend Visitor Center
4/18-21 at Townsend Visitor Center
4/20-23 at Townsend Visitor Center
Full List of Events
Intro to Social Media Advertising
On April 13, Jeremy LaDuke and Tonia Latham with Epic Nine conduct a workshop introducing Social Media Ads. These ads provide an incredible opportunity for businesses to reach their market with targeted options. 
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS