DID YOU SEE THE NEWS?
Smith & Wesson will relocate its distribution, assembly and plastic injection molding operations to Tennessee. The project represents an investment of approximately $125 million and will create 750 new jobs.
Smith & Wesson will locate in Partnership Park North in Blount County, where the company plans to break ground before the end of the year. Read more.
WHAT DOES EQUITY LOOK LIKE?
Make plans to attend our next Success in 90 “Navigating Unknown Waters; Equity in the Workplace ” on October 6 at 8:30 a.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville). This session will be taught by Colber Prosper and Vandy Kemp, Prosper & Partners. 

Participants in this workshop will learn how to develop and maintain a satisfied and diverse workforce and how it contributes to “the bottom line.” Learning objectives include specific skills in assessing the work environment for equity, maintaining a fair and equitable workplace, and effectively leading the team through crises with an eye to the future. Register here.
MIXER / RIBBON CUTTING COMBO
Get out of the office and unwind with the first afternoon mixer and pavilion ribbon cutting combo at Little River Outdoor Resort (118 Stable Dr., Townsend) on October 7 at 3:45 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 and open to anyone associated with a Chamber member business. Participation is not reserved to the representative(s) listed on the Chamber membership.
CELEBRATING MANUFACTURING MONTH
We’re proud of our manufacturers in Blount County and would like to invite you to join us for a month-long celebration of manufacturing as part of a nationwide celebration of modern manufacturing held in October. 

If you have an event or are celebrating concerning manufacturing, please let us know.


Why do we Celebrate Manufacturing?
Manufacturing Month addresses this misperception by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show what manufacturing really is today.

Here are a few upcoming events.
Pellissippi State and the Blount County GIVE Grant have teamed up to host Women in Manufacturing. This one-night event is filled with an inspiring keynote, panel discussions, professional development sessions, and time to network with peers and industry professionals from Arconic, DENSO, ICC International, Newell Brands, AESSEAL and more. The keynote speaker is DENSO's manager of manufacturing and strategy and planning Beth Rollins.
 
Monday, October 25, 6-9 p.m.
Pellissippi State Blount County Campus
2731 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.
 
This event is for young women currently in high school, college, or exploring a career in the fields of engineering, technology, welding or manufacturing. Registration is required
8TH GRADE CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR - Oct. 27

In an effort to give students an opportunity to learn about different types of industries and change industry misperceptions, the Blount Partnership is hosting an eighth grade career exploration fair Oct. 27 at the Airport Hilton. Approximately 1,500 8th grade students from Alcoa, Maryville and Blount County schools will be in attendance. A special feature of the fair is all students will be required to visit a manufacturer. 
ARE YOU CREATING A HEALTHY WORKPLACE?
On October 29 from 8-10 a.m., learn how to build a Trauma-Informed Workplace.

How can you use the guiding principles of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) to create a psychologically healthy workplace that prioritizes employee wellness?

Learn practical approaches to creating an environment that champions care, safety, and respect.

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.
USE THE PPP FORGIVENESS PORTAL
Paycheck Protection Program borrowers: If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using our online portal. Follow the steps below.
  1. Find out if your lender is participating. 
  2. Watch a video about how to use the portal.
  3. Apply for forgiveness.
For additional information, visit the SBA website.
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.

October 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

October 5 from 4-6 p.m.

October 6 from 11 a.m.-noon

October 11 from noon-1 p.m.

October 11 from 2-3 p.m.

October 12 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

October 12 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

October 13 from 10 a.m.-noon

October 14 from noon-1 p.m.

October 14 from 10 a.m.-noon

October 14 from noon-1 p.m.

October 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ($30)
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Please note. If you wish to add any of the following events to your calendar, you can do it from the website calendar by clicking on the icon in the lower right-hand corner of the listing. Chamber Events | Community Events

October 4-10

October 11-17

Save the Date
October 20-21 -- Amazon Accelerate

You can access the Blount County Chamber events calendar here or the community calendar here. Submit your event here.
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 1965 was "Hang on Sloopy" by the McCoys. It would be replaced on the top spot by the Beatles' "Yesterday" the following week.
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