WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE
Number of bills do not move forward:
SB1554/HB1467 – Data Privacy will not advance this session. As amended, the bill would require businesses with the information of 100,000 or more customers to comply with a new, regulatory structure. 

HB2505/SB2619 – Claimant Benefits Reduction will not advance this session. It allowed an unemployment insurance claimant to earn up to $200 per week or 18 hours of work per week. Such a policy would be another impediment to individuals reentering full time.

HB2793/SB2670 – Salaries and Benefits will not advance this session. It increases the minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15 for employees within this state.

Tax Reform Legislation Passes to Spur Economic Growth:
Legislation will soon be signed into law that continues to improve the state’s tax code and ensures Tennessee’s standing as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation. HB2144/SB2397 allows companies doing business in Tennessee to deduct all research and development-related expenses when filing their state excise taxes.

Other Bills to Watch:
HB1853/SB1780 – E-Verify and Business Protections – Implements three protections for businesses within Tennessee e-verify law and lowers the state’s employee threshold for the e-verify mandate from 50 to 35 or more employees.

HB1277/SB0958 – Voluntary Workshare Program – Establishes a voluntary shared work unemployment benefits program that allows certain employers to submit a plan to reduce employee work hours in exchange for employee access to a certain level of unemployment compensation benefits.

HB2153/SB2406 – Computer Science Requirements – Requires LEAs to provide computer science courses in which public school students across the state may enroll in at no charge. It also establishes certain computer science requirements for students in grades K-12.
Groundbreaking & Ribbon Cutting
Join us March 24 at 11 a.m. for the groundbreaking ceremony for VITAL at Springbrook Farm at 1605 Centennial Park Blvd., Maryville.

Then on March 25 at 10:30 a.m., Poolwerx is holding its ribbon cutting and grand opening at 1904 W. Broadway, Maryville.
Cybersecurity: A Biz Necessity
Join us March 23 at 8:30 a.m. as Brent Gallo with Hire a Cyber Pro will demonstrate how multiple layers of cybersecurity can significantly increase your business' protection and prevent a cyberattack that could cost you your business.

Need to Hire?
With more than 60 employers signed up, it's not too late to join us March 29 for the Blount County Job Fair at Foothills Mall. Company participation is available. Follow the link below for more details. 

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.
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.
In Coffee We Trust
Come out to the March 31 coffee club hosted by Simmons Bank (710 S. Foothills Plaza Dr., Maryville) at 7:45 a.m.

Coffees are designed to offer members the opportunity to build business relationships and gain exposure.
Positive Workplace Feedback
Whether we’re on the giving or receiving side of Feedback, it can often feel negatively disciplinary rather than informative or corrective in a positive way.

Make plans to attend our next Success in 90 April 6 at 8:30 a.m.

Adult Spelling Bee
The Adult Education Foundation of Blount County, in partnership with the Blount County Public Library, is seeking organizations to sponsor and participate in the 25th Annual Adult Spelling Bee. All proceeds go to support vital educational and career programs for underserved adults in Blount County who strive to achieve success.
3/22 at Vienna Coffee Company
3/26 at Blount County Courthouse
3/30 at Clear Leader Group
4/1 at Chilhoweee Sportsman's Club
Full List of Events
Women's Biz Summit
From March 29-30, join the Small Business Administration for power-packed panels, inspirational fireside chats, and 'Ask an Expert' workshops to help you build, scale, and grow your business.
Save the Date
April 12 -- Power Connect Lunch
April 14 -- Afternoon Mixer
April 28 -- Coffee Club
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS