OSHA ETS BUSINESS UPDATE
The U.S. Supreme Court announced it would be hearing oral arguments about President Biden's OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) which requires employers of 100 or greater to mandate COVID-19 vaccination or require weekly submission of tests. In light of this announcement, and the Sixth Circuit's decision to lift the nationwide stay on the ETS, the Tennessee Chamber is publishing an informational bulletin to assist employers by providing current information about the situation surrounding COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

On Wednesday, December 22, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would be holding a special sitting to opine on whether the Biden administration can enforce COVID-19 vaccine or testing rules for employers of 100 or more. The sitting is scheduled for January 7, 2022.

The U.S. Department of Labor has pushed back the compliance deadline for vaccination and testing requirements until February 9 as long as the business is making an effort to comply. Enforcement of the other requirements, such as a mask mandate for unvaccinated employees working indoors, will start on January 10. Tennessee utilizes an OSHA state plan through TOSHA. It is expected that TOSHA will announce final plans for the ETS by late January, assuming the rule remains in effect.
MLK BUSINESS LUNCHEON SET
The MLK business luncheon will be held at the Hilton Knoxville Airport on January 14 at noon.

The cost is $35 per person or $350 per table of 10.

Reservations are required to attend this event and can be made by calling the Blount County Chamber of Commerce at 865-983-2241 or email.


GET TIX FOR REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Join us January 28 at 8 a.m. at the Hilton Knoxville Airport for the Regional Legislative Agenda Breakfast presented by the Blount Partnership and the chambers of commerce from Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Farragut West Knox and Anderson County.

For more than three decades these chambers of commerce have worked together to develop a regional legislative agenda to identify state issues of importance and increase job and business growth in the region.

The guest speaker is former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam.
THE DIALOGUE WITH JAVON CRANE
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 170th installment visiting with Javon Crane a financial planner with Northwestern Mutual.

What is your role with Northwestern Mutual? I help people make smart financial choices so their goals aren't left to chance. I work with a successful team of advisors that are mentoring me in helping me build out my own financial planning practice. Our team focuses on helping successful people like yourself with everything from day-to-day budgeting & debt management to investments, insurance, college funding, estate planning, and more.

How did you get started with Northwestern Mutual?
I began through its internship program.

Describe your customers.
I enjoy helping people begin financial planning. Even young people in their 20s need to start saving for the long run. I also assist people closer to retirement as well. We want to help anybody wanting to plan for their future and wanting to make their money grow.

Name three things you wish you knew when you started.
Get to know more people. Build connections earlier. If you help people out, people will help you out in return

What do you enjoy about financial planning?
I love helping people better their financial situations and get more financially secure. I also enjoy coming with game plans to help people achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations.
GET READY FOR CO.STARTERS
CO.STARTERS is a three-month, cohort-based program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving endeavor.
We're offering this acclaimed national program right here in Blount County! It's open to everyone, not just existing Sky City members. Cost is $295 and includes 10 weeks of access to Sky City's amazingly modern co-working space.
The cohort launches 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Application deadline is Feb. 9. 
INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY
The Blount County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with its software provider, Weblink, and Chamber Concierge to enhance your online presence on BlountChamber.com. A Chamber Concierge consultant is available to talk with members about taking advantage of the online benefits offered through your Chamber membership.
 
Top reasons to advertise on the chamber's website:
  • Credibility – Chambers are a resource for the communities they represent – our website is a reputable place to expand your online presence.
  • Visibility – Thousands of consumers visit the Chambers website annually!
  • Opportunity – Advertisers enjoy priority placement, additional photo/video, bulleted highlights with additional links, expanded description of products/services and more.
 
Space is Limited, and sponsorships are reasonable, especially considering the Chamber’s website has over 100,000 unique visitors per year.
 
Contact JR Ross today at (859) 640-5238 or by email jr@chamberconcierge.com
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 little or no cost.

January 6 from 1-2 p.m.

January 10 from noon-1 p.m.

January 11 form 10 a.m.-noon

January 11 from 10-11 a.m.

January 11 from 10 a.m.-noon

January 13 from 10 a.m.-noon

January 13 from 1-2 p.m.

January 18 from 11 a.m.-noon

January 20 from 1-2 p.m.

January 25 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

January 25 from 11 a.m.-noon

January 25 from 4-6 p.m.

January 27 from 1-2 p.m.
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

January 3-9

January 10-16
January 10 -- Women in Business
January 14 -- MLK Business Luncheon
January 15 -- Viva MOMIX

Save the Date

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 1976 was "Saturday Night" by Bay City Rollers. The tune is an upbeat pop rock number with a memorable hook, in which the word "Saturday" is spelled out in a rhythmic, enthusiastic chant.
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