Blount Partnership News & Events
Capitol Update
The 2023 Legislative session is underway and over 1,500 bills have been filed that we are reviewing. We also wanted to provide a number of updates relative to economic development and local business. Last week Governor Bill Lee delivered his State of the State address that laid out his budget proposals that the legislature will now begin to review.  

Overall, Governor Lee outlined a number of bold proposals that aim to enhance Tennessee’s business climate primarily in the areas of: Business tax cuts of $150 million, $3 Billion in Infrastructure and Transportation projects that are aimed to ease traffic congestion in all areas of our state, grants and investments to enhance economic development, $1 Billion in new investments for TCAT’s across the state for existing and new facilities as the Governor noted their goal is to produce 10,000 graduates each year to enhance our job growth efforts. 
 
Regarding business tax cuts, these are aimed primarily to help small business. These cuts are over $50 million in the franchise and excise and local business tax cuts. View business-related bill proposals.  
Made for Women in Biz
To help level the playing field for women business owners, the Federal Government has created the "Women-Owned Small Business Contracting" program. Projects in designated industries may be set-aside for certified entities to bid. On February 16, you will learn: • Eligibility criteria • Types of projects set-aside • Application process

Future of Marketing
Presented by Allevia Technology, you're invited to join bestselling author Mark Schaefer on February 28 at 8:45 a.m. at the Blount Partnership. Mark has just published his latest bestselling book, "Belonging to the Brand" and he will be our guest at a special event to tell us why community is the future of marketing.

Plug in, Turn on, Drive out
Workplace electric vehicle charging is an attractive option that can show your business as wanting to help encourage cleaner energy and transportation and support employees that might not have easy home charging options. There are a number of benefits to providing workplace charging and the costs start quite inexpensively. 

Join us on February 24 at 8:30 a.m. at the Blount Partnership. Register Here
Equitable Work Environment
Make plans to attend our next Success in 90 “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” by Colber Prosper, Prosper & Partners, LLC on March 1 at 8:30 a.m. Get 2.00 HRCI credit hours.

Participants in this workshop will learn how to develop and maintain a satisfied and diverse workforce and how it contributes to “the bottom line.” 
Welcome 2023 Chamber Ambassadors
Blount Chamber Ambassadors increase the retention rate of existing members by conducting an on-going program of goodwill calls and networking opportunities with our members, reinforcing the benefits of making an investment in the Chamber, increasing the member’s knowledge of the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, soliciting members’ input on Chamber programs, and opening more channels of communication between Chamber leadership and members. Learn More
Ambassador of the Month
Dale Terzise of TN Bank was named the Blount County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month for January at its monthly meeting held February 8. Chamber Ambassadors assist in retaining members and helping them with their membership benefits with personal one-on-one visits.
What's Up Doc?
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 189th installment visiting with Michael Wall, owner/CEO of Consolidated Primary Medical which is a full-service primary care practice delivering outstanding health services.
Join the Job Fair
The Blount County Chamber of Commerce, working off its mission statement to promote economic growth, is hosting the Blount County Job Fair on March 21 at Foothills Mall in Maryville from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Difficult Folks
Join us February 24 for the latest Soft Skills session entitled Working with Difficult People.

Join us to discuss methods for recognizing the characteristics of some of the most common types of difficult people, and strategies for dealing with them more effectively. We will explore practical techniques for dealing with a variety of behaviors, including negativity, aggression, childishness, and selfishness.
Tap Into More Biz Resources
New workshops are set for February. Take advantage of training opportunities with the SBDC at little or no cost.
 
Upcoming Events
2/14 at Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
2/14 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
2/15 at Peaceful Side Social
2/16 at Blount County Library
2/16 at Skyview at Broadway Social
2/16 at Airport Hilton
2/18 at Company Distilling
Full List of Events
Future of Marketing
Join us for a Leader Development Presentation with Dr. Nancy Scott, Leadership Development Programs Director for the Graduate and Executive Education Programs at UTK, on February 23 at 3:30 pm at Blount Partnership. Learn how to maximize the value of your network and utilize those relationships effectively. 
Save the Date
February 23 -- Coffee Club
March 20 -- Women in Business
Thank You to Our Sponsors