WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS
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Drive Sales Using PR
Public relations is a cost-friendly, highly effective strategy for generating inbound leads and boosting sales. In this hands-on workshop on August 10, Fletcher Marketing PR’s leadership team will share insider secrets for adding the power of PR to your marketing strategy.

Alcoa Briefing
On August 12 at 8:30 a.m., hear from Alcoa Deputy City Manager Bruce Applegate as he discusses priorities, budget challenges and vision for the future for our community.

Ribbon Cutting
Please join us for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Pattersons Home Appliance Center, 148 S. Calderwood St., Alcoa on August 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Please Note: The ribbon cutting will be held at 11 a.m. 

Pistol Creek Eats will serve food and beverages from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bring Your TV Tray
Back for the 20th year is Taste of Blount, a collection of savory food favorites from restaurants, caterers, food trucks and gourmet grocers at the Theater in the Park in Maryville (across from the Blount County Courthouse) Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6–8 p.m.

Tickets for Blount County Chamber members are $25 when using the discount code tob22 at the link below.
Taste of Blount is hosted by the Blount Partnership and sponsored by Eberting Orthodontics, Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union, LeConte Realty, Food City, CBBC Bank, GoTeez Clothing, MB Consulting, Blount Senior Care Partners, Wilson Brother’s Plumbing, Michael Carr & Associates, Asbury Place, Carolyn Forster, First Bank and Simmons Bank.
Lunch & Stay Happy
Join us for a networking lunch on August 16 at 11:30 a.m., at Amici (1420 E. Broadway, Maryville). Meet, mingle, connect and network with other influential professionals. This Dutch Treat lunch is capped at 50 attendees with a limited menu for a cost of $20 per person (includes food, non-alcoholic beverage, tax and gratuity).
Event chair Tony Saddy of Get Fit Maryville will lead the event.
Leading Remotely
Attend “Best Practices for Leading Remote Teams“ presented by Leslie Beale, Profusion Strategies on September 7 at 8:30 a.m.

This training focuses on the foundations for success for remote leaders and review key topics such as: 
  • Understanding common challenges
  • Six truths for remote leaders 
  • Conversations that impact team trust
  • Styles that work
The Dialogue
The Dialogue is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 181st, 182nd and 183rd installments visiting with David Church of Championship Martial Arts, Mark Vosika of True Voice Copy and Jamie Dorn-Lane, with Michael Carr & Associates, Inc. - TN, respectively.
Don't Fly Solo
On August 26 from 8-10 a.m., 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. This Soft Skills session is held on-site at the Sky City Entrepreneur Center located at 608 Ellis Ave., Maryville.

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.
Volunteers Needed
Crew members are a vital part of making sure the GSM Hot Air Balloon Festival comes together as planned. Duties include:
  • Time commitment from 3-10 p.m.
  • Physical labor required
  • Unloading & inflating the balloon
  • Standing the balloon upright
  • Assisting balloon riders
  • Putting the balloon away
  • Access to hospitality room for snacks and drinks
  • Hot Air Balloon T-shirt
  • Community service hours approved 
8/7-8 at Townsend Visitor Center
8/9-10 at Townsend Visitor Center
8/9 at Sky City Entrepreneur Center
8/9 at First Baptist Church Maryville
8/11 at Blount County Library
8/11-13 at Townsend Visitor Center
Full List of Events
Burchett Briefing
Congressman Tim Burchett is making a special visit to the Blount Partnership on August 26 at 10 a.m. Burchett has represented Tennessee's second congressional district since 2019.
Save the Date
Aug. 25 -- Coffee Club
Sept. 13 -- Afternoon Mixer
Sept. 19 -- Women in Business
Sept. 29 -- Coffee Club
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS