MAKE THAT A.M. CONNECTION |
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The Blount Chamber is hosting A.M. Connect on Friday, March 12 at 8:15 a.m., sponsored by Downtown Digital USA.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
AM Connect is a virtual networking event designed to offer members the opportunity to build business relationships with other members and to gain exposure for their business or organization.
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TN GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE |
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The Tennessee Chamber through the leadership of its Tax Committee has helped surface the issue of state taxation of COVID-19 relief funds. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, Congress clarified that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) expenses would not be taxable federally. Because of a 2019 Chamber-backed legislation and the congressional clarification, PPP assistance is not considered as taxable income by the state of Tennessee either.
While Congress did address the taxability of relief funding through PPP, it was silent about other relief monies that may have been distributed at the discretion of state or local governments. This means Tennessee‘s $50 million Small Business Relief Program, the $50 million Supplemental Employer Recovery Grant (SERG), and other state-administered grant programs are all subject to federal and state excise taxation.
If state-level relief funding is considered deductible, it could mean up to $20 million in tax savings for Tennessee businesses.
In the coming weeks, a number of proposals will be debated in the General Assembly, below is a short recap and impacts on business & industry:
E-verify Mandate: (HB801/SB902) This week, legislation is calendared that adds a number of significant mandates on Tennessee regarding the state's E-verify program. Primarily, the legislation as drafted would substantially increase the number of businesses, especially small, that would have to participate in the program. The bill also would increase penalties and require E-verification of potential sub-contractors. The Chamber is opposing this legislation in it's current form, noting to Legislators now is not the time to place additional regulatory burdens on our small businesses across the state.
Vaccinations: HB10/SB7 by Reedy/Pody could remove the ability of businesses to ask employees to take any vaccination was defeated in the House Health Subcommittee on Wednesday. HB1147 /SB1308 by Grills/Hensely is scheduled to be heard next Wednesday in the House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. The legislation explicitly bans businesses from mandating vaccines in any way. The Tennessee Chamber is opposed as currently drafted.
Gun Carry Legislation- (HB786/SB765) A proposal that is part of Governor Bill Lee's administration package is up for consideration this week that deals with handgun carry statute. The proposed bill has been carefully analyzed by the Tennessee Chamber and as drafted maintains a business's right to post on their property and continues to allow employers who may, as a condition of employment, to prohibit an employee from carrying a weapon while on the job.
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Learn more about the Blount Chamber and the many opportunities that go along with being a member. Learn how to make the most of the benefits afforded to you by joining our webinar on March 11 at 2 p.m.
Register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
R E M E M B E R !
Your membership is a corporate membership. Please encourage co-workers to get involved, educated, network and promote your company via Blount Chamber events and opportunities.
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UPDATED APPLICATIONS & GUIDANCE
FOR SOLE PROPRIETORS
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On March 3, 2021, SBA published updated guidance reflecting the new changes to the Paycheck Protection Program.
This interim final rule allows individuals who file an IRS Form 1040, Schedule C to calculate their maximum loan amount using gross income, removes the eligibility restriction that prevents businesses with owners who have non-financial fraud felony convictions in the last year from obtaining PPP loans, and removes the eligibility restriction that prevents businesses with owners who are delinquent or in default on their Federal student loans from obtaining PPP loans.
New:
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THE DIALOGUE WITH JERRY MARTIN |
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This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 168th installment visiting with Jerry Martin, founder and vocal coach for Martin's Vocal Academy, which specializes in voice and artist development by teaching the student from the ground up and giving them the rock-solid foundation needed as a singer and entertainer.
Describe more about the Vocal Academy.
We offer In-person and Online private lessons, group lessons, our MVA Vocal Workshop, Stage Preparation Coaching, Audition Preparation Coaching, Artist Development Mentoring which dives deep into the workings behind the scenes in their own music business, Songwriting collaboration, and a special program we call the Recording Studio Experience.
With over 28 years of experience as an entertainer, I saw the need to share my experience and knowledge with aspiring singers and entertainers who are looking to be successful and get ahead in the music industry. I am passionate about helping others get to the next level and open up their full potential. Whether it is singing, acting, stage work, or song writing, we help them reach their goals and better their skills.
How did you get started?
I came from a very musical family. I was onstage at the age of two singing as my mom and dad toured. I grew up singing in church and always had a passion to sing professionally. That day came in 1992 with my first ever band and I've never looked back. I toured all over the United States. I have had 13 No. 1 songs, three No. 1 debut albums, awarded the Ambassador of Goodwill from my home state of North Carolina and inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
What is your teaching style?
My teaching style is relaxed and easy to understand which makes my students respond quickly to what is being taught. They also have the freedom to choose what they want to sing rather than someone else choosing for them. The whole experience is fun and they learn a lot. When their time is up for that lesson, they still want to stay which says we are doing something right!
What do you enjoy about teaching music?
I love working with all the different singers and entertainers we have. No matter what level they are currently at, they always strive to get better and I can see their hard work paying off. I enjoy the creative process with the students as well. We get to do a lot of projects together and seeing them learn something new and get excited about what they have just created is so rewarding to me. I love getting out and meeting new people in our community as well. I love our city and want to be more involved in helping it grow. We can always help lift up each other in the friendships we've made and in each other's businesses. I'm a huge advocate of this and always try to help elevate others.
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Join us for a midday networking lunch on Tuesday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m., at Smoky Mountain Brewery. Meet, Mingle, Lunch, Connect, Nibble, Engage and Network with other influential professionals.
While there is an opportunity to introduce your business, current areas of focus and/or anything you could use help with, please show up with a focus on how you may be able to add value for the other attendees.
Open to ALL Blount County Chamber members, but you must Register Online. This is a Dutch Treat lunch.
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Join employers across the nation helping to protect workers and defeat the pandemic
America's business community plays a critical role in combatting the pandemic. Now that safe and effective vaccines are available, every business must rally around a common goal: accelerate vaccinations, reopen safely, and defeat the pandemic.
Employers across the country are taking vital steps to get the country back to health—and we are committed to providing you the expert guidance and resources you need to get the job done. Learn more and join the Rally For Recovery today at www.CommitToRecovery.com
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A draft of Mobility Plan 2045 will be available on Monday, March 8 at knoxmobility.org for public comments.
Mobility Plan 2045 is the region’s long-range transportation plan and is updated every four years to account for changes in community and regional priorities, technology, project costs, and available funding. This update will guide transportation investments in the region for the next 25 years. Read more.
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The Knoxville-Knox County CAC and the American Job Center are co-hosting a Youth Job Fair on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 1-4 p.m. in the CAC parking lot located at 2247 Western Avenue, Knoxville.
This is a great opportunity to connect with an untapped talent pool of 16-24 year old job seekers eager to actively participate in the local labor market.
If you would be interested in tabling at this event, please call Annette Beebe at 865-546-3500 to reserve a table.
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The March 26 edition of soft skills classes offered by the Blount County Public Library is quickly approaching.
This Zoom Webinar session is entitled "Mindfulness at Work: Reducing Stress and Regaining Balance." Employing mindfulness at work can help increase effectiveness, decrease mistakes, and even enhance creativity. Learn mindfulness tools that help you destress, tune in and get the job done.
All participants will earn .5 CEUs per session for participating. They will also receive an email survey two months after workshop participation to assess application of new ideas.
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NEED ASSISTANCE IN
HR, MARKETING OR ACCOUNTING?
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Have you experienced supply chain disruptions, staffing challenges, a decrease in business or a business closure as a result specifically due to COVID-19
Through the CARES Act the TSBDC has received funding to hire industry professionals to provide consulting at no cost for our clients. If you need assistance in the areas of accounting, marketing and human resources contact our center!
Let our consultants help navigate the complexities of business ownership during a Pandemic.
Additional advising services are offered in accounting, advertising, banking, employee relations, employee selection, finance, HR, IT, management, marketing, operations, public relations, sales training, sources of capital
With barriers brought on by COVID-19, we believe small businesses still need that human connection to help identify pools of opportunity. With the simple press of a button, you can find yourself meeting virtually with a consultant who wants to help you and your business succeed on every level.
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March 9 from 10-11 a.m.
March 10 from 10 a.m.-noon
March 11 from 10 a.m.-noon
March 16 from 9-10 a.m.
March 23 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
March 25 from 10-11 a.m.
March 30 from 9-10:30 a.m.
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March 11 from noon-1 p.m.
March 25 from noon-1 p.m.
April 8 from noon-1 p.m.
April 22 from noon-1 p.m.
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March 24 from 9-10:30 a.m.
How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication in your team without face-to-face interaction?
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March 17 from 9-noon
After completing this workshop, participants will be able to help make their organization a more supportive and engaging place to work by understanding the perceptual, institutional, and psychological processes that impact the ways people interact with each other. DESIGNED FOR: Employees across all departments within an organization.
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March 8-14
March 15-21
Save the Date
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BE SURE YOU'RE FOLLOWING US |
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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:
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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
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Topping the Billboard Hot 100 this week in 2000 was the crossover hit "Amazed" by Lonestar. It held the top spot for two weeks. "Amazed" and Carrie Underwood's "Inside Your Heaven" are the only country songs in the 2000s decade to hit number one on the Hot 100.
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