NEW HOPE RIBBON CUTTING
PELLISSIPPI PARKWAY DESIGN MEETING
The Blount Partnership is asking for your support of the design of the proposed project of Pellissippi Parkway in a public meeting set for September 21 from 5-7 p.m. at Heritage High School.
 
Your presence shows how important this project is to Blount County businesses. The parkway improves overall accessibility, reduces transportation costs and increases economic productivity and development. 

The meeting will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. EST at the following location:
Heritage High School
3741 E Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
  • It's time to complete the Parkway which has been on the books for construction since the 1970’s.
  • Current Parkway has been incredibly beneficial for commuters. It is easier to get to work or just travel to/from Knoxville & Oak Ridge.
  • Current Parkway makes it much easier to traffic in/out of the airport. This is especially true for the vital businesses in Anderson county—seat of the high tech corridor.
  • A well-designed transportation system, that includes roads is crucial to economic development.
  • Development along this portion of the Pellissippi falls within the Urban Growth Boundary, which means potential developers won’t be able to bend or break the rules for building. In effect, this roadway actually supports the community’s managed growth goals.
  • Blount County is the eighth-largest tourism market in Tennessee and completion of the Parkway will help tourists get safely to/from the Townsend/Smoky Mountains to support those efforts. 
READY TO PROFIT FROM RELATIONSHIPS?
Join Raeus Jae Cannon for a Networking Training class on September 21 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville) as she'll ask you:

• How would your life and business improve if you could stop making cold calls?
• Are you prepared to steer more prospects into your funnel?                                                                       
• What are you doing to accelerate and improve existing relationships?
• Would you profit from relationships that drive business to your door?

Raeus is highly energetic and enthusiastic as she asks you to "read the signs" on the networking highway. Enjoy learning common sense driving tips and techniques you can use before you leave and continue to use for years to come. Register here or email alawson@blountpartnership.com
TOWNSEND FALL FESTIVAL
The Townsend Fall Heritage and Bluegrass Festival is scheduled for Sept. 24-25, at the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center in Townsend (7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.). The Fall Festival provides an atmosphere where family and friends of all ages can partake in time-honored Appalachian traditions at the free community event that begins at 10 a.m. both days. Parking is $10 per day with proceeds benefiting the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department. 

In addition, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is hosting the Blue Ribbon Country Fair on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Included are livestock, outdoor activities like the Lodge cast iron skillet toss, and all-around fun for the whole family. 
WHAT DOES EQUITY LOOK LIKE?
Make plans to attend our next Success in 90 “Navigating Unknown Waters; Equity in the Workplace ” on October 6 at 8:30 a.m. at the Blount Partnership (201 S. Washington St., Maryville). This session will be taught by Colber Prosper and Vandy Kemp, Prosper & Partners. 

Participants in this workshop will learn how to develop and maintain a satisfied and diverse workforce and how it contributes to “the bottom line.” Learning objectives include specific skills in assessing the work environment for equity, maintaining a fair and equitable workplace, and effectively leading the team through crises with an eye to the future. Register here.
COFFEE CLUB IS AROMATIC
Wake up to new business contacts at this month's coffee club hosted by Family Promise Thrift Store (705 E. Lincoln Rd., Maryville) on Sept. 30  from 7:45 until 9:00 am.

Coffees are designed to offer members the opportunity to build business relationships with other members and to gain exposure for their business or organization in an "open house" setting.
 
Coffees are open to anyone associated with a Chamber member business. Participation is not reserved to the representative(s) listed on the Chamber membership.
MIXER / RIBBON CUTTING COMBO
Get out of the office and unwind with the first afternoon mixer and pavilion ribbon cutting combo at Little River Outdoor Resort (118 Stable Dr., Townsend) on October 7 at 3:45 p.m.

Mixers are designed to offer our members the opportunity to build business relationships with other members and to gain exposure for their business or organization in an "open house" setting and open to anyone associated with a Chamber member business. Participation is not reserved to the representative(s) listed on the Chamber membership.
DE-ESCALATION AND RESOLUTION
On October 29 from 8-10 a.m., learn how to build a Trauma-Informed Workplace.

How can you use the guiding principles of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) to create a psychologically healthy workplace that prioritizes employee wellness?

Learn practical approaches to creating an environment that champions care, safety, and respect.

Take your career to the next level with this soft skill session. Soft skills are strengthened and developed over time, and are necessary if you desire to climb the career ladder. 

Register for the Zoom Meeting.
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 no cost.

September 21 from 9-10 a.m.

September 21 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

September 21 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

September 23 from noon-1 p.m.

September 27 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

September 28 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
September 20-26
September 20 -- Women in Business
September 22 -- Side Hustle Happy Hour
September 23 -- Casual Pint Night
September 24-25 -- Townsend Fall Heritage Festival
September 25 -- Blue Ribbon Country Fair

September 27-October 3
September 28-Oct. 2 -- Great Smoky Mountain H.O.G. Rally
September 30-Oct. 2 -- British V8 Car Show

Save the Date
BE SURE YOU'RE FOLLOWING US
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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
REMEMBER WHEN . . .
Topping the Billboard Hot 100 this week in 1980 was "Upside Down'" by Diana Ross. It held down the number one spot for four weeks. The single earned Ross her ninth career Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance,
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