WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE
The General Assembly passed its much anticipated $52 billion state budget. Click here to see the full budget summary.

What's In? – The Tennessee business community saw a number of priorities included in the budget. $1.5 million will be allocated to establish a state Be Pro Be Proud mobile workforce initiative, and another $1.5 million will be allocated directly to TN Chamber workforce development programming. The most notable spending increase will be in the education category, and will accompany the TISA education funding formula plan; $1 billion in new education spending will be established under this budget. 

What’s out? – Unanticipated budget cuts to critical economic and community development grant programs. The Rural Economic Opportunity program, which enables local site development and supports the Three Star Community program as well as the Main Street program saw cuts of $18 million, leaving the program with only $8 million to operate. Another $18 million cut lowered fast track incentive funding to $85 million. A remedy to the reductions was reached after significant concerns were expressed by economic development leaders. The House passed amendatory language giving ECD the ability to overcome reductions with funds from other areas within their budget.
Tennessee House and Senate Elections By the Numbers
With both Tennessee House and Senate filing deadlines passed, we have a clearer picture of what to expect this election cycle.
 
In the House, we can expect 14 guaranteed new lawmakers. There are 41 House members running unopposed (29 Republicans and 12 Democrats). In the Senate, we can expect three guaranteed new lawmakers. There are five Senate members running unopposed (four Republicans and one Democrat). View the full election details here
Coffee is the Answer
Join us April 28 at 7:45 a.m. for Coffee Club sponsored by Artistic Dance Unlimited (314 Gill St., Alcoa). Coffees 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.
Equity in the Workplace
Join us May 4 as Colber Proper and Vandy Kemp of Prosper and Partners present Equity in the Workplace.

Participants in this workshop will learn how to develop and maintain a satisfied and diverse workforce and how it contributes to “the bottom line.”
Avoid Tech Threats
Join Jeremy Waldroop from PCS on May 3 at noon as he shows some of the common tech threats businesses face every day and learn some simple steps you can take to guard against these dangers. Nothing is foolproof, but you can become a harder target for the bad guys to attack. Lunch provided.

Allevia Ribbon Cutting
Join us April 28 at 3 p.m. as Allevia Technology cuts the ribbon for its Support Center located at 1808 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville.

Light refreshments will be served.
Supervisors Training
On May 13, Supervisors Training, conducted by Ed Trent and Mary Moffatt of Wimberly Lawson, will review religion in the workplace and give an employment law update.

Continuing education credits provided. $30 for members/$50 for non-members.

You Don't Have to Fly Solo
Join us April 29 as 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 session is held on-site at the Sky City Entrepreneur Center located at 608 Ellis Ave., Maryville, TN 37804.
Vote Early
Early voting the Blount County Primary and Rockford City elections runs until April 28. Election day is May 3.


Tennessee is an open partisan primary state with nonpartisan registration. Voters are not required to formally affiliate with a party. Every voter can choose a ballot line-Republican or Democrat-to vote in the primary.
 
The bottom line is, you do not have to have a party affiliation to vote in the May 3 primary. 
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.
4/25-28 at Townsend Visitor Center
4/26 at Sky City
4/26 at Smoky Mountain Axe House
4/27 Presented by Keep Blount Beautiful
4/29-30 at Cades Cove Museum
4/30 at Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater
4/30 at PSCC Blount County Campus
4/30 presented by Keep Blount Beautiful
Full List of Events
Get More From Us
Learn more about the Blount Chamber and the many opportunities that go along with being a member. 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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