House Commerce Committee Approves Critical Infrastructure Bill on party line vote –SB2077/HB2246 Legislation was approved to ensure consistency in the regulation of critical infrastructure projects. The proposal ensures that local governments cannot outright prohibit the siting of critical infrastructure which is crucial for business and manufacturing operations. Supporters of the legislation noted in testimony that critical infrastructure projects already go through significant federal environmental licensing and regulatory hurdles.
House Education Committee delays final vote on TISA – The House Education Administration Committee adjourned before taking final action on Governor Lee’s Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act (TISA) HB2143/SB2396. TISA is the one of the Governor’s largest policy proposals of year to inject over $1B in additional state funding to enhance K-12.
Governor Lee Releases Budget Amendment – Governor Lee’s administration unveiled its appropriations amendment, meaning the finance committees would start the process of seriously considering the budget before final passage. Lee is also proposing:
$80M funding for one month moratorium on the 4% sales tax on groceries
$17M Nashville track for NASCAR races
$20M to reduce professional privilege tax by $100 a year for lawyers, lobbyists and financial securities professionals
$66M for air carrier support, $12M to support general aviation across TN
$1.5M for Tennessee Business Workforce initiative to promote technical careers
Click Here for Commissioner Eley's presentation on the budget amendment. Click Here for the budget amendment overview.
Join us for cocktails and conversation as you enjoy a new downtown experience in luxury loft living. Attendees are to enter through the door to the right of Brooke Nix Medical Aesthetics.
Positive Workplace Feedback
Whether we’re on the giving or receiving side of Feedback, it can often feel negatively disciplinary rather than informative or corrective in a positive way.
Make plans to attend our next Success in 90 April 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Raeus Cannon shows how to profit from existing relationships and drive business to your door. Join us April 12 from 2-3 p.m. at the Blount Partnership so you can forever avoid making that "dreaded cold call."
Learn how to build stronger relationships that drive higher profitability.
Join us for a midday networking lunch on April 12 at 11:30 a.m., at Peaceful Side Social in Townsend. Meet, mingle, lunch, connect, nibble, engage and network with other influential professionals.
The U.S. Chamber’s Dream Big Awards program is accepting applications to be considered for a $25,000 cash prize. The awards celebrate the success of small businesses and highlight their contributions to America’s economic growth. Application deadline is July 8, 2022. Awards presented in eight categories: Community Support & Leadership, Emerging Business, Green/Sustainable Business, LGBTQ-Owned Business, Minority-Owned Business, Veteran-Owned Business, Woman-Owned Business, and Young Entrepreneur.
Businesses applying need to use this Chamber Number when submitting: 966840
Afternoon Mixer
Join us April 14 as the Tom Hatcher Charity sponsors the Afternoon Mixer held at the Blount Partnership from 3:45-5 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.
VoteFactsBlount.com
The Blount Chamber has created a microsite for Blount County Elections Voter Resources. As a non-partisan organization, this resource provides voters with links to register to vote, find your precinct, important dates and a meet the candidates section. This will be updated before each of the three elections this year on May 3, August 4 and November 8. Please share and use this resource.
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.
On April 13, Jeremy LaDuke and Tonia Latham with Epic Nine conduct a workshop introducing Social Media Ads. These ads provide an incredible opportunity for businesses to reach their market with targeted options.
