HB1730, requires all written driver license examinations to be administered in English only. Tennessee is home to “1,000+ foreign-based businesses that have invested over $47 billion in capital and employ more than 161,000 Tennesseans.” The proposed legislation adds a significant burden to the business community which employs productive workers who speak languages other than English. 

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced he will deliver his sixth State of the State address to the General Assembly and fellow Tennesseans on February 5 at 7 p.m. EST. The address can be found on Lee’s Facebook and YouTube channels and will be aired statewide. 

Starting January 1, 2024, your business will likely be required to report beneficial ownership information to the U.S. Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). There are time limits on this reporting and significant civil and criminal penalties for failure to report.

Join us January 31 at 8:30 a.m. at the Blount Partnership to learn the what and when about reporting.

Register With Host Kelly Love

On February 1 at 8:30 a.m., at the Blount Partnership, dive into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in the realm of marketing. You’ll learn about the intricacies of AI’s role in marketing and explore how brands are improving customer experiences, driving sales, and increasing efficiency. From understanding the core concepts to practical applications, equip yourself with knowledge that can be instantly applied in today's dynamic marketplace.

Register Here

Make plans to attend our next Success in 90 “Mental Health in the Workplace” by Lauren Fugate and Samantha Pitkin, The Middle Path, on February 7 at 8:30 a.m. 

This workshop looks to build awareness of mental health, it’s presentation and how it impacts staff functioning in the workplace. 



Register Here

The public is invited to attend an open house to hear about the recommendations made for downtown including land use, mobility, public spaces, public art, and economic development.

Please join us from 5-6:30 p.m. on February 6 at the Maryville Municipal Center, in the Gary Hensley Meeting Room, 400 W. Broadway Ave, Maryville.

For more information on the project, visit www.maryvilledowntownplan.com. 

The Blount County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Blount County Job Fair sponsored by Amazon the Great Smoky Mountains Association on February 21 at Foothills Mall in Maryville from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

For the first time, some of our local schools are sending high school students to the job fair. This is an excellent opportunity to speak to those who are looking for an internship, part time job, or the right company to launch their careers with upon graduation.

Sponsorships and employer participation forms are available by clicking the links to the left.

Early voting for the presidential preference primary, county property assessor primary, county school board primary and Rockford city commissioner election runs February 14-27. Election day is March 5.

Early Voting Locations

Find Your Precinct

Register to Vote

Join us February 23 for the next Soft Skills class 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.

Register Here

New workshops are set for February. Take advantage of training opportunities with the SBDC at little or no cost.

View a full list of upcoming on-site workshops and trainings with the SBDC or request a free advising session.