Best of Blount Award Winners

Two Major Tax Hikes Introduced:

The first, HB 2234/SB 2065, would create a “new data transaction privilege tax” of 9.5% imposed on annual gross revenues “derived from data transactions from digital advertising services in the state.” Revenue from the new tax would be used to fund a universal pre-K program. Regardless of the merits of creating universal pre-K education in Tennessee, the bill’s new tax would be a massive burden on business and cost the state jobs.

The second bill, HB 2043/SB1934, creates a new Business Enterprise Tax of 0.75% of a business’ taxable enterprise tax base and makes the entire worldwide net earnings of a business subject to apportionment for tax purposes. Enactment of this new tax on business would pay for the elimination of the state’s grocery tax. Like the first bill, this proposal would raise the cost of doing business in Tennessee. 

Workers' Compensation Bill:

SB2094/HB1694 initiated by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, the bill does four things. First, makes uniform a 14-days for electronic filling purposes for filing the First Report of Injury FROI electronically with BWC. Second, this will result in a deletion of Notice of Controversy form since it no longer exists in paper format. Third, the bill clarifies that uninsured employer penalties may apply to construction and non-construction. Lastly, the Bureau of Workers Compensation seeks to extend the sunset of PC 189 (2021) for 5 years to July 2029, to continue to enforce worker’s compensation insurance coverage laws.

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

Join new member Orange Theory (1012 Alcoa Market St., Maryville) for its grand opening from 1-4 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of fun, food and giveaways.

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. 

High school students & parents: Join us for a deep dive into using the Dual Enrollment grant and the HOPE Scholarship to

help pay for college.

Learn how to maximize Tennessee Lottery scholarship funds and lower the cost of paying for college.

Blount County Campus

February 8 • 6-7:30 p.m.

Check in at the Ruth & Steve West Workforce Development Center

Refreshments provided!

Register Here

Join Knoxville Regional TPO at an upcoming community meeting so they can hear from you as they begin the update to our region's long range transportation plan!

Meeting takes place at the Blount County Library on February 13 from 4-7 p.m.

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.