Don't forget the Partnership's June Member Emailing.  The deadline to submit a one-page PDF is Friday, June 3.  This is a great way to showcase your business or product to more than 900 businesses and individuals.  Cost is only $100.  Call Lori Collins at 638-4111 or email gcp@greenecop.com for more information.

The Partnership's Annual Industry Appreciation Reception has been scheduled for June 14.  Invitations will go out to elected officials, board members and sponsors this week.  Sponsorships are still available at a cost of $500.  For more information, call Vickie Andrew at the Partnership, 638-4111, or email vandrew@greenecop.com.

Tom Ferguson attended a reception hosted by Governor Bill Haslam and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Bill Hagerty last Monday in Atlanta.  The reception was by invitation only, and attendees had the opportunity to network with more than 25 site selection consultants.  Governor Haslam's administration has a record of utilizing the economic development community in Tennessee as he attempts to market our state to prospective businesses.  This is the second trip attended by Ferguson, the first being a luncheon hosted by Governor Haslam in New York City last year.

As of press time for the newsletter, all systems were go for the 18th Annual Iris Festival May 19-20 in downtown Greeneville.  More than 120 merchants and crafters were signed up for the event, and the entertainment stages were fully booked.  Our sincere appreciation to our major sponsors:  CenturyLink, 11 Connects, Grand Rental Station, Parker-Hannifin, Takoma Regional Hospital, The Greeneville Sun, Wal-Mart Super Center and Radio Greeneville!! 

Greeneville and Greene County were in the limelight on the Daytime Tri-Cities' "Our Town" television show, Friday, May 18, and drew an audience of close to 100 people to the terrace of the General Morgan Inn for the one-hour live presentation!  For those of you who missed the show, it will be re-aired June 8 in the 10 to 11 a.m. time slot on 11 Connects (WJHL-TV).  A big thank you goes out to "Our Town" hosts Amy Lynn and Morgan King for their hard work in showcasing our community! Click to view a video clip. 

Greene County Youth Council Program volunteered 3,231 hours for a donation of community service valued at $70,398.  Congratulations to South Greene High School's Abbie Pierce for winning the Volunteer of the Year award for volunteering 375 hours during the 2011-12 school year.  Also, congratulations to West Greene High School's Megan Westmorland and Shae Littleton for winning Members of the Year.  These two students signed up for the most Youth Council activities that the program scheduled.

Congratulations to West Greene High School's Richard Vradenburg for receiving the Outstanding Character Award, Greeneville High School's Jaheen Hira for receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award and Greeneville High School's Brandon Chapman for receiving the Director's Award at the Greene County Youth Leadership graduation and recognition ceremony May 10 at Chuckey-Doak High School.  Thanks to Chuckey-Doak for the use of their facilities.  Forty-two students graduated from the program.

The Tourism Department celebrated National Tourism Week May 5-13.  Tammy Kinser, tourism director, and Aly Carrino, the new tourism intern, assisted the Bristol Welcome Center staff on Wednesday, May 9, by welcoming visitors and handing out brochures on Greeneville and Greene County.  Tourism also gifted the 750th guest to the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site during the month of May.  The visitor, Shelley Crawford from Washington,
 PA, received a welcome basket complete with goodies made in Greene County, brochures and Iris Festival shirts.

During the NAIA Women's Golf National Championships last week, several teams participated in Champions of Character events such as visiting and working with the children at the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA.  Two teams visited Daytime Tri-Cities on Channel 11 Monday and were interviewed, as well as treated to a tour of the studio with Amy Lynn.  Several teams were also interviewed on WGRV during the week.  Most local hotels were filled to capacity with athletes and their families, and local restaurants and businesses were packed as the golfers explored Greeneville and Greene County.  Results from this year's championships will be posted in the next newsletter.