It was INCREDIBLE! 
That was the running theme for the 2010 Obion County Joint Economic Development Corporation's Annual Banquet.  It was a truly an evening to remember.  The Hampton Centre provided delectable food, exquisite service, and a beautiful atmosphere.  Our Chamber Members were well informed by the information presented to them by Obion County Joint Economic Development Corporation's Executives.  We provided a project update for everyone in attendance. This way, the members were able to take it with them to refer to later.  

Guest speakers included Larry Snider, Marketing and Communications Manager for Discovery Park of America and Robert Kirkland, the visionary of Discovery Park.  They informed us of the incredible things to come.  Discovery Park is slated to open in late 2012.  It is anticipated that there will be an influx of one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand people annually into our area because of it  Mr. Snider posed the question to the retailers in the room, "Are you ready"? He informed everyone that the people visiting Discovery Park would very likely be spending money in their stores as well.  Preparation needs to be made for the increase.  Mr. Snider also admonished everyone to leverage the opportunity that Discovery Park of America will offer.

When it was Mr. Kirkland's turn at the podium, he spoke about what a jewel we have in Obion County.  He said that he and his wife could have lived anywhere in the world and they both choose Union City.  Mr. Kirkland touched on his vision for the Discovery Center and he also made suggestions on how to make Union City and Obion County even better. From Industry to marketing Union City as a retirement center, his remarks all lead back to the same thing; how to keep our talented young people without exporting our young people's talents.  If you were unable to make it, you missed a treat.  We hope to see you all next year.  Pictured below are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kirkland.

On September 21, Jerry Bailey with Union City Electric System spoke at our montlhy Business Matters networking event.  Mr. Bailey discussed ways to save energy and informed the group about the TVA FAST CASH program.  It  is an incentive offering for small business and industries that have no demand charge.  For these customers, this offering provides simple, prescriptive incentives for installation of efficient lighting and HVAC systems selected from a list of qualifying equipment.  For more information contact your local power company or call toll free at 1-866-233-0450.
http://www.tva.gov/relief/business_incentive_application.pdf

For decades, a bustling downtown was the social, cultural and financial lifeblood of communities across America. With today's interstates spidering through land that used to be thought of as "out there," Main Street's shops and diners, once filled with familiar faces, have been competing with big box stores and parking decks in sprawling bedroom communities. Here in Tennessee, we're not ready to let downtown become a memory.  That's why we have developed Tennessee Downtowns, designed to help communities fully understand what it takes to embark on a comprehensive revitalization effort for their downtown. Using the time tested National Main Street Center's "Main Street Four-Point Approach to Downtown Revitalization ®," this 18-month adventure will take the selected downtowns and their steering committees through the steps of launching a downtown revitalization effort.

Tennessee communities with central business districts at least 50 years old are eligible to apply for a downtown revitalization package, which includes 18 months of training including a site visit, attendance at a two-day downtown revitalization workshop, ongoing technical assistance and an innovation project grant.
 
While the Tennessee Main Street Program has seen great success across the state of Tennessee, many communities just want to learn more about downtown revitalization before committing to become a certified Main Street program. Tennessee Downtowns is a basic introduction to downtown revitalization and may not be a good fit for communities that have already started a downtown revitalization program. Check out the Criteria to see if your community can qualify. Communities participating in the Tennessee Main Street Program and Courthouse Square Pilot Project are not eligible to apply.
Space in this program is limited and highly competitive, so tell your story well. Show us the need to revitalize your downtown, how you plan to implement your plan and why your community and its citizens want to 'roll up their sleeves' and get to work and make downtown a better place!

For more information visit:
http://www.tennesseemainstreet.org/

Walk to Union City Schools with your friends, and get fit while doing it!!!
Date: October 6, 2010
Time: 7:00am

Elementary School:  Meet at Pleasant Valley Church or Middles School Tennis Courts
Middle/High Schools:  Meet at Pleasant Valley Church or The Boys and Girls Club

This event is in observance of Child Health Week.
Contact Kristen Miles: 731-885-1632, x 511

A fitness fair is scheduled for Friday October 8, 2010 from 2pm-5pm.  The events will be held at the Boys and Girls Club at 1015 East College Street in Union City.  This event is in observance of Child Health Week and is brought to you by the Obion County Community Advisory Board/Interagency Council, Obion County Health Council, and AmeriChoice by United Healthcare along with other local service providers.  If you have any questions, please call Patrice Boyd at 731-225-1864 or Cindy Wilkins at 731-772-0463 x107.

214 E Church Street
Union City, TN 38261
(731)885-0211
www.obioncounty.org

 

The Farmer's market is now open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m.-noon.  It is located next to the Chamber of Commerce at 214 East Church Street in Union City.

Featuring:
Christmas Demonstration
Hands on Christmas Crafts
Holiday Fashion Show
Door Prizes & Refreshment

SBA Lender's Conference 
Tuesday, October 26, 201o
10:00 - 12:00 pm
UT-Martin REED Center
Call 731-587-7333
 
SBA Borrower's Conference 
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
2:00 - 4:00 pm
UT-Martin REED Center
Register at www.tsbdc.org
Call 731-587-7333

Shelter Insurance - New Location!
Open House

Shelter Insurance agent Justin Shaw has relocated to 111 West Reelfoot Avenue next to Family Video.  Justin will be having an open house on Tuesday, October 12 from 7:30am-10:00am with a ribbon cutting at 9:00am.  Refreshments will be served.  Come by and check out the new office!

Welcome New Member

Pudge-n-Pals Humane Society
PO Box 663
Union City, TN 38281
(731) 217-0541
arch2796@bellsouth.net

The Obion Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to providing education and support to strengthen and enhance economic success for its members, businesses, and the region.