Obion County Joint Economic Development Council Reorganizes Staff 

The Obion County Joint Economic Development Council, consisting of the Obion County Chamber of Commerce and Obion County Industrial Development Council, has recently reorganized the staff, creating two new positions, Economic Development Director and Retail Development Director. The positions were filled internally by current staff. Lindsay Frilling is serving as the new Economic Development Director, with Robbie Green accepting the position of Retail Development Director.

As the Economic Development Director, Mrs. Frilling is the chief administrative officer of the JEDC and will be responsible for the overall direction of the organization. Specific duties include industrial recruitment and retention, Obion County Three-Star certification, and tourism.

Lindsay earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Information Systems and master's degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Mrs. Frilling graduated from Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives Institute, and in June, she completed her first year of Institute of Organization Management with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Lindsay takes on the role of Economic Development Director with previous experience in customer service, management, finance/accounting, human resources, community development, and public relations/marketing, which will enhance her ability to market Obion County.

Lindsay: "I work daily with local industrial businesses to enable them to grow, expand, and prosper in our community. Along with those retention efforts, I reach out to prospective industries utilizing our partners such as the state of Tennessee Economic and Community Development Department, United State Department of Agriculture (USDA), West Tennessee Industrial Association (WTIA), and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), who assist us in recruiting new business to Obion County. I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue to connect with the people of Obion County not only because I was born and raised here, but because I love the area and have a passion for it. My ultimate goal is to make our community a place where people want to live, work and do business."

Mrs. Green's responsibilities include retail development, membership development, and public relations. Mrs. Green's experience and education will serve as a strong base in her capacity as Retail Development Director. With over 13 years of sales and marketing experience, working with businesses is familiar territory. Mrs. Green also holds a Bachelors of Liberal Studies from the University of Memphis, with concentrations in Journalism and Communications.

Robbie: "I find that one of my best assets is my ability to quickly develop good rapport with the people I meet. This definitely comes in handy when my business is people. I work in conjunction with organizations such as The Shopping Center Group, West Tennessee Retail Association (WTRA), and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to recruit new retail to Obion County and to help existing businesses with retention and expansion. I am excited about the opportunity to make positive impact in our county."

Over the past several years there have been two chartered organizations operating within Obion County with the responsibility of generating new growth in the areas of Tourism, Housing, Commercial, and Industrial Development (The Obion County Chamber of Commerce and the Obion County Industrial Development Corporation). In many instances these agencies encountered duplication in both program delivery and expenditure. In an effort to improve efficiency in programmatic and budgetary areas, in early 2004, the two agencies formed the "Obion County Joint Economic Development Council" (JEDC).

Commercial Bank & Higher Ground Host Business After-Hours

Want to host the Chamber Business After-Hours?

It's a great opportunity to thank existing customers, welcome new folks, or show off your products and services!

Contact Lindsay Frilling

(731) 885-0211

lfrilling@obioncounty.org

Job Fair/College Expo Planned at UTM on August 5  

Displaced Goodyear workers will have another chance to seek help with their future at an upcoming Job Fair/College Expo set for Aug. 5 at the University of Tennessee at Martin.  The expo is being planned specifically to help Goodyear associates who are now without work following the company's July 11 shutdown of its Union City plant.

A series of individual meetings with Goodyear workers will be held from Sunday through Aug. 4, according to United Steelworkers Local 878L recording secretary Johnny Dyer. Those meetings will provide displaced Goodyear workers with specific information about their eligibility for benefits.

The Aug. 5 expo will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the ballroom of the UTM Boling University Center.  "We've probably already got over 100 different vendors coming," Dyer told The Messenger today.

Among those who have signed up to have booths at the expo include area colleges and universities, other institutions of higher learning, financial agencies, investment firms and various other agencies that have products and services that could benefit the now-unemployed Goodyear workers.

There have been several expos held already to help Goodyear workers. Those events have been held at the John Tanner National Guard Armory in Union City and have involved a wide range of companies that have stepped up to help Goodyear workers plan for the future.

The Aug. 5 expo at UTM will focus on helping former Goodyear workers make the transition back into the workforce.

Article taken from The Messenger July 18, 2011 

Staff Reporter Kevin Bowden may be contacted by e-mail at kmbowden@ucmessenger.com.

Why Franchise Ownership May Be A Career Option Worth Considering

A Free Seminar Presented by Dan Aronoff of FranNet - The Franchise Connection 

Date: Wednesday, August 17 from 10 am to 12 pm

Location: Paris Henry Chamber of Commerce, 2508 East Wood Street, Paris, TN 38242

Many people often times express interest in owning their own business but few ever look. Why? The common reasons tend to focus on the risk involved, the fear of failure, the costs associated with starting a business, the misconception that all franchises are in the food industry and not knowing where to get help. During this educational seminar we will address all of these concerns as well as cover the following topics:

·How to determine if franchise ownership is the right career path for you

·Top myths about franchising

·What are the different types of franchise opportunities available

·How to correctly select and research franchise opportunities

·How to recognize and avoid the pitfalls that can lead to failure in franchise ownership

·How to get financing for a franchised business

This detailed seminar is designed just for you to answer those questions on franchising basics. Franchising works best for individuals that are looking for structure, on-going support and well-defined systems. So, if you have a strong desire for career independence, then you will want to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of opening a franchised business. All attendees will receive our comprehensive guide, "A Roadmap to Success".

For more information or to pre-register, call 731-642-3431 or register online at www.utm.edu/reed.

Dan has over 20 years of business experience working for both small and large companies, most notably in the human resources arena with Exxon Corp., Kraft Foods and Kendle International. He now provides FREE guidance and support to individuals who are interested in business ownership and specializes in helping clients find the right franchise through FranNet's exclusive matchmaking process. For more information, visit www.frannet.com/daronoff.

Obion County Chamber Makes It Easy to Get Business Advice

Take advantage of the opportunity to get one-on-one business consulting from Erik Markin, Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at the University of Tennessee at Martin.  Markin will be at the Obion County Chamber of Commerce, 1:00p.m.- 5:00p.m., Thursday, August 25.  He will be available to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners with advice on a business plan, financing options, marketing, customer service, cash flow and other issues.

The consultations are one-on-one, confidential and FREE. Appointments may be made by contacting the Obion County Chamber of Commerce at 731-885-0211 or by contacting Markin directly at 731-587-7333.  For additional services offered by TSBDC, go to www.tsbdc.org.

TTC-Newbern Wins Quiz Bowl National Championship

The Tennessee Technology Center at Newbern (TTCN) team won the gold medal in the quiz bowl competition at the SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Mo. Front row, from left: Ricky Myers, Carley Strawn, Ronnie Lowery. Back row, from left: Wesley Inman, Michael Gorzula, David King.

A team of students from the Tennessee Technology Center at Newbern (TTCN) won the gold medal in the quiz bowl competition at the SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Mo. Team members included Carley Strawn (Dyer County), Michael Gorzula (Dyer County), Ricky Myers (Gibson County), David King (Dyer County), Wes Inman (Obion County), and Ronnie Lowery (Dyer County). The team was coached by SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor Dottye Webb.

During the competition, state winners from across the nation participated in a written knowledge test and competed in live rounds of competition. Questions focused in areas of professional development, current events, and academics. All contests were conducted with the help of industry, trade and labor.

In order to compete at the national level, the TTC Newbern team competed and won the State SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl Championship held at the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference in Chattanooga in April. The event was a showcase for career and technical education students across the state.

In recent years, quiz bowl teams from TTC Newbern have been successful on both the state and national levels. In 2008, the first quiz bowl team from TTC Newbern won the state championship and placed fourth at the national competition. In 2010, the quiz bowl team won the state championship and placed second at the national competition. The 2011 team continued the tradition by winning the state championship and earning the school's first national title.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. SkillsUSA chapters help students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations excel. SkillsUSA has more than 300,000 students and instructors as members. For more information, visit www.SkillsUSA.org. 

Union City Apartments Grand Reopening 

During the renovation at Union City Apartments, new energy star rated exterior doors and vinyl windows were installed at the property. The kitchens were renovated with new oak cabinets, energy efficient appliances and Formica tops. Water heaters and HVAC units were replaced with new energy star rated units. Floor coverings were replaced with VCT tile and carpet in upstairs bedrooms. All sinks, toilets and faucets were replaced with new updated fixtures. The office and community room were renovated with new flooring, doors and windows. Also, the community room bathroom was renovated with ADA handrails, toilet and sink.

The apartments are owned and managed by Maco Management Company, Inc. out of Kennett, MO and local site manager is Laura Cranford. The official Grand Reopening will be Monday, August 8, 2011 at 1:00pm. 

Obion County Chamber

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Hill's Hardware Adds Locksmith

Beginning August 1, Jimmy Hill will join the staff at Hill's Hardware in Union City.  Jimmy recently relocated from Mississippi, where he has over 35 years experience as a locksmith.  Drop by and welcome Jimmy at  1234 S Second Street, Union City or call him at (731) 885-1510. 

Business Matters

For July Business Matters, Kim Anderson, External Affairs Field Specialist spoke on behalf of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and gave an overview of the Small Business Administration and it's role during a disaster declaration. Additionally, she gave contact information to refer business owners to the SBA or appropriate FEMA programs if there are specific case questions. Our attendees left with a better sense of how to prepare before disaster strikes and what to do after it does.  Join us on August 16 for our next Business Matters. Bring a friend!  Like us on FaceBook!

A Day at the Museum

Obion County Museum

September 24, 2011

10:00am - 4:00pm

1004 Edwards Street

Union City, TN 38261

(731) 885-6744

www.ocmuseum.com

Museum Tours

Public Target Shooting with Mock M-16 Air Rifles

Military Exhibits

Civil War re-enactors

Davy Crockett Frontiersmen

Frontier living demonstrations

Attack Helicopter Fly-in

Kid's Fun - Inflatables

Sneak peek at Discovery Park of America

www.discoveryparkofamerica.com

Gibson Electric Membership Corporation Annual Meeting

Join Gibson EMC for its 75^th annual meeting, which will include entertainment featuring the bluegrass bands Jargon and Stone County Connection on August 13, 2011, at Gibson County High School in Dyer. GEMC will have face painting, inflatable jumpers and costume character Louie the Lightning Bug. Other activities will include a business meeting, bingo, door prizes for adults and kids, health and energy exhibits, misc vendors, delicious barbecue, hotdogs ice cream and more! Call 731-562-1610 for details.

Hardest Hit Fund Program in Tennessee - A Mortgage Relief Program

What is the Hardest Hit Fund?

If you're an unemployed or significantly underemployed Tennessee homeowner and are struggling to pay your mortgage, you can now receive forgivable loans through the Hardest Hit Fund Program - a free U.S. Treasury program administered in Tennessee by Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and accessible through NeighborWorks Alliance of Tennessee.  For more information visit www.hardesthittn.org

Thank You 2011-2012 Chamber Members for Your Continued Support 

Aramark

ATMOS Energy

Barker Buildings Rentals

Bethel University

Bill & Juanita Morse

Buck's Party Mart

Clay Woods

Collision Specialty

Doctor's Clinic

H & R Block

Hill Clinic

International Furniture

Jernigan Surgery Clinic

Kentucky Lake Oil Co. - Pocket's

Kiwanis Club

Los Portales

Mathis Battery

People's Choice Credit Union

Reelfoot Animal Hospital

Reelfoot Bearing & Supply

Reelfoot Shopping Center

Reelfoot Warehousing

Revell Construction

Servall Gutter Company

Servall Pest Contrail

Sports Orthopedics & Spine

State of Tennessee

Sullivan Dentistry

Thunderbolt Broadcast

Top of the World Distributors

Town of Troy

Town of Woodland Mills

Travel One

Tri-State International

Troy Pharmacy

Tyson Foods

Union City Carpet Center

Union City Electric System

Union City Eye Care

Union City Ford

Union City Rotary Club

United Monument Works

Universal Contractors

UTM REED Center/TSBDC

Vowell & Sons

Wade Land Company

Walmart

Warner Law Firm

Wee Play Party Place

WENK

West Kentucky Rural Telephone

West Tennessee Healthcare - Pathways

West Tennessee Regional Blood Bank

Westan Insurance

Westate Corrections Network

White & Associates

White Ranson Funeral Home

Williams Sausage

Wood Communications

World Finance Corporation