We hope you enjoyed the H.O.G. Rally last week. It was great to see all the visitors and the downtown party was great. Check out the photo gallery.

 

And now for something completely different.

 

After hearing the roar of motorcycle engines last week, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tenn., is playing host to something a little quieter as the Renaissance of North American Flute Foundation gathering is set for June 6-8.

 

This three-day event features the top flute players from around the nation along with workshops and vendors. Get a single-day pass for $20 or a three-day pass for $50.

 

 

Remember the great time you had with your fellow Chamber members?

 

Well, we're putting the band back together, so to speak, for an event to retain those members who signed up during the event.

 

So mark your calendar to join us Thursday, June 6 from 2-5 p.m. at the Chamber office

 

There will be music, food and fun.

 

We need your help to call on these new members to tell them how much we appreciate them being Chamber members and remind them of the benefits of being a member.

 

So drop by and make a few calls to help us keep these members.

 

Please RSVP to Amy Lawson at alawson@blountpartnership.com or call 865.983.2241

 

Is your company interested in supporting United Way Gas Day but can't volunteer at a station? Gas Day volunteers now have the opportunity to double tips collected at this year's event, and they need your help! Money raised assists more than 50,000 Blount County residents every year. For more information on being a tip match sponsor, please visit www.liveunitedblount.org or call 865-982-2251 ext. 14. This year's Gas Day will be held on Friday, July 19.

 

The schedule for the Blount Partnership Lunch Box Series of discussions for business people has been set. Check out the dates and subjects below and sign up today. Cost for Chamber members will be $15. Non-members $25. The cost includes lunch.

 

 

 

June 28 - "Mitigating Risks in Your Business and Tort Reform Update" presented by John Elder & Taylor Williams of Paine, Tarwater, & Bickers,LLP

 

Aug. 30 - "Connect. Engage. Expand - Intergrating Social Engagement Into Your Communications Strategy" presented by Heather Ripley

 

Oct. 17 - Human Resources Supervisor's Training Seminar

 

Nov. 22 - "What Are They Changing Now? A Tax Update" presented by Nick Meals - Coulter & Justus, P.C.

 

The 45th Smoky Mountain Softball Classic is coming July 12-14. You won't want to miss it.

 

The Smoky Mountain Classic combines the elements of the finest quality competition with the support of large enthusiastic crowds. It is played in a friendly, hospitable, down-home country fair atmosphere at the doorstep of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The nation's top teams are showcased at their best as they play for some of the most prestigious awards in the game.

 

The 2013 Smoky Mountain Classic is proud to be a part of the USSSA NIT series. Not only will a berth and points be awarded to teams participating in the series, but the highest finishing B & C teams will receive berths to their respective USSSA World tournaments.

 

The Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority has brought Blount County and the Smoky Mountains to traveler with it's travel app and Circle the Smokies driving app available on the Apple iTunes store. Be sure to get these free apps for maps, lodging, food and attractions.

 

In continuing to remain active in supporting the community, Brent Trentham and Associates is proud to announce that its practice is sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity home build. The building of this home commences on Saturday, June 22, and continues for a period of 7-10 weeks. In order to make this habitat project a success, volunteers within the community are needed during one or more available days/shifts. These opportunities occur on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the building period and the process of filling those shifts has begun. In addition to "hands on" help, assisting with providing lunches and other items around the building are needed. If you would be interested in getting involved with this most worthwhile project, please contact Doug Werker at 865-588-4484 or email douglas.j.werker@ampf.com

 

June 3-30 -- Smoky Mountain Photographer's Showcase
June 5 -- Alcoa 100 Year Anniversary Build
June 6-8 -- Renaissance of North American Flute Foundation Gathering
June 8 -- Duck Pond Fishing Derby For Kids
June 8 -- Blount County Habitat for Humanity Bike 2 Build Challenge Ride
June 8 -- Blount County Habitat for Humanity's 20 Year Anniversary Celebration!
June 8 -- Woods-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop Concert with Aaron O'Rourke