Blount Partnership News & Events

 
If you thought the last few weeks were busy with Chamber events, take a gander at the listing below. There's a lot going on and we want you to join us.
 
SPECIAL GUEST AT BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
There's a special guest from Washington, D.C., coming to speak at the Business Excellence Awards on Nov. 7 at the Clayton Center for the Arts. We can't divulge the name; but it is not a politician and it's his first trip to Blount County. Trust me, you'll want to be there.
 
That being said, tickets are now on sale. They are $30 for Chamber VIP members, $40 for Chamber members and $60 for the public. They are available at the Chamber office located at 201 S. Washington St. in Maryville, and by phone at 865.983.2241.
 
PlanET GEOTOURISM WORKSHOP SET FOR OCT. 17
Come join us for a PlanET Geotourism workshop on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Chamber office. The workshop features both a short presentation and work sessions - both full group and small group brainstorming.
 
We are targeting local tourism venues; festivals; unique, authentic restaurants, shops, and lodging; outdoor adventure and natural resource venues; state and local parks; historic and cultural sites; chambers of commerce and tourism organizations; and folks who are interested in sustainable economic development.
 
The goals of the workshop are to build awareness of trends in geotourism and sustainable travel and their benefit to the economy and to the bottom line of businesses, introduce the East Tennessee River Valley Geotourism MapGuide, geotourism assets, and geotours and review geotourism assets in Blount County on the MapGuide, identify additional geotourism assets, and develop ideas for a two day geotour. RSVP to Jeff.
 
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WEEK
We are tabbing the week of Oct. 21 as education and workforce development week as the Chamber is hosting two meetings that are integral to both.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 8 a.m. there is a special meeting about the state of education in the county. The meeting includes briefings by the three directors of schools in Blount County. Each has 15 minutes for their presentation and 15 minutes of Q&A.
 
Presenting are Dr. Brian Bell, Director of Schools, City of Alcoa; Mr. Rob Britt, Director of Schools, Blount County; and Ms. Stephanie Thompson, Director of Schools, City of Maryville
 
Then on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 8:30 a.m., Randy Boyd, Special Advisor on Higher Education for Governor Haslam, will outline the details of the Drive to 55 program for Chamber members. Haslam has challenged our state with a critical new mission: the Drive to 55. It's not just a mission for higher education, but a mission for workforce and economic development, a drive to reduce unemployment and improve quality of life. Please RSVP to attend.
 
MAKE CONTACTS QUICKLY AT SPEED NETWORKING
 Speed Networking returns to Barley's in Maryville on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5-7 p.m. Come out and see how many business contacts you can make in an accelerated format while enjoying the comfortable surroundings of Barley's. RSVP to Laura.
 
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS YOUR AD IN BASICALLY BLOUNT
It's that time of year when we start selling ads for the 2014 Basically Blount lifestyle magazine. We've added new features and other goodies for the 2014 edition. If you are interested, please check out the media kit.
 
SPACE AVAILABLE IN SMOKY MOUNTAIN VACATION GUIDE TOO
If Basically Blount isn't your thing, consider an ad in the Partnership's 2014 Smoky Mountain Vacation Guide that highlights all the lodging, restaurants and attractions in the county. In addition to those listings, there's a special Cades Cove section and hiking and biking trail maps. If you are intereted, please check out the media kit.
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BLOUNT COUNTY AND WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Do you work in the tourism sector? Do you meet visitors in your position?
 
Then you need to become a certified Blount Tourism Ambassador where you'll learn facts about Blount County and this unique region that will help you better serve your customers, provide accurate information and give the "inside story" about our individual communities.
 
It only takes one class to become a Certified Tourism Ambassador. So, pick a date that works for you: Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, then register for a free class at www.ctanetwork.com (click sign up for a class)
 
For further information, contact: Deborah Nye at 865.273.1257
 
SUPERVISOR TRAINING
The annual HR Supervisor Training seminar is being held Thursday, Oct. 17 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Fayerweather Hall (Lawson Auditorium) on the Maryville College campus. Email Vicky to register.
 
REMEMBER WHEN
I bring you an MTV staple from this week in 1985 as Dire Straits topped the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles chart with "Money for Nothing." The recording was notable for its groundbreaking music video and cameo appearance by Sting singing the song's falsetto introduction and backing chorus, "I want my MTV." The video was also the first to be aired on MTV Europe when the network started on Aug. 1, 1987.
Dire Straits - Money For Nothing
Dire Straits - Money For Nothing

Events
Oct. 7-13

 

 

Oct. 14-20

 

 

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You can access the entire calendar here to see other community events and submit your own.
Don't forget to check out the Hot Deals brought to you from other Chamber members. Add your Hot Deal by emailing Amy to get your login info.

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