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We didn't want to waste anytime, so the first Blount Partnership event of the new year is an afternoon mixer on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 3:45 p.m. at Trinity Dental located at 1127 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.
KATHY DELOZIER SEND OFF
Please join us Wednesday, Jan. 8 at Calhoun's in Maryville between 4:30-6:30 p.m., as we honor Kathy DeLozier as she heads into retirement after 20 years with the Blount Partnership. She leaves us with new endeavors and warmer plans in mind.
THIS AIN'T YOUR GRANDDADDY'S ANNUAL MEETING
 The Blount Partnership's annual meeting sponsored by Asbury Place is coming up on Friday, Feb. 28 at the Airport Hilton. Let me tell you, this ain't your granddaddy's annual meeting. No! This is the premier networking event for Blount County. There's no guest speaker. No rubber chicken dinner. It's just a giant dance party with GLOW, a live performance / show / dance band and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
This is the perfect event to entertain clients and show them the hospitality of Blount County. There will be videos, music, great food, cash bar and an atmosphere to meet and greet the movers and shakers that make this area such a great place to do business and live.
Tickets are $100 and tables are available by calling 865.273.1206. The Hilton is even offering a discounted room rate of $79 so you can stay and have a real good time.
REGISTER FOR THE FREE BLOUNT TOURISM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
 More than 100 people have gone through the Blount Tourism Ambassador Program since the first class in August. This free program is 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.
The BTAP's objective is to increase regional tourism by inspiring frontline hospitality employees and volunteers to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience. This class inspires, trains and designates you as a Certified Tourism Ambassador. Certified Tourism Ambassadors enhance their capabilities to: (1) listen effectively to visitor inquiries and respond courteously and professionally; (b) know a great deal about the Blount County and Smoky Mountain area - its attributes, features and attractions; and (c) answer the majority of visitor questions (or refer them to those who can). Once certified, ambassadors will be recognized and rewarded in a variety of ways and have the opportunity to renew their certification annually to ensure they stay current.
REMEMBER WHEN
I stay close to home this week as I give you Whitney Houston's cover of the Dolly Parton song "I Will Always Love You." In 1992, Houston recorded the song for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard, her film debut. The single spent 14 weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1992-93, which at the time was a record.
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