Join us for a Lunch N' Learn

When: Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Where: Obion County Public Library

Time: 12:00 pm

Sponsored By:Align Chiropractic

*Please RSVP to Katie Keathley at kkeathley@obioncounty.org or 731-885-0211 by Monday, August 5th.

Tim Shanks

Chamber President 2012-2013

My year as the Obion County Chamber President went much faster than expected. I am happy to say that it was a very enjoyable experience made possible by Lindsay Frilling and Katie Keathley. These two individuals are an asset to the Chamber and our community. We are very fortunate to have them working so hard out front and behind the scenes for the Chamber Members in Obion County.

I accepted an invitation from incoming President Kevin Herrell 4 years ago to serve on the Chamber Board. Neither one of us new exactly what the chamber did but we knew that we wanted to help be a part of making our community better.

Kevin served as President for two years and set in motion many changes that improved the Obion County Chamber of Commerce while setting new definitions of what our purpose was. Chuck Doss continued that positive momentum during his year of service as President and I really just tried not to mess that up.

The Business Matters, Annual Chamber Banquet and the Annual Golf tournament are just a few of the successful programs we try to build on every year that improve our Chamber for the membership. Honestly, these programs continue to improve every year.

Finally, I encourage each Chamber Member to continue to recruit new business into the Obion County Chamber of Commerce. We are on the verge of many great things here in Obion County and I am proud to say the Chamber is leading the way.

Thank you for allowing me to serve!

Tim Shanks

"Dunn's Auto Body Celebrates 50 years in Business"

Dunn's Auto Body has had the pleasure of celebrating the Obion County community for 50 years, according to owner Daniel Dunn, Roger Dunn and Raymond Wayne Dunn.

Ray Dunn started the business in a small two-car garage next to Skaggs Market in 1960. He then moved to Perkins Street and took on his brother, Dan Dunn, as a partner. There, the business was incorporated as Dunn's Body Shop Inc. in 1963.

In 1973, the Dunns expanded and built a new shop on West Main Street in Union City, where the two Dunn brothers went on to provide the high-quality guaranteed repairs for which Dunn's Auto Body has become known, the owners said.

Now, the second generation of the Dunn family-Daniel, Roger and Raymond Wanye-is continuing that tradition of quality work.

Their qualified staff includes Traci Dunn, Kris Bradberry, Mike Pevahouse, and Mitchell Moore.

The Dunns said they are thankful to all of their friends, family and customers for their support.

Dunn's offers personal service by the owners with free pickup and delivery of vehicles. Available services include complete auto body repair and refinishing of all vehicles; frame and uni-body repair; automotive glass and windshield replacement; guaranteed paint match with DuPont Vindicator, factory duplicating paint-baking system; and auto detailing, including wash, wax, interior, etc., by appointment.

All insurance claims are welcome and estimates are free of charge, with no appointment necessary. Plus, there is a guarantee on all of Dunn's repairs for as long as that customer owns that vehicle.

The shop is also an authorized Leer truck topper and Tonneau cover dealer.

Dunn's is open Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 1318 Stad Ave., Union City, TN 38261. For more information call the shop at 731-885-0535. 

"Get it done and DUNN right"  

Regions Lunch N' Learn

Regions Bank recently hosted a Lunch & Learn for Obion County Chamber

of Commerce members. Regions Insurance executives discussed Healthcare Reform - Insights for 2014 and Beyond. Highlighted was nine things everyone should know what to do and how to prepare for 2014 that included pay or play, counting employees, public exchanges, coverage compliance, Medicaid expansion, state exchange tax subsides, employee communications, federal reporting, and HIPPA privacy & security policies. 

 

July Business Matters

Topic: "On the Job Training"

Sponsor: Tennessee Career Center

  Donald Dugger with the Tennessee Career Center spoke at July's Business Matters. The topic included On-the-Job Training. These grants offer companies a unique opportunity to partner with local Tennessee Career Centers to hire new employees and receive grants to supplement wages through an introductory training period. For more information contact the Union City office at 731-884-2621 or visit them at 

126 E. Main St., Union City, TN 38261.

Mr. Bondurant, 38, has served as CEO of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City since 2012. Prior to his current position, he served as administrator and CEO of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton in Covington, Tenn., a position he took on in 2008. Prior to leading Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton, he served as assistant administrator of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City.

To read the full article click here

Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber released the findings from the Q2 Small Business Outlook Survey. Health care is now the top concern among the small business community. In fact, it topped economic uncertainty for the first time in 2 years.

You can read the full results and press release here.   

We're working closely with our state and local partners and state and local chambers to highlight those policies that are stalling growth, as well as advocate for policies that encourage expansion. Small business owners overwhelmingly voiced support for issues that will remove barriers, with 88% supporting action to address entitlement spending, and 81% responding that the immigration system is broken and needs to be reformed.

However, it's clear that health care continues to be the biggest hurdle for small businesses.

As part of that effort, we've compiled quotes from the Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 to highlight the issue in local communities. 

"The cost of health care has long been a top concern for Pennsylvania employers. And related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Pennsylvania Chamber members have voiced concerns from the start that the employer mandate is yet another added cost of doing business that serves as a disincentive to hiring at a time when the economy has not fully recovered."

- Gene Barr, President & CEO, PA Chamber of Business and Industry

"Business owners and decision makers in Billings provide exceptional health insurance for their employees out of sense of responsibility and a need to provide a competitive benefits package. Mandates and associated penalties are forcing business to reevaluate what they can afford to offer while maintaining current employment levels. This law has the potential to be one of the federal governments largest jobs killers in recent times."

- John Brewer, President & CEO, Billings Chamber of Commerce/CVB (MT)

"Although more than 90% of CalChamber member companies provide health benefits to their employees, many of them have expressed frustration and confusion of what the act means to them and how it will be implemented. The recent delay in the employer mandate of the ACA is recognition of how complex these issues are for employers."

- Allan Zaremberg, President & CEO, California Chamber of Commerce.

"Since the day the ACA was passed, Ohio employers have been telling us it would be costly, burdensome to implement, and a job-killer. Uncertainty and confusion about the rules and how to comply persists, and employers are reluctant to fill positions and hire new employees. And, not surprisingly, we're now seeing evidence that premiums are going up. Employers are the ones footing the bill for health care reform, which appears to be stifling critical job growth in Ohio."

- Andrew E. Doehrel, President & CEO, Ohio Chamber of Commerce

"The State of Michigan is doing its best to implement the federal health care law. However, it's becoming more apparent every day that the 'unAffordable Care Act' is a slow-motion financial and regulatory train wreck for employees and employers."

- Rich Studley, President & CEO, Michigan Chamber of Commerce

"The most common concern about the health care law is the uncertainty it causes. Employers want to retain and attract quality employees and their ability to do so is becoming more and more difficult. Very few companies have discussed any type of significant growth in the workplace, and the unemployment rate has remained flat from the same period last year. Small businesses with over 50 employees are still in a holding pattern with a wait and see attitude. The employer mandate being delayed a year provided a brief sigh of relief, however, their lack of confidence in the federal administration appears to growing."

-Kelly Hall, President & CEO, The Longview Chamber of Commerce (TX)

We will continue to keep you updated on this issue, as well as the impact of policies that provide job creators with the certainty and incentive they need to hire.

I encourage you to share the Q2 Small Business Survey results as they are helpful to your chamber or association. Please let me know if we can provide any additional resources that will be helpful to efforts in your community.

Best,

Rob Engstrom
SVP
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

HUMPHREY EARNS CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT LICENSE,PROMOTED TO MANAGER

 

Chloe Doyle Humphrey with Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs recently passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination, earned her Certified Public Accountant license, and was promoted to manager.

 "Chloe has been a tremendous asset to the ATA Team," said ATA Chief Manager Al Creswell. "She works hard to understand the rules and regulations that affect her clients and provides exemplary customer service. Plus, she understands how important it is to be involved in her community. We are proud of her determination and leadership within our firm."

Humphrey joined Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs in May 2007 and became a licensed Certified Public Accountant on June 14, 2013. She is a member of ATA's Financial Institutions Team and is a recent graduate of Leadership Gibson County. A graduate of Greenfield High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee at Martin.  Her practice focuses on external audits, loan review, regulatory reporting, HUD audits, consolidated reports, financial statement audits and taxation for financial institutions. Humphrey and her husband Matt live in Greenfield, Tenn. with their daughter, Layla.

The Uniform CPA Examination is one of the nation's most comprehensive examinations. Sections covered in the test include auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation and business environment and concepts. To be eligible to sit for the exam, candidates must have completed a minimum of 150 semester hours, which include a baccalaureate or higher degree from an academic institution recognized by the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy, with a minimum of 30 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in general business subjects.

Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA) is a regional accounting firm that offers a comprehensive array of tax, audit, accounting, and consulting services to businesses and individuals. Founded in 1946, the firm was named the eighth largest accounting firm in the State of Tennessee by American City Business Journals in 2013. ATA has 16 partners, approximately 140 team members, and 10 offices located in Dyersburg, Henderson, Jackson, Martin, McKenzie, Milan, Paris, Trenton and Union City, Tennessee and Murray, Kentucky.

For more information about Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs, visit www.atacpa.net.

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I'm Amy Keathley, Certified Radio Marketing Consultant with Thunderbolt Broadcasting, a group of radio stations including KYTN THE NEW QUAKE in Union City; and WCMT AM &  WCMT FM and STAR 95.1 in Martin.

The Obion County Chamber has been a wonderful asset to not only my position, but to my company. We have worked closely hand in hand over the years in networking through various Chamber Events, including the Obion County Chamber Banquets; ribbon cuttings, and Business Matters. I have been very blessed to meet many different people from interesting backgrounds, and have learned much more about the community in which I live in.

The Chamber has always been a sustaining resource for myself and my company, and I deeply appreciate their "open door policy".The Chamber has always been easily accessible for me and ready to assist me at any time.

I have encouraged a number of my clients who are Chamber members to attend The Chamber's monthly Business Matters and other Chamber events. in regards to Business matters, I have learned something new and different each month, and I strongly encourage those of you who are members of our local Chamber, please take every opportunity to participate in their various functions. It's a very rewarding experience  for yourself, your company, and your community!

Tuesdays: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Thursdays: 2:00 pm-4:00pm

Saturdays: 7:00 am

Searching for good employees?

Let Goodwill Career Solutions help. We not only help employees go to work; we also help employers find qualified, ready to work job applicants. We are a free service for the community.

For employers, we can host a job fair for your company. We will handle all the work whether you use online or paper applications.

We can also keep your applications on file.  You can have all your job application traffic flow through our office.

We are available to help in a number of ways.  Please call to set up a time to meet with our Career Counselor, Sandy Hickey at 731-884-4324.

1430 S. First Street, Union City, TN 38261 731-884-4324

Vendors Wanted for EDGE Conference for Women 

Attention all of you boutique vendor friends, artists, and crafty home based business owners. We have 20 new spots just opened up for vendors at the upcoming EDGE Mart at The EDGE Conference for Women. 

Your perfect chance to make some money selling your products and to get your business noticed in time for the holiday shopping season! You'll have so much fun spending the day with Lisa Whelchel (Blair from Facts of Life tv show)! She is so much fun!! She's our luncheon speaker and she is going to have a booth at the EDGE Mart, too, for book signing and autographs. 

Get your booth now- $55, and if you want to have lunch with Lisa just $10 to cover our cost of your meal. Aug 24th Lannom Center, 8:30am-3:00pm. First come first serve!  Reply to this email or call the office at 731-587-7333. 

Go to www.utm.edu/EDGEConference for full details of the event. 

List Your Available Commercial Property With Us

Let us help you spread the word about your available commercial property by listing it at www.obioncounty.org. If you have commercial property you would like to list, please contact Lindsay Frilling, Economic Development Director.

lfrilling@obioncounty.org

Palms and tropical plants are 20% OFF!

Hours:

Wednesday - Friday 10 a.m. till 5 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. till 6 p.m.

 *These hours will remain through September 1st. (We will be open Tuesday through Saturday.)

FYI: Book your outdoor event at Soleil!

 Dates are filing up quickly!