ANCHORED IN FARRAGUT SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 25 YEARS CHAMBER LIFE “THE MISSION STATEMENT IS TO STRENGTHEN AND SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY BY PROMOTING BUSINESS GROWTH, EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.” Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce Vol. 31, No. 3 A Publication of the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce March 2017 All Businesses Benefit from Orientation Whether you’ve been a member a month or 30 years, all member business- es are welcome to attend the Chamber’s Spring New Member Orientation on Tuesday, March 21 at the Town of Farragut municipal building located at 11408 Municipal Drive in Farragut. The orientation is ideal for new members, members with new staff, and members who may not realize all the benefits available to them with their Chamber membership. Refreshments and a brief networking period start at 7:30 a.m. in the lobby area of Town Hall. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards for networking and door prizes. The pro- gram begins in the board room at 8 a.m. Door prizes are awarded throughout the presentation which will feature informa- tion from Chamber President/CEO Julie Blaylock, the Ambassador committee, town officials, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Tennessee and other local resources. At 9 a.m. the Farragut Folklife Museum will open early as a courtesy for tours to those interested in viewing their incred- ible collection or shopping the gift shop. Ambassador Committee co-chair, Chris Thomas - United Community Bank, presents at the Fall 2016 orientation. Members can RSVP for themselves or a staff member via the weekly email link or their mobile app (“FWKCC” on Android and Apple markets). For ques- tions or information call 675-7057. Boyd Breakfast Educates and Inspires Over 130 members and guests gathered early Monday, March 6 at Rothchild Catering & Conference Center to hear PetSafe/Radio Systems founder, Randy Boyd, speak about his experiences as the recent Commissioner of Economic Development at the Chamber’s first Breakfast Speaker Series event of 2017. Though several hinted at the prospect dur- ing the Q&A period, Boyd would go on to officially announce his candidacy for state governor just hours later via an electronic statement release. Boyd was initially hesitant to accept the position under Governor Haslam, especially when told by a friend that in government “everything will take three times as long and you have at least 10,000 stakeholders to bring along.” Boyd explained that some things in business transfer to government; others do not, quipping, “If an employee doesn’t agree with the mission, you fire them; if a Tennessean doesn’t agree, you can’t send them to Kentucky!” However, Boyd also found that his friend was right in saying that the successes he did have “would have transformative impact.” During the hour-long talk, aided by noth- ing more than his passion and anecdotes, Boyd educated and inspired the audience of business professionals with statistical data and genial stories, including his matter-of- fact reply to how he would “sell” the state of Tennessee: “Remember, I sell an INVISI- BLE fence!” As a Farragut resident and native of East Tennessee, Boyd is clearly sold on the state and quickly listed achieve- ments he is proud of on the state’s behalf: See BREAKFAST on Page 4 Business and community members buy- ing tickets for the Chamber’s 30th Annual Silent & Live Auction: “Born to be Wild!” on Friday, May 12 will support not just the Chamber’s Continuing Education Scholarships but The Butterfly Fund of East Tennessee Foundation. The annual auction is the Chamber’s largest fundrais- ing event of the year; a donation is taken from a portion of all ticket sales. The Butterfly Fund was started by two families who each lost a child in 2008 to a rare childhood cancer within weeks of one another. Compared to adult cancers, child- hood cancers are greatly under-researched and under-funded; one out of every five children diagnosed dies. The Butterfly Fund works with area organizations to sup- port research, treatment and services ded- icated to the defeat of childhood cancer. Starting at 6 p.m. at Rothchild’s Catering & Conference Center the auction features both silent and live auction events. In keeping with the “wild” theme, guests will check in at the rustic “Safari Base Camp” and be greeted with hand-passed appetiz- ers as they enter the silent auction of over 125 items including dinners, jewelry, mas- sages, wine baskets, entertainment tickets and more. Bidding can be fierce; guests are advised to bid early and often in the silent auction jungle! Businesses wishing to donate an item receive advertising in the program and a color logo sign by each item. Item donations are tax deductible. New this year will be a fun approach to dinner with a variety of wild stations including a Carving area with uniformed chef, “brick grill” with sumptuous skewers, pot stickers, mini crab cakes, Bruschetta Bar, tropical fruit “Tree” and “Watering Hole” area for a variety of beverages. That doesn’t even include desserts! Guests will still enjoy beautifully set dining tables with complimentary red and white bottles of wine at each table. Tabletop packages will be on display in the ballroom center and are sold during live auction. Tabletop sponsors create and build a minimum $300 value tabletop dis- play which is a decorative centerpiece and attractive auction item that ties into the theme. A wonderful team-building exer- cise and showcase for the business, past tabletops have included catering packages, weekend retreats, shopping sprees and more! The table with the most guest votes wins the “Best Dressed Table” award. Voter margin has been less than two votes! The live auction will be presided over by Bear Stephenson of Stephenson Realty and Auction and will include all kinds of items, including a VIP Gatlinburg Attraction Pass for 6 valued at over $2,500. Tickets are $60 each or $550 for a table of ten. Online reservation and payment will be available at www.farragutchamber.com. Sponsorships are instrumental to this event’s success and are available at all lev- els—Presenting, Event, and Community— a wildly wonderful way to highlight your business! Sponsors are advertised in print, weekly emails, web, social media and at events as soon as their commitment is received and for at least one month beyond the auction. The Chamber thanks Event Sponsors TDS Telecom, Rothchild Catering and the Town of Farragut; Community Sponsors NHC Place Assisted Living and Pinnacle Financial Partners; and Media Sponsor farragutpress. For more on sponsorship, item dona- tions, or tickets, contact the chamber office at 675-7057 or email info@far- ragutchamber.com. Auction to Benefit Butterfly Fund to be “Born Wild” Clockwise from top: Student volunteers are an integral part of the evening! Just one take on tabletops, Regions Bank goes all-green! The Town of Farragut enjoys conversation at their Table of 10!
Transcript
ANCHORED IN FARRAGUT SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 25 YEARS
CHAMBER LIFE“THE MISSION STATEMENT IS TO STRENGTHEN AND SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY BY PROMOTING BUSINESS GROWTH, EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.”
Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce
Vol. 31, No. 3 A Publication of the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce March 2017
All Businesses Benefit from OrientationWhether you’ve been a member a
month or 30 years, all member business-es are welcome to attend the Chamber’sSpring New Member Orientation onTuesday, March 21 at the Town ofFarragut municipal building located at11408 Municipal Drive in Farragut. Theorientation is ideal for new members,members with new staff, and memberswho may not realize all the benefitsavailable to them with their Chambermembership.
Refreshments and a brief networkingperiod start at 7:30 a.m. in the lobbyarea of Town Hall. Attendees areencouraged to bring business cards fornetworking and door prizes. The pro-gram begins in the board room at 8 a.m.Door prizes are awarded throughout thepresentation which will feature informa-tion from Chamber President/CEO JulieBlaylock, the Ambassador committee,town officials, Small BusinessDevelopment Center (SBDC) ofTennessee and other local resources. At9 a.m. the Farragut Folklife Museum willopen early as a courtesy for tours tothose interested in viewing their incred-ible collection or shopping the gift shop.
Ambassador Committee co-chair,Chris Thomas - United CommunityBank, presents at the Fall 2016 orientation.
Members can RSVP for themselves or astaff member via the weekly email linkor their mobile app (“FWKCC” onAndroid and Apple markets). For ques-tions or information call 675-7057.
Boyd Breakfast Educates and InspiresOver 130 members and guests gathered
early Monday, March 6 at RothchildCatering & Conference Center to hearPetSafe/Radio Systems founder, RandyBoyd, speak about his experiences as therecent Commissioner of EconomicDevelopment at the Chamber’s firstBreakfast Speaker Series event of 2017.Though several hinted at the prospect dur-ing the Q&A period, Boyd would go on toofficially announce his candidacy for stategovernor just hours later via an electronicstatement release.
Boyd was initially hesitant to accept theposition under Governor Haslam, especiallywhen told by a friend that in government“everything will take three times as longand you have at least 10,000 stakeholders tobring along.” Boyd explained that somethings in business transfer to government;
others do not, quipping, “If an employeedoesn’t agree with the mission, you firethem; if a Tennessean doesn’t agree, youcan’t send them to Kentucky!” However,Boyd also found that his friend was right insaying that the successes he did have“would have transformative impact.”
During the hour-long talk, aided by noth-ing more than his passion and anecdotes,Boyd educated and inspired the audience ofbusiness professionals with statistical dataand genial stories, including his matter-of-fact reply to how he would “sell” the state ofTennessee: “Remember, I sell an INVISI-BLE fence!” As a Farragut resident andnative of East Tennessee, Boyd is clearlysold on the state and quickly listed achieve-ments he is proud of on the state’s behalf:
See BREAKFAST on Page 4
Business and community members buy-ing tickets for the Chamber’s 30th AnnualSilent & Live Auction: “Born to be Wild!”on Friday, May 12 will support not just theChamber’s Continuing EducationScholarships but The Butterfly Fund ofEast Tennessee Foundation. The annualauction is the Chamber’s largest fundrais-ing event of the year; a donation is takenfrom a portion of all ticket sales.
The Butterfly Fund was started by twofamilies who each lost a child in 2008 to arare childhood cancer within weeks of oneanother. Compared to adult cancers, child-hood cancers are greatly under-researchedand under-funded; one out of every fivechildren diagnosed dies. The ButterflyFund works with area organizations to sup-port research, treatment and services ded-icated to the defeat of childhood cancer.
Starting at 6 p.m. at Rothchild’s Catering& Conference Center the auction featuresboth silent and live auction events. Inkeeping with the “wild” theme, guests willcheck in at the rustic “Safari Base Camp”and be greeted with hand-passed appetiz-ers as they enter the silent auction of over125 items including dinners, jewelry, mas-sages, wine baskets, entertainment tickets
and more. Bidding can be fierce; guests areadvised to bid early and often in the silentauction jungle! Businesses wishing todonate an item receive advertising in theprogram and a color logo sign by each item.Item donations are tax deductible.
New this year will be a fun approach todinner with a variety of wild stationsincluding a Carving area with uniformedchef, “brick grill” with sumptuous skewers,pot stickers, mini crab cakes, BruschettaBar, tropical fruit “Tree” and “WateringHole” area for a variety of beverages. Thatdoesn’t even include desserts! Guests willstill enjoy beautifully set dining tables withcomplimentary red and white bottles ofwine at each table.
Tabletop packages will be on display inthe ballroom center and are sold duringlive auction. Tabletop sponsors create andbuild a minimum $300 value tabletop dis-play which is a decorative centerpiece andattractive auction item that ties into thetheme. A wonderful team-building exer-cise and showcase for the business, pasttabletops have included catering packages,weekend retreats, shopping sprees andmore! The table with the most guest voteswins the “Best Dressed Table” award. Voter
margin has been less than two votes!The live auction will be presided over by
Bear Stephenson of Stephenson Realty andAuction and will include all kinds of items,including a VIP Gatlinburg Attraction Passfor 6 valued at over $2,500. Tickets are $60each or $550 for a table of ten. Onlinereservation and payment will be availableat www.farragutchamber.com.
Sponsorships are instrumental to thisevent’s success and are available at all lev-els—Presenting, Event, and Community—a wildly wonderful way to highlight yourbusiness! Sponsors are advertised in print,
weekly emails, web, social media and atevents as soon as their commitment isreceived and for at least one month beyondthe auction. The Chamber thanks EventSponsors TDS Telecom, Rothchild Cateringand the Town of Farragut; CommunitySponsors NHC Place Assisted Living andPinnacle Financial Partners; and MediaSponsor farragutpress.
For more on sponsorship, item dona-tions, or tickets, contact the chamberoffice at 675-7057 or email [email protected].
Auction to Benefit Butterfly Fund
to be
“BornWild”
Clockwise from top: Student volunteers are an integral part of the evening!Just one take on tabletops, Regions Bank goes all-green! The Town ofFarragut enjoys conversation at their Table of 10!
2 • CHAMBER LIFE, March 2017
Networkings
Attending the Anytime Fitness evening networking are L – R: Erin Rosalina ofGoodwill Industries and Town Administrator for The Town of Farragut DavidSmoak.
Catching up on the day’s events are L – R: James Johnson of NeriumInternational Consolidated, Arlene Weinstein of Arlene’s Fun Travel andChris Trezise of Brainstorm International.
ANYTIME FITNESS – January 19
Co-Hosts for the evening at Milestone Event Center! L – R; Belle Muse andStephanie Carter of Campbell Station Wine & Spirits and Kelly Maples ofNorthshore Wine & Spirits.
Dale Skidmore of The Dale Skidmore Agency – Allstate, Kathy Hartman offarragutpress and David Rexrode of David S. Rexrode, Attorney at Law enjoy-ing the festivities.
Y-12 FEDERAL CREDIT UNION – January 26
Having a lovely start to the day at the Clarity Pointe Knoxville networking areL – R: Stacy Connatser of Mountain Commerce Bank, and Kevin and RikkiHuman of Rikki’s Pet Depot.
Catching up on Chamber events are L – R: Martha Riordan of The HolliMcCray Group at Keller Williams and Steven Lipsey of Stone & Hinds, P.C.and Board Member of The Farragut West Knox Chamber.
CLARITY POINTE KNOXVILLE – February 2
L – R: Betsy Cunningham, M.J. Hutchison and Andrew Bounds of Y-12Federal Credit Union provide useful and informative financial information atthe gathering.
Y-12 Federal Credit Union employees (L – R) Courtney Reichardt, NancyBrooks, Amber Price and Jennifer Fasching offer smiles and a gracious wel-come to their morning networking!
ABUELO’S: THE FLAVOR OF MEXICO, CAMPBELL STATION WINE &SPIRITS AND MILESTONE EVENT CENTER – February 9
CHAMBER LIFE, March 2017 • 3
Ribbon CuttingsMax Potential Farragut – January 10
Max Potential Rehabilitation held aribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted byFarragut West Knox Chamber ofCommerce, at its new clinic, 11201West Point Drive in Farragut, Jan.10. On hand were Kristin Jurek,center with scissors, co-owner;Autumn Yates, second from left,Max Potential technician; BillieHatmaker, front and right, MaxPotential office coordinator, and ahost of Chamber members.
MemberBriefs
OsteoStrong Wellness Center – January 11
Rocky Top Air – February 15
Celebrating with Rocky Top Air! L- R: Logan Whitman of The Whitman Group, Samuel Oakley and PhillMiller of Rocky Top Air, Natasha Bohannon of TN Bank, Michael Kilby of Mortgage Investors GroupParkside, Butch Hofferburt of Rocky Top Air, Keith Meese of Sprint, Arlene Weinstein of Fun TravelBy Arlene, Don Ball of Business Machines Company of East Tennessee, Tiffany Watson, Phill Miller,Lloyd Allison, Gerald Allison, Michelle Tsitskis of Rocky Top Air, John Haney of NAI, Tennille Palmerand Jacky Palmer of Rocky Top Air, Natasha Erickson, Kyle Elsensohm of Rocky Top Air, DanielMonday of Slamdot, Laura Overstreet of Tennessee Small Business Development Council, Guest,and Daryl Walker of AllGood Pest Solutions.
Don Delfis Pancake House – February 6A Delicious Start To The Day! L – R: AngelaBridges of Cumulus Media and Farragut WestKnox Chamber Ambassador, Jenna Massa ofProsperity Pointe, Daryl Walker of AllGood PestSolutions and Farragut West Knox ChamberAmbassador, Lynne Overton of Comfort Inn &Suites Knoxville West and Farragut West KnoxChamber Ambassador, Laura Sayers of farragut-press, Lisa Monnig of Paramount Land Title andFarragut West Knox Chamber Ambassador, Guest,Ignacio Martinez of Don Delfis Pancake Houseand Restaurant, Joe Sexton of Knoxville TVAEmployees Credit Union, Gino Jimeniz of DonDelfis Pancake House and Restaurant, ArleneWeinstein of Arlene’s Fun Travel, Ron Williams,Alderman for The Town Of Farragut, Guest, JohnSchoonmaker – Knox County Commissioner 5thDistrict, David Smoak, Town Administrator for TheTown of Farragut, and Michael Kilby of MortgageInvestors Group – Parkside.
Julie A. Blaylock was named new President/CEOof the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce;she was previously the Interim Director upon theretirement of past President Bettye Sisco, andExecutive Assistant since 2011. Board Chairman,Tim Williams-Matlock Tire Service & Auto Repair,made the official announcement at a triple-hostedChamber business networking on Feb. 9 as a resultof a unanimous board decision. Blaylock is “honoredand excited to lead our Chamber.”
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital welcomesCathy Shuck as vice president and general counselfor legal services. Shuck’s primary focus will includelegal contracts, policies, compliance, employment,and board of directors general counsel.
Dr. William L. Harvey has joined Tennova PrimaryCare in Turkey Creek as a family medicine physi-cian. Harvey specializes in the care of men, women,and children ages six and older.
The R.M. Moore Office of Sperry Van Ness hasbeen named a 2016 Top Producing Office and hasranked No. 8 out of 220 as part of the Sperry Van NessCommercial Real Estate Awards.
Freida Hagan of Melrose Title Company has beenpromoted to residential manager/closing agent. Shewill be responsible for closing residential transac-tions, implementing policies, and building team sup-port. Robin Morgan, also of Melrose Title Company,has been promoted to operation director. He willoversee, manage, and direct the business’s offices.
James Robertson of NAI Knoxville has beennamed the 2016 CCIM Industrial Broker of the Year.
Fifth Third Bank’s Commercial Middle MarketDivision has hired Brad Pinson as vicepresident/commercial relationship manager for theTennessee Region. Pinson has over 14 years of expe-rience in the financial services industry.
Tusculum College welcomes Jo Alison Lobertinias both their assistant vice president of academicaffairs and assistant professor of literature.
Y-12 Federal Credit Union partnered with localcar dealers for Dealer Donation Days, with over 50dealerships donating a portion of proceeds fromeach Y-12 loan to a designated donation account. Atthe end of the three month period, the funds werematched by Y-12 FCU and distributed to Boys andGirls Club of the Tennessee Valley, CASA of EastTennessee, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital andSecond Harvest Food Bank. Kudos to all!
BrandVision Marketing held their 10th AnnualDessert Dash on Feb. 25 with the proceeds going tothe Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley! Greatjob!
Beth Sterchi has been named Lower SchoolDirector at The Episcopal School of Knoxville; herappointment was the result of a nationwide search.Sterchi joined the ESK family last year as a 3rd gradeinterim/assistant teacher. Congratulations!
CH Interiors & Gifts will host their Spring OpenHouse on Mar. 24-25 at their location at 12556Kingston Pike. Special savings, wine and refresh-ments will be available. Don’t miss it!
Ambassador ofthe Month
February 2017
Ambassador Arlene WeinsteinCongratulations to this past February’s
Ambassador of the Month, Arlene Weinstein of Arlene’s Fun Travel. If you have not met Arlene, you can reach
her at [email protected] for help with any sort of travel you have in mind!
First runner-up this month is Angela Bridges-CumulusMedia. Second runner-up is Eric Whitener-The Fox Team:Crye Leike Realtors. The Chamber sincerely appreciates
their efforts and the support of all our Ambassadors!
A Strong Turnout for OsteoStrong! L – R:Donna Rose of Parker Business & Accounting, Joyce Sabo,Renee Pedigo, Debbie Ashley, Arlene Weinstein of Arlene’s Fun Travel, Brent Pittman, RossLedbetter and Dee Matchett of OsteoStrong, Lisa Monnig of Paramount Land Title, NatashaBohannon of TN Bank, Rena Amerson, Jenna Massa of Prosperity Pointe, Bill Conrad, Jill Hahn,Guest, Bill Hayes of The Tennessee Small Business Development Council, Guest, Marianne Morseof MaryKay, Ron Pinchok - Vice Mayor of The Town of Farragut, Ron Williams and Louise Povlin,Aldermen of The Town of Farragut, Billie Jean Peattie, Laura Sayers of farragutpress, Josh Hemphillof Josh Hemphill State Farm, Michael Kilby of Mortgage Investors Group – Parkside, Guest, KathrynEaton of Eaton & Hartung, PLLC, and Daryl Walker of AllGood Pest Solutions.
4 • CHAMBER LIFE, March 2017
Welcome to our new FarragutWest Knox Chamber Members!
Calendar of EventsPlease call the Chamber office at 675-7057 for information
March 16 Networking 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Brothers Bedding
220 N. Peters Road
March 23 Networking 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Holy Cross Anglican Church
515 Herron Road
March 30 Networking 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Michael Brady, Inc.
299 N. Weisgarber Road
April 6 Networking 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. SouthEast Bank - Farragut
12700 Kingston Pike
The Chamber welcomes these businesses who have joined us recently in the month of February:
Welcome Back Renewing Members
The Farragut West Knox Chamber welcomes back these businesses who have renewed theirinvestment in the Chamber as of this past February. We are privileged to count them as FarragutWest Knox Chamber of Commerce members! We urge members to patronize one another when thegoods or services a member can provide are needed. It is also our hope that area residents recog-nize the commitment a business makes to its community when it becomes part of its local cham-ber of commerce and reward that commitment with their patronage.
Amish Excellence of KnoxvilleBearden Banquet HallBerry Highland West Memorial Park,
If you want to getthe royal treatmentwhile grocery shop-ping, Publix is theplace for you! Publixemphasizes their
commitment to customer service as theirgoal is to, “Make customers feel like Kingsand Queens.” Publix was founded 85 yearsago by George W. Jenkins who felt thatother companies did not put enough focuson their associates. Inspired, Jenkinsopened his own grocery store equippedwith an employee stock ownership planthat gives associates a buy in. This is whatmakes Publix unique says general manager,Landon Compton, “Every associate ownspart of the company which gives them abetter stake at taking care of customers. Ifit’s your business you’re going to treat peo-ple differently than if it was someone else’sbusiness.”
Publix’s employees are committed tomaking shopping easier for customers. Ifyou go to one of their departments, Publixdoesn’t just sell you the product.Employees help make suggestions andteach you how to cook what you purchase.“Anybody can sell groceries, but how wemake our customers feel makes it a differ-ent environment,” Compton says pridefully.
Publix not only sells groceries; they haveevent planners on staff to assist customers.“Their job,” Compton says, “is to help planparties, So, if you call up and you say youwant a cake. Their job is to help you thinkabout everything else for the party.”
Publix also has Aprons Simple Mealstastings weekly where you can not only trytheir featured recipe, you can get all theingredients and learn how to make it. Theyalso offer an easy online ordering systemthat lets customers order their favoritesliced meats, sandwiches, cheeses, andsubs and pick them up right at the frontdoor of the store.
Anyone who has never visited Publix inTurkey Creek since its opening in 2013 isinvited to visit. Compton says, “Just comein a store to see the difference in shoppingexperience. It speaks for itself.” VisitPublix at 11656 Parkside Dr. on theCampbell Station side of Turkey Creek.They are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday of the week.
Publix - Farragutby GabrielleGosnell
FORECASTING FORGROWTH
TSBDC
Projection of your small business is key.Effective leaders have established skills in
strategic thinking. Strategic thinking is aprocess where your business vision becomes areality by developing abilities in teamwork,problem solving, and critical thinking. It alsois a tool that can help to confront change thatwill come with transitions from incorporatingnew ideas. When planning strategically thereare five different criteria that should befocused on:
Organization – This involves employees,the organizational structure, and theresources needed to make it all work.
Observation – Increase your power ofobservation to becoming aware of what moti-vates people and understand how to solveproblems more effectively.
Views –There are four viewpoints to takeinto consideration: environmental, market-place, project, and measurement view. Thesecan be used as tools to think about outcomesand identify critical elements.
Driving Forces – Lay the foundation forwhat you want people to focus on in your busi-ness. This could include the vision, values,goals, and commitment.
Ideal Position – After engaging in the firstfour steps of the strategic thinking process,you should be able to identify your ideal posi-tion. The ideal position outline shouldinclude: the conditions necessary if your busi-ness is to be productive; the niche that yourbusiness will fill; opportunities that may exist;the skills required in your business; and thestrategies and tactics you will use to pull it alltogether.
Contact the Tennessee Small BusinessDevelopment Center at www.tsbdc.org to gain helpin forecasting for your small business. Our advi-sors are ready to provide free business counselingand tools to help you grow.
by Laura Overstreet, Small Business Specialistand GrowthWheel® Certified Advisor
Quotes ‘n
Notes
President
Julie A.Blaylock
On February 21, our Chamber had thehonor of celebrating retired President/CEO, Bettye Sisco. Since 2001, Bettyegrew this chamber from just over 100business members to the estimated 750members today. It was joyous to watchcountless members, officials, current andpast board directors wish her well for herretirement and tell her thank you for a jobtruly well done.
Before speaking that night, a longstand-ing member handed me a Chamber Lifenewsletter. The paper was a bit yellowed,Bettye’s “Quotes n’ Notes” marked up infaded pencil. I read a portion to the gueststhere, and I want to share it in its entire-ty with you. As we move forward into2017 and beyond, I am honored andexcited to roll up my sleeves, to learn, tohelp and to serve with you.
“Search to Become a Leader”(Author: Anonymous)
I went on a search to become a leader.I searched high and low. I spoke withauthority; people listened. But alas, therewas one who was wiser than I, and theyfollowed that individual.
I sought to inspire confidence, but thecrowd responded, "Why should I trustyou?" I postured, and I assumed that lookof leadership with a countenance thatflowed with confidence and pride, butmany passed me by and never noticed myair of elegance.
I ran ahead of the others, pointed theway to new heights. I demonstrated thatI knew the route to greatness. And then Ilooked back, and I was alone.
"What shall I do?" I queried. "I've triedhard and used all that I know." And I satdown and pondered long. And then, I lis-tened to the voices around me. And Iheard what the group was trying toaccomplish. I rolled up my sleeves andjoined in the work. As we worked, Iasked, "Are we all together in what wewant to do and how to get the job done?"And we thought together, and we foughttogether, and we struggled towards ourgoal.
I found myself encouraging the faint-hearted. I sought ideas of those too shy tospeak out. I taught those who had littleskill. I praised those who worked hard.When our task was completed, one of thegroup turned to me and said, "Thiswould not have been done but for yourleadership."
At first, I said, "I didn't lead. I justworked like the rest." And then I under-stood, leadership is not a goal. It's a wayto reaching a goal. I lead best when I helpothers to go where we've decided to go. Ilead best when I help others to use them-selves creatively. I lead best when I forgetabout myself as leader and focus on mygroup...their needs and their goals. Tolead is to serve...to give...to achievetogether.
(Thanks to lifetime member, MichaelBates, for keeping this gem!)
Tennessee grew 18 percent in post-secondaryeducation enrollment during his tenure,45000 jobs were in the pipeline as of January,and the median household income grew 6.4percent (second only to Montana, whichBoyd finds “really annoying!” drawing pealsof laughter).
Boyd does have concern over the vast dis-parity in the economic state of Tennessee’s95 counties; 17 of those are officially “dis-tressed”. Boyd has visions of developing aRural Task Force to aid and address thoseissues. He also addressed guest BobbyNicholson’s question about rumors of afuture Entrepreneur Center in Knoxville:the rumors are true and he welcomedNicholson to call him to get involved.
Prior to the fantastic presentation, theChamber was proud to present three newEnterprise Club pillars to Bruce Giles-FirstUtility District (Anchor), JenniferFasching-Y-12 Federal Credit Union(Anchor) and Jeff Lawhorn-Lawhorn CPAGroup (Captain). Enterprise members arerecognized for their support of the
BreakfastFrom page 1
Julie Blaylock-FWKCC, Randy Boyd,Darla Berdal-Myer Bros. Holdings andTim Williams-Matlock Tire Service &Auto Repair pose after the successfulpresentation.
Chamber and community for their invest-ment above and beyond their standardannual membership.
The Chamber thanks all sponsors for thisevent including Presenting SponsorsPinnacle Financial Partners and Town ofFarragut, Event Sponsor First UtilityDistrict, Community Sponsor MichaelBrady, and Media Sponsor farragutpress.The Chamber will make an estimated $650donation from ticket sales to Boyd’s charity, TNAchieves.
