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Fall 2016 Issue 6 bristolchamber.com
Bristol, TN/VA Chamber of Commerce
Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol State of the Cities
Chamber Events
New Members
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Fall 2016 Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee
Chairman Jim Maxwell, Bristol Herald Courier Chair Elect Janice Jones, United Southeast Federal Credit Union Past Chairman Chris Lee, Bill Gatton Automotive Group Vice Chair Community Leadership Mark Byington, Necessary Oil Vice Chair Gold Club Danny Carter, BELFOR Vice Chair Business Industry & Education William Burris, III, BurWil Construction Co., Inc. Vice Chair Governmental Relations Clayton Dowell, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Vice Chair Member Relations Jody Dutcher, Electro-Mechanical Corporation Vice Chair Treasurer, Finance & Administration Janice Jones, United Southeast Federal Credit Union Jerry Kirk, Renasant Bank Vice Chair Convention & Visitors Bureau John Rainero, Permatile
Directors
Brad Adams, Johnson Commercial Development Jerry Caldwell, Bristol Motor Speedway Jack Dempsey, News 5 WCYB Fox Tri-Cities Charles Earhart, Earhart Campground Mark Esposito, PennStuart Jessica Flagg, Eastman Ed Gniewek, Bristol Compressors International, Inc. Keisha Gould, Courtyard by Marriott Chris Hall, BVU Authority Karen Hester, Cranberry Lane/The Southern Churn Bart Long, Bart Long and Associates Greg Neal, Bristol Regional Medical Center David Oakley, Strongwell Emily O’Quinn Brock Slone, Shearers Foods, Inc.
The University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech squared off at Bristol Motor Speedway Sept. 10 for the Battle at Bristol and set a new attendance record for college football.
Ex-Officio Board Members Christina Blevins, Believe in Bristol Dr. Gene Couch, Virginia Highlands Community College Tabitha Crowder, City of Bristol Virginia Dr. Janice Gilliam, Northeast State Community College Hon. Bill Hartley, Bristol Virginia Mayor Hon. Chad Keen, Bristol Tennessee Mayor Dr. Gary Lilly, Bristol Tennessee Public Schools Evelyn Rafalowski, Sullivan County Director of Schools Gary Ritchie, Bristol Virginia Public Schools Leah Ross, Birthplace of Country Music Bill Sorah, City of Bristol Tennessee Hon. Richard Venable, Sullivan County Mayor
Chamber Staff Beth Rhinehart - President & CEO brhinehart@bristolchamber.org Amy Shuttle - Senior Vice President, Member Relations & Organizational Development ashuttle@bristolchamber.org Matt Bolas - Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau mbolas@bristolchamber.org Alayna Holden - Member Care Specialist/ Keep Bristol Beautiful Coordinator aholden@bristolchamber.org Sarah Hutchinson - Director, IT & Graphic Design shutchinson@bristolchamber.org Chelsea Ketron - Director, Government Relations/Education, Leadership & Workforce Development cketron@bristolchamber.org Kimberly Leonard - Senior Director, Marketing/CVB kleonard@bristolchamber.org Veronica Miller - Member Care Specialist frontdesk@bristolchamber.org Lori Worley - Senior Director, Communications & Public Relations lworley@bristolchamber.org
The mission of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of business advocating for a progressive, innovative and sustainable economic climate. Publisher Bristol Chamber of Commerce 423.989.4850 bristolchamber.com Photography provided by David Crigger, Bristol Herald Courier Reece Hill, Hill Photography Service Earl Neikirk, Bristol Herald Courier Andre Teague, Bristol Herald Courier Printed by Interstate Graphics, Inc. Advertising Sales To purchase advertising in this publication, please contact Lori Worley at lworley@bristolchamber.org
CONTENTS
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From The Chairman Gold Club Members Ambassador of the Quarter President’s Report Chamber Events Bristol Christmas Parade New Member Profiles 4th Annual State of the Cities Around the Region Keep Bristol Beautiful LEAD Bristol! Bristol Youth Leadership Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol First Friday Business Briefing Awards and Achievements
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From The Chairman Bristol Motor Speedway Scores Big With Battle at Bristol To say that the Battle at Bristol at Bristol Motor Speedway was spectacular is an understatement! All of Bristol stepped it up a notch, making way for a truly extraordinary once-ina-lifetime world-class experience. Jerry Caldwell and his team at Bristol Motor Speedway set the stage for the whole world to see and experience the biggest college football game in history. Their experience at running the best NASCAR venue in America really paid off. Those of us who were fortunate enough to attend were the beneficiaries of a truly classic experience. Everything went off without a hitch. All of Bristol, from our hotels and campgrounds, to our restaurants, grocery stores and retail shops, stepped it up too. In my opinion, we set the standard for giant first-class sporting events.
Much bigger cities around the United States, and the world for that matter, should take note and learn from Bristol Motor Speedway, as well as the rest of our community, as to how to pull this type of event off! We rolled out the red carpet and folks from all 50 states and a handful of foreign countries dropped in. Bristol gave them a huge hug – and I’ll bet many of them come back to visit us for more. The opportunity to show off Bristol to the entire globe doesn’t come along every day. The planning and coordination downtown at the Battle on the State Line Kickoff and Pep Rally, which preceded the game, at the Speedway and all around our community showed once again that Bristol is a first-class community. I’ve said it before – some people visit nice places, smart people live there. Bristol is not just a a great place to live but it’s also a great place to do business.
Jim Maxwell Bristol Chamber of Commerce 2015/2016 Chairman of the Board
Gold Club Members AtWork Personnel Services Bank of Tennessee BB&T BELFOR Bell Helicopter Ben Igou State Farm Agency Bill Gatton Automotive Group Birthplace of Country Music ® Branding Iron Bristol Compressors International, Inc. Bristol Herald Courier The Bristol Hotel Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol Regional Medical Center Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Brown Edwards & Company, L.L.P. Burke, Powers, & Harty, Inc. BurWil Construction Company, Inc. BVU Authority Charter Spectrum Cintas Corporation City of Bristol Tennessee Comfort Systems USA - Bristol The Corporate Image 4
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Courtyard by Marriott Cranberry Lane Earhart Campground Eastman Credit Union Edward Jones - Rita Kiscaden Electric Sun Tanning of Bristol, VA Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. First Community Bank Food City The Friendship Family of Dealerships Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn Bristol Conference Center Holston Medical Group, PC J.A. Street & Associates, Inc. Johnson Commercial Development Keen Promotions KS Promotional Products Leinbach Services, Inc. Lighthouse Supply Company Massey Electric Company Mattern & Craig
Necessary Oil Company Neuro-Spine Solutions, P.C. News 5 WCYB/FOX Tri-Cities WEMT/ Tri-Cities CW Northeast State Community College PennStuart Pratt Industries Renasant Bank Sam’s Club SBS Services Second Harvest Food Bank of NE TN SESCO Management Consultants Shearer’s Foods Inc. Southern States Bristol Cooperative Strongwell The Summit Companies SW Services Inc. Thompson & Litton The Tombras Group The Virginian United Southeast Federal Credit Union Universal Printing, Inc. W-L Construction and Paving, Inc.
President’s Report Big Events Simply Mean Business As Usual for Bristol Isn’t Bristol the absolute greatest? As the last few months have flown by, I reflect on the incredible events and opportunities that have presented themselves in our community and region. Bristol has been host to so many new and old visitors. We cheered on the renowned NASCAR drivers who energized fans as they masterfully turned the corners of Bristol Motor Speedway, we sang and danced with a multitude of talented musical artists at Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, and we cheered on our favorite college football teams – whether it be our Virginia Tech HOKIES or our University of Tennessee VOLS – at the Battle at Bristol! And we closed out another successful Bristol Pirates season. That’s just the surface of all the other great things that occur weekly in Bristol. How does a community the size of Bristol pull it all off? Most who know Bristol would say it was “business as usual.” We are a community with an abundance of leaders and hard workers who are determined to create success. More importantly, we have a community with many of extremely engaged and hospitable residents and businesses that make Bristol THE place to visit, live, work and play. In the many conversations I have with new businesses and visitors to our region, this is a standout characteristic
of Bristolians. As businesses and city governments, we support these opportunities; understanding that they grow our economy. In our planning and orchestration of How does a community these opportunities, we develop new the size of Bristol pull relationships with partners we didn’t it all off? Most who know who were know Bristol would say it willing and ready.
was “business as usual.” All of this is a recipe for success, We are a community with and Bristol creates success very well! an abundance of leaders I cannot wait to see what’s next – and hard workers who new businesses, new events, new are determined to opportunities – they create success. all go hand in hand. Thank you to the Bristol residents, businesses, our city leaders and staff, visitors and new partners – we look forward to seeing what the future holds. Beth Rhinehart President & CEO
Dianne Necessary Named Ambassador of the Quarter The Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Quarter is aesthetician Dianne Necessary. For her outstanding representation of the Chamber, Dianne was recognized during the August Friday Business Briefing, held at King University. She has been present at nearly every Chamber event held in 2016, continues to be the first to arrive to lend a helping hand wherever it may be needed, and also recruits new members. The Ambassador of the Quarter honor is awarded to the highest pointearning Ambassador. Ambassadors earn points by attending Chamber events, such as Friday Business Briefings, Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours, making courtesy calls to other members, helping to facilitate Chamber 101 – New Member Orientations, and other events. (left to right) Chris Fields, Ambassador Co-Chair;
Dianne Necessary, Ambassador of the Quarter; Keisha Gould, Ambassador Co-Chair; Beth Rhinehart, Bristol Chamber President & CEO
Bristol Chamber Ambassadors are a group of professionals who serve as a welcoming arm of the Chamber, while also providing outreach to other members.
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SUGAR HOLLOW PARK - DISC GOLF COURSE Exit 7 - Lee Highway, Bristol, VA
SAM’S CLUB 13249 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA
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AGERO 115 Sprint Drive, Blountville, TN
EVENTS
THE BRISTOL HOTEL 510 Birthplace of Country Music Way, Bristol, VA
PLATINUM HAIR STUDIO 11 Spurgeon Lane, Bristol, VA
VIPSEEN MAGAZINE 151 East Main Street, #5, Kingsport, TN
MAURICES 16610 Highlands Center Blvd., Bristol, VA
R&R MEDICINE 28 Midway Street, Lower Level, Bristol, TN
JMH SLEEP MEDICINE CENTER 3175 Linden Drive, Bristol, VA
BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE & MORE 1400 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA
BANK OF MARION 7 Clear Creek Road, Bristol, VA
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BRISTOL, TN/VA REALTORS ASSOCIATION 1203 Edgemont Avenue, Bristol, TN
NASH & POWERS INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. 615 Shelby Street, Bristol, TN
KAYCLIFF CENTER AT BOONE LAKE 212 Spurgeon Gap Road, Gray, TN
MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 420 Pinnacle Parkway, #158, Bristol, TN
WELLMONT URGENT CARE 2686 W. State Street, Bristol, TN
WALLACE IMPORTS OF BRISTOL 320 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN
APPALACHIAN ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES 260 Midway Medical Park, Ste 100, Bristol, TN
HIGHLANDS REALTY, INC. 830 Sullins Street, Ste 1, Bristol, VA
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF NETN 1020 Jericho Drive, Kingsport, TN
HISTORIC BRISTOL CHRISTMAS PARADE SET FOR DEC. 1 One of the area’s most anticipated celebrations, the Bristol Christmas Parade, which has been taking place for more than a century, is set for Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Helping usher in the holiday season, the parade, which starts on Bob Morrison Blvd. and travels down State Street to the historic Bristol Train Station, brings out thousands of area residents who look forward to seeing the beautifully decorated floats, as well as Santa himself. Local businesses, civic and volunteer organizations, church groups, bands, schools, neighborhood groups and beauty contestants are all invited to participate in the parade. Lineup will be at 5 p.m. near the Bristol Herald Courier on Morrison Blvd. There is a cost associated with entering floats/vehicles (starting at $25 per vehicle). Please note that the deadline for entry is on the online application (www.bristolchamber.com). For more information, please call 423-989-4850. Fall 2016
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NEW MEMBER PROFILES NEW GOLD CLUB MEMBER DIANE STACY 1 Medical Park Blvd., Ste 300E, Bristol, TN 423.844.6450
GAVIN PHILIPP
510 Birthplace of Country Music Way Bristol, VA The Bristol Hotel, expected to open in late 2017, is an independent boutique style property that will feature 65 Guest Rooms and Suites, a Rooftop Bar, Restaurant/Bar and a distinct meeting and event space. In addition, the Hotel will offer spa services, a fitness center and many other unique amenities and services to showcase the Hotel and Region. The Bristol Hotel will be a catalyst for continued development in downtown Bristol, and become a gathering place for the local community and visiting guests alike.
JEFF EAVES 107 Tri-City Business Park Gray, TN 423.477.1300 www.appalachiabusiness.com Appalachia Business Communications is an authorized distributor for Toshiba Copiers and Toshiba Digital Signage Services, including indoor and outdoor digital displays, video walls, interactive touch panels, QSR menu boards and custom-designed interactive customer experiences.
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BETHANY ELKINS 1061 Old Abingdon Hwy, Ste 11&12, ANNA LESTER Bristol, TN 260 Midway Medical Park, Ste 100, Bristol, TN 276.971.3450 423.968.4446 Brew Rebellion Bristol is located just off Exit 5 www.appalachianortho.com in Bristol, Va. and offers unique and flavorful Appalachian Orthopaedic Associates is an orthopaedic craft beers in a warm social environment. practice consisting of highly trained orthopaedic Stop by and sample West Coast style brews surgeons and non-surgical specialists providing with seasonal twists and enjoy special live comprehensive musculoskeletal treatments. music and food offerings on the weekend.
BRANDI BROWNING 15571 Lee Hwy, Bristol, VA 276.258.5276 www.artemisllc.com Artemis provides an extensive range of civil and environmental services, along with business management consulting with a concentration in providing environmental permitting and monitoring services to a variety of clients.
PEG AYERS 22443 Jeb Stuart Hwy, Damascus, VA 276.492.6462 www.ayersandcompanyconsulting.com Ayers & Company Consulting LLC focuses on process improvement through employee engagement and leadership development specializing in leadership retreats, employee focus groups and Total SDI, a tool that encourages appreciation and understanding of each other’s motivations related to people, process and performance.
TYLER SCOTT 1400 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA 276.494.0733 www.badcock.com Badcock & More focuses on offering customers great and easy purchasing options with in-house financing, as well as providing customers with the color and style they want, at prices they love.
MIKE OWENS 449 Pinnacle Parkway, Bristol, TN 423.274.0353 www.carmax.com CarMax is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, operating more than 160 stores in 37 states nationwide, including one of its newest locations right here in Bristol at The Pinnacle.
FRANK BROWN, JR. & KATHLEEN BROWN 830 Sullins Street, Ste 1, Bristol, VA 276.644.4333 www.highlandsrealtyinc.com Highlands Realty, Inc. has been trusted by people of NE TN and SW VA when buying or selling their property for 11 years. The agents’ tech-savvy marketing & negotiating skills creates a “Win-Win” situation for all.
BENNETT LITTLE 212 Spurgeon Gap Road, Bristol, TN 423.429.3916 www.kaycliffcenter.com Kaycliff Center at Boone Lake is a beautiful lodge and museum on 40 acres of lakefront property in Gray, Tenn. Kaycliff is a unique venue for corporate, non-profit and social events.
New Member Profiles KB’z Kitchen, LLC BRIAN KNICKERBOCKER Bristol, VA 276.608.1415 KB’z Kitchen is a 100% self-started mobile food service offering unique concepts re-inventing quesadillas & steak hoagies. The menu has something for every taste bud.
Kinetic Performance Coaching JENNY BROWN P.O. Box 1016, Bristol, TN 423.274.3735 www. kineticperformancecoaching.com Kinetic Performance Coaching mentors individuals and teams in career development, time management, and organizational systems using team-buidling and goal-setting workshops.
SHERRY HALL 532 Pinnacle Parkway, Ste 573, Bristol, TN 423.652.0039 www.lanebryant.com Lane Bryant is the nation’s leading women’s special size apparel retailer, providing stylish and high-quality fashion in sizes 14-28.
at The Pinnacle JESSICA MEYER 532 Pinnacle Parkway, Ste 565, Bristol, TN 423.764.4223 www.maurices.com Maurices has opened its newest store – its 4th location in the Tri-Cities – at The Pinnacle. They offer women’s styles in sizes 0-24 and always have a great variety of the latest fashion trends.
DR. SONYA SAADATI 28 Midway Street, Lower Level, Bristol, VA 423.217.1174 www.rrmedicine.com R&R Medicine is a new Integrative Medical Practice that specializes in anti-aging and functional medicine, hormone balancing and esthetic and cosmetic services.
MIKE WADDELL Bristol, TN 423.612.4447 www.pbmshop.net Photos by Michael is a locally-owned and operated photographic service specializing in commercial photography, such as architectural and residential, product advertising, corporate and entertainment, and model head & shoulder portraits.
JEFF RADFORD One Medical Park Blvd., 5 West, Bristol, TN 423.844.5916 tricities.selectspecialtyhospitals.com Select Specialty Hospital – TriCities provides highly specialized care to promote recovery from the most critical and complex medical and surgical conditions.
Whiskey Rebellion KELCI HALL & MEGAN GARLAND 11 Spurgeon Lane, Bristol, VA 276.644.9200 www.facebook.com/platinumhairstudio11 Platinum Hair Studio offers all things hair and makeup and in the future plan to be a full service salon for all of their clients’ needs.
#GetYourBristolOn Join in the fun and connect with the Bristol Chamber on social media
TC NICHOLS & ADAM BLANKENSHIP 520 State Street, Bristol, TN 423.573.2209 www.wrebellion.com Centrally located in Historic Downtown Bristol, Whiskey Rebellion offers a respite from the daily grind as a Southern Prime House featuring the finest in food and drink.
JOHN PERRY 546 Pinnacle Parkway, Ste 617, Bristol, TN 423.764.4993 www.yankeecandle.com Yankee Candle has become the No. 1 mostrecognized name in the candle business and the country’s best selling candle brand offering over 150 fragrances. They offer the world’s largest and most compelling selection of candle and home fragrance scents.
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Congressman Morgan Griffith, Delegate Israel O’Quinn, Beth Rhinehart, Mayor Bill Hartley, Mayor Chad Keen, Jim Maxwell, Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, Representative Jon Lundberg and Congressman Phil Roe
Partnerships Highlight State of the Cities Addresses The Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth Annual State of the Cities event, held Aug. 3 at the Bristol Train Station, highlighted the importance of partnerships for the Twin Cities. Sponsored by Bristol Tennessee Essential Services and Food City, the event took place before a sellout crowd of 200 community business leaders. Bristol Virginia Mayor Bill Hartley and Bristol Tennessee Mayor Chad Keen announced that they have been working together on a plan to relaunch the Ignite Bristol program, which began in 1996. Among the program’s priorities were building a new library, as well as a country music museum, revitalizing the Bristol Train Station and establishing an organization to facilitate downtown redevelopment. Twenty years later, all four of those initiatives have come to fruition in Bristol, leading both mayors to discuss the importance of once again utilizing the program for long-range community visioning efforts. “During the last 20 years, we have been able to achieve the goals that we set out for ourselves,” said Keen. “And it is time for us once again to come together and look toward the future. We need to reignite the Ignite process.” Hartley agreed.
“During the last 20 years, we have been able to achieve the goals that we set for ourselves. And it is time for us once again to come together and look toward the future. We need to reignite the Ignite process.” -Mayor Chad Keen City of Bristol, Tennessee
“We need the input of all community stakeholders — businesses, nonprofits and most importantly our residents,” he said. “We need everyone to get involved and be engaged, to tell us what their priorities are for the future. Just as it was 20 years ago, to have a successful plan it needs to be community-oriented and not driven by elected officials or city staff.” The current plan is for both city councils to schedule a joint meeting, perhaps as early as this fall, to formally reintroduce the Ignite Bristol program. Both mayors also discussed their respective city’s achievements over the last year and also looked to the future with great anticipation and optimism. “After many unfortunate delays and unforeseen obstacles, we celebrated the opening of two anchor stores at The Falls,” said Hartley. “The momentum continues with additional stores opening, others in construction and more in development.
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“Over the past year, our downtown continues to expand with a new brewery, and not just one but two new hotels in development. All of these properties build upon Bristol’s unique heritage and character through adaptive reuse of historic buildings.” In order for Bristol, Virginia to continue growing and moving forward, Hartley said planning, partnerships, people, patience and perseverance were crucial. “The problems we face were not created overnight nor will we solve them overnight,” Hartley said. Keen, pointing to residential building construction exceeding $10 million and commercial building permits totaling $84 million in construction the past fiscal year, said that Bristol, Tennessee was in a very strong position right now.
Del. Israel O’Quinn, Beth Rhinehart, Mayor Bill Hartley, Mayor Chad Keen, Jim Maxwell and Dr. Michael Browder
“We need the input of all community stakeholders — businesses, nonprofits and most importantly our residents. We need everyone to get involved and be engaged, to tell us what their priorities are for the future.” - Mayor Bill Hartley City of Bristol, Virginia Bristol Mayors Bill Hartley and Chad Keen, along with Beth Rhinehart, after the State of the Cities event
“We are going to continue to see exciting things happen in our downtown,” he said. “New professional jobs will be filling office spaces there soon, and on the heels of the recent Teleperformance announcement, we will soon be able to announce another expansion of a local company that will bring hundreds of additional manufacturing jobs to the city.” Virginia U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and Tennessee Rep. Phil Roe, both of whom were in attendance, were each presented the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award at the event. Tennessee U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, who weren’t able to attend, also earned the Spirit of Enterprise Award. Additionally, retiring Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Rep. Jon Lundberg, were presented the Champion of Commerce Award from the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. Virginia Del. Israel O’Quinn was recognized for his A+ 97 percent pro business voting record following his work in the 2016 General Assembly Session. Sen. Bill Carrico was recognized for this A+100 percent pro business voting record, as well as for earning the 2016 Champion of Free Enterprise Award.
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BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION HITS RIGHT NOTE The 16th Annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, which took place Sept. 16-18, proved to be another tremendous success in as tens of thousands of music lovers jammed into downtown Bristol. The three-day festival, a celebration of Appalachian music’s past, present and future roots and is one of the largest musical gatherings in the Southeast, offered up nearly 150 artists on 22 stages, including 16 indoor venues, a dance tent and a children’s stage. BR&RR featured traditional and current country music, along with bluegrass, Celtic, Americana, folk, old-time, blues, Indie, rock and a little bit of reggae. Bobby Bare, who was a late addition in place of the ailing Loretta Lynn, was the headliner, along with the Indigo Girls, Houndmouth, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Marty Stuart, Keller Williams, Anderson East, Hayes Carll, the Darrell Scott Band, Cracker, Steep Canyon Rangers and scores of others.
THE PINNACLE SPEEDWAY IN LIGHTS SET TO OPEN NOV. 18 The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA at Bristol Motor Speedway will begin Nov. 18 this year and run through Jan. 7, 2017. The holiday light show, which features more than two million lights and hundreds of displays decorating a four-mile route around Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway, is one of the largest in the Southeast. Speedway In Lights also features Christmas Village in the BMS infield where visitors can roast marshmallows, enjoy hot chocolate and other great food items, rides and crafts. Additionally, visitors can strap on their ice skates and have plenty of fun at the Ice Rink presented by HVAC. This is the 20th year of Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway. The light show has raised nearly $10 million for children’s organizations in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
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24TH ANNUAL SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE AND RIVER CLEANUP NETS MORE THAN 15 TONS OF GARBAGE Keep Bristol Beautiful’s 24th Annual South Holston Lake and River Cleanup, which took place Aug. 13, proved once again to be extremely successful. A total of 257 volunteers came out to help clean up litter from the banks and water of both the river and lake. The final total of garbage removed from both bodies of water was more than 15 tons, which included 650 tires, along with assorted other items like doors and appliances. A big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this effort: Special thanks to our sponsors A&S Sanitation, Bridgestone, Bristol Compressors International, Inc., Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, City of Bluff City, City of Bristol Tennessee, City of Bristol Virginia, Code Restoration, Cox Disposal, Eastman Credit Union, Ecological Energy Systems, Electro-Mechanical Corp., Food City, J.A. Street, Jacobs Creek Job Corps, Laurel Marina, Liberty Tire, Mountain Sports, Painter Creek Marina, Republic Services, Sexton’s Marine Service, The South Holston River Co., Strongwell, Tennessee Clean Water Network, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Trout Unlimited and Waste Industries USA.
KBB’S CONSERVATION CAMP DRAWS 786 STUDENTS Keep Bristol Beautiful’s Conservation Camp, which took place Sept. 7-9 at Sugar Hollow Park, drew 786 students from area schools. Third and fourth grade students took part in the camp from the following elementary schools: Abingdon, Anderson, Fairmont, High Point, Greendale, Haynesfield, Meadowview, Rhea Valley, Sullins Academy, Valley Institute and Watauga. Students, who were joined by 35 teachers, had 10 station subjects they could enjoy learning about, including conservation, forestry, litter, food web, plants, water, mammalogy, stream table, insects and playgrounds.
NOVEMBER 19 More information to come...
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2016-2017 LEAD BRISTOL! CLASS MATT ADKINS, COMPLIANCE IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES ADAM ALLEN, MASSEY ELECTRIC, INC. REBECCA BANTON, MILLIGAN COLLEGE BRAD BARNETT, EASTMAN CREDIT UNION
LEAD BRISTOL! WELCOMES NEW CLASS
MAGGIE BISHOP, BELIEVE IN BRISTOL WALTER BROWN, CITY OF BRISTOL TN POLICE DEPARTMENT LESLEY BULLOCK, HOLSTON MEDICAL GROUP SHANNON BURKETT, BROWN, EDWARDS & COMPANY, PLLC MIKE CASTLE, FOOD CITY JESSICA CHANCE, FOOD CITY DR. CHAD COUCH, WELLMONT BRISTOL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER JAY DETRICK, CITY OF BRISTOL VIRGINIA TJ DEWITT, BRISTOL PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHAAP FREEMAN, BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC DAWN FRIEDMAN, BRISTOL HERALD COURIER AMY HICKS, BANK OF TENNESSEE ALAN HOWARD, CITY OF BRISTOL TN FIRE DEPARTMENT SARAH HUTCHINSON, BRISTOL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHRISSY IDLETTE, EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY STEVE JACKSON, BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY ANTHONY LAWSON, EASTMAN CREDIT UNION SCOTT MOREFIELD, ATWORK PERSONNEL SERVICES LAURA PENNINGTON, VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BART POE, CITY OF BRISTOL VIRGINIA JENNIFER PUCKETT, NORTHEAST STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE NANCYE RAHN, KING UNIVERSITY MICHELLE ROARK, BRISTOL COMPRESSORS RENE RODGERS, BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC BRIAN ROSE, CITY OF BRISTOL TENNESSEE ERIC SANDEFUR, FOOD CITY HEATHER SHEETS, BTES JOE THACKER, BTES JENNIFER WILLIAMS, HILTON GARDEN INN
LEAD BRISTOL! SPONSORS: Program Sponsors: AtWork Personnel, Bank of Tennessee, Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Motor Speedway, Comfort Systems USA Bristol, First Tennessee Foundation Contributing Sponsors: Eastman Chemical Company, Food City, KS Promotional Products, Pepsi, SESCO Management Consultants
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With more than 900 graduates over 30-plus years, the award-winning LEAD Bristol! program is a proven commodity utilized by numerous companies and organizations whose goal is to aid their employees in becoming leaders. The nine-month training course, a Bristol Chamber of Commerce program, is available to all area businesses and focuses on providing skills that are essential to leadership development. The program focuses on building leadership skills and gives participants valuable networking opportunities with others in the class which results in making new business contacts, as well as long-lasting friendships. In partnership with local area colleges and universities, professors and other professional personnel take part in the classes and provide expertise in areas such as business ethics, communications, diversity, and many other topics crucial in building leadership abilities. SESCO Management Consultants, a nationally recognized human resources agency, lends its services to the program and is a key partner. Participants will learn a variety of new skills that will facilitate growth in their careers and business relationships and they will be involved in a service project as well. These projects, which class members must plan and execute, are solicited from local agencies, governmental entities and non-profit organizations each year. While the projects make a significant impact on the community, they invariably make quite an impression on the participants too. Class sessions are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. one day each month, beginning with an overnight retreat in September and concluding in May with graduation.
BRISTOL YOUTH LEADERSHIP KICKS OFF NEW SCHOOL YEAR WITH RETREAT The 2016-2017 Bristol Youth Leadership program, this year comprised of 44 students from local high schools, kicked off with an overnight retreat at Doe River Gorge in early September. Students from Tennessee High, Virginia High, John Battle, Sullivan Central, Sullivan East and Abingdon are taking part in the program this year. Designed to teach the students valuable leadership skills, BYL is a seventh-month program in which area high school sophomores and juniors are empowered to become trustees of the Bristol community. Throughout the program, students learn a variety of valuable leadership skills including communication skills, community awareness, and business ethics. The program also provides training in the area of personal development, skills training, volunteer opportunities and team building. The students receive two college credits from King College upon completion of the program.
BRISTOL YOUTH LEADERSHIP SPONSORS: Corporate Sponsors: City of Bristol TN, City of Bristol VA, Bristol Morning Rotary Club, First Tennessee Foundation, United Southeast Federal Credit Union Collegiate Sponsors: King University, Milligan College, Northeast State Community College Contributing Sponsors: Food City, Pepsi, SESCO Management Consultants, YWCA of Bristol
2016-2017 BRISTOL YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLASS ANNALEE ADAMS, TENNESSEE HIGH
ZACK LEONARD, TENNESSEE HIGH
PAXTON ADKINS, SULLIVAN EAST
ALEK MCRAE, TENNESSEE HIGH
ALEX ADKINS, VIRGINIA HIGH
CLAIRE MELTON, JOHN S. BATTLE
DUSTIN BARTLEY, SULLIVAN EAST
GABBY MITCHELL, VIRGINIA HIGH
KENDRA BRENT, TENNESSEE HIGH
CADE MITCHELL, TENNESSEE HIGH
TITUS BROOKS, TENNESSEE HIGH
DILLON PENDLEY, TENNESSEE HIGH
LANE CARROLL, VIRGINIA HIGH
LAKEN ROBINETTE, TENNESSEE HIGH
CHELSEY CARTER, JOHN S. BATTLE
NATALIE ROLLER, SULLIVAN CENTRAL
LANZ GEISLER, VIRGINIA HIGH
HAILEY RUSH, JOHN S. BATTLE
2016-2017 BYL ALUMS KAILEE BRUMFIELD, SULLIVAN EAST CAITLIN HALE, SULLIVAN EAST BROOKE HATCHER, SULLIVAN CENTRAL TAYLOR JACKSON, TENNESSEE HIGH BRENNON KIMBLER, JOHN S. BATTLE
MADI GRISWOLD, SULLIVAN CENTRAL
GINNY SENTER, TENNESSEE HIGH
MADI MARSHALL, VIRGINIA HIGH
GRAY HATCHER, SULLIVAN EAST
VINCE SIMMONS, TENNESSEE HIGH
MORGAN MATNEY, TENNESSEE HIGH
BEN HAZELWOOD, VIRGINIA HIGH
REBEKAH SKAGGS, SULLIVAN EAST
JARED STANLEY, ABINGDON HIGH
MARLEY HILLMAN, TENNESSEE HIGH
HUNTER SMITH, TENNESSEE HIGH
ERIN SULLIVAN, ABINGDON HIGH
MEGAN HURLEY, ABINGDON HIGH
HANNAH STEELE, SULLIVAN CENTRAL
SAVANNAH JOHNSON, SULLIVAN EAST
ABIGAIL VINCILL, VIRGINIA HIGH
KRISTIAN WILSON, VIRGINIA HIGH
TYLER JOHNSON, TENNESSEE HIGH
CHRISTIAN WILLIAMS, JOHN S. BATTLE
HALEY KEENE, TENNESSEE HIGH
LEXIE WORLEY, TENNESSEE HIGH Fall 2016
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VOLS TAKE BATTLE AT BRISTOL AS NEW RECORD FOR ATTENDANCE IS SET The long awaited Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, which took place Sept. 10 at Bristol Motor Speedway, saw the University of Tennessee knock off Virginia Tech 45-24 and also set a new record for attendance. The crowd, the largest to ever see a college football game in person, was announced at 156,990, which crushed the old mark of 115,109 set at the Notre Dame-Michigan game three years ago. The Vols were led by senior quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who threw three touchdown passes and also rushed for two scores. The game featured a patriotic national anthem performed by Jennifer Nettles and an appearance by Lee Greenwood, who sang his classic “God Bless the USA,” much to the delight of the crowd. In attendance at the game was former Tennessee Vol and Denver Bronco’s QB Peyton Manning, as well as former Virginia Tech and Buffalo Bill star Bruce Smith and Michael Vick, who starred for the Hokies and in the NFL. Preceding the game was the Bristol Tailgate Party on Sept. 9 at BMS with Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry and Old Dominion.
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Fall 2016
Vol Walk before Battle at Bristol
Also, on Sept. 8-9, the Battle on the State Line Kickoff took place in downtown Bristol with music from Folk Soul Revival, Brothers of the Highway, SPANK and James Meadows. The two-day event featured a number of former players who signed autographs on Friday for the thousands of fans who gathered downtown. Players who participated included former Vols Heath Shuler, Jayson Swain, Phil Stuart, Fred White, Bruce Wilkerson, Toby Champion, Dale Fair, Darryal Wilson, Brendan Downs and Alex Walls, as well as former Hokies Bruce Smith, Kevin Jones, David Lamie, Steve Johnson, Milton Franklin and Eric Smith. Former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, as well as Jon Laaser, the Voice of the Hokies, joined Shuler, Swain, BMS general manager Jerry Caldwell and Food City President and CEO Steve Smith, along with emcee Paul Johnson of WCYB, on stage for the “Sports Desk” feature on Friday. The panel broke down the game, talking about each team’s strengths and challenges. Not surprisingly, Beamer and Laaser predicted the Hokies would win the game, while Shuler and Swain had no doubts about the Vols picking up the victory. The pep squads from Tennessee and Virginia Tech were also part of Friday’s event, along with the mascots. They led a large turnout of fans in cheers from the stage and also posed for pictures with fans. Payton Miller, who paints the legendary Rock on the campus of UT, was on hand Sept. 8. Over the course of about four hours, Miller painted an amazing likeness of Smokey, the Vols’ mascot, using spray paint on a wooden background. The original artwork was a huge hit with fans, as was a seven-foot high structure that featured Virginia Tech’s HokieBird. Fans from both schools autographed both pieces.
Members of the Sports Desk, from left to right, were Jon Laaser, Jayson Swain, Jerry Caldwell, Heath Shuler, Paul Johnson, Frank Beamer and Steve Smith.
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FRIDAY BUSINESS BRIEFINGS
Dr. Michael Browder
June 2016 New Members
Bristol Tennessee Essential Services
Drew Bedard
August 2016 New Members
Bristol Motor Speedway
Lisa Cofer & Amanda Lane United Way of Bristol
Mark Lucas
United Way of Bristol
September 2016 New Members
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Fall 2016
There’s No Place Like The Pinnacle When you visit The Pinnacle, you’ll see why we call it the region’s premier shopping destination for the five-state area! Catering to everyone of every age, there’s no place like The Pinnacle. More great shops are coming soon, so stay tuned to ThePinnacle.com, and stop by today to elevate your shopping experience!
ThePinnacle.com · Exit 74B/I-81 Fall 2016
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AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS City of Bristol Tennessee Launches App The City of Bristol Tennessee recently unveiled a mobile app that will link the community and its many visitors to key information about Bristol. Users will be able to receive city alerts regarding street closings, event or meeting cancellations, etc., as well as have access to press releases, transit schedules, city employee contacts, agendas and minutes of city board and council meetings. The app also features a calendar of events. Free downloads are now available on the Apple and Google Play stores.
King’s Augello Wins First Match in Olympics King University wrestler Haley Augello became the school’s first athlete to compete in the Olympics when she stepped on the mat in Rio for team USA on Aug. 17. Augello won her first match against Nessicaa Blaszka of The Netherlands in the 48-kilogram weight class, but fell to three-time world champion and No. 1 seed Eri Tosaka (Japan) in the quarterfinals. With an opportunity to still medal, Augello then wrestled two-time world medalist Zhuldyz Eshimova (Kazakhstan) where she fell in a close 3-2 match. The 21-year old Augello has two national titles wrestling for King.
ECU Named One of Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in Country DepositAccounts recently released the 2016 edition of its Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in America and Eastman Credit Union is again on the list. ECU made the list for the third straight year - one of only 42 credit unions to do so out of the 6,003 total federally insured credit unions in the country!
Second Harvest Food Bank of NETN Used Grant to Feed Students
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee used a $40,000 grant from ConAgra Food Foundation to add five additional congregate feeding sites for children, providing an additional 2,520 meals and distributing weekend food boxes to families whose children participated in the Summer Feeding Program. The Hunger-Free Summer grant enabled Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee to serve 1,498 unduplicated children and provide more than 19,000 meals to children in need of food assistance. An average of 890 children visited one of the Second Harvest Summer Lunch sites each weekday. The food bank’s summer lunch program continued through the end of July.
Dale Named Friendship Family of Dealerships CFO Todd Dale was recently named as the new Chief Financial Officer for the Friendship Family of Dealerships based in Bristol, Tennessee. Dale, who hails from the Tri-Cities and lives in Blountville, will assist Friendship in implementing its strategic growth plan of acquiring additional automobile dealerships and other related businesses. Dale received bachelor degrees from both East Tennessee State University and King University and has an MBA from ETSU.
CarMax Gives Back On Wednesday, June 22, CarMax Bristol associates, who are committed to giving back to their community, volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank, bagging 873 bags of food for their summer program.
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Fall 2016
Awards and Achievements Lee Selected BRMC Chairman Chris Lee was recently selected as chairman of Bristol Regional Medical Center’s board of directors. Lee is chief operating officer at Bill Gatton Automotive. During his 35year career with the company, he has served as general manager of dealerships, new car sales manager and used car sales manager. He has also served as chairman of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Automotive Dealers Association. Lee is a member of the Rotary Club of Bristol. Also selected to the board was Suzanne Rollins, who retired in 2009 as Wellmont Health System’s chief nursing officer, as vice chairwoman and Martin Kent, president and chief operating officer of The United Co., as secretary. Two physicians on the medical staff also joined the board – Ben Scharfstein, M.D., a surgeon who is medical director of the hospital’s Level II trauma center, and Roger McSharry, M.D., a pulmonologist and critical care specialist with Wellmont Medical Associates.
Walters Named to Automotive News’ 40 Under 40 Dustin Walters, the vice president, general manager and operating partner for Friendship Hyundai of Johnson City and Bristol was recently named one of Automotive News’ 40 Under 40. The annual program honors 40 high achievers at new-car dealerships who are under 40 years old. Walters, a native to the Tri-Cities and 13-year veteran with the Friendship Family of Dealerships, has a business degree from ETSU and graduated from Tennessee High School.
Wellmont Patients Among First to Receive New Device Patients of the Wellmont CVA Heart Institute will be among the first in the nation and the only in this region eligible to receive a new type of device used to clear blockages in heart arteries – one that eventually dissolves and leaves no trace it was ever used. The heart institute is one of a select few Centers of Excellence nationally to be immediately able to use a new bioabsorbable medicated stent, developed by Abbott Vascular, in patients to restore blood flow in an affected heart artery. This groundbreaking technology became available to heart institute patients with the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the device on July 5.
BCM Museum Earns AASLH Award of Merit The American Association for State and Local History announced this summer that the Birthplace of Country Music Museum was the recipient of an Award of Merit for their permanent exhibits on the history and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 71st year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. The museum’s permanent exhibits – through text and artifacts, interactive components, and multiple film experiences – tell the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings, explore how evolving sound technology shaped their success, and highlight how this rich musical heritage lives on in today’s music. The Bristol Sessions, the first recordings of The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, along with other early country artists, set the stage for the later commercial country music industry. The permanent exhibits, along with complementary programming, have been instrumental to the museum’s mission.
Vestal Named BMS Director of Communications Bristol Motor Speedway has added motorsports public relations veteran Anthony Vestal to their staff as Director of Communications. Vestal has successfully led the day-today communications program for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) for almost two decades. As a member of the communications team, Vestal will lead efforts for Bristol Dragway and daily PR operations. He will also assist in integrated strategy, development and execution for all Speedway and ancillary events.
King University Recognized AffordableSchools.net recently released its newest college ranking list, which named King University among the Top 20 Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Communications and Public Relations. AffordableSchools.net is a college rankings site centering on unique and affordable academic programs. King University has also been recognized as a “Best Regional Universities” in the South by U.S. News and World Report; this year’s ranking is King’s 26th consecutive appearance in the annual publication. Other recent accolades include King’s recognition for the past 12 years as a “Best College in the Southeast” by the Princeton Review, and as a “Military Friendly School” for the seventh year by G.I. Jobs.
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Magazine Once Again Ranks BELFOR No. 1 BELFOR Property Restoration was once again ranked in the number one position in Qualified Remodeler magazine for 2016. The publication annually ranks the Top 500 remodeling firms in the nation. BELFOR has been honored to be at the top spot for 16 years in a row. Qualified Remodeler ranks remodelers in projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, whole-house remodels, insurance restoration, design-build services and light commercial projects.
HMG Welcomes Dr. Cassie Hudson Holston Medical Group has added another pediatrican, Dr. Cassie Hudson to HMG Primary Care & Pediatrics at Sapling Grove. Dr. Hudson received her bachelor of science at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and her medical doctorate degree from Lincoln Memorial University - Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, Tenn. She then completed her residency as Pediatric Chief Resident at ETSU - Quillen College of Medicine. Her interests include newborn care, breastfeeding, and adolescent females.
Marsh Regional Blood Center Honors Julia Davis Marsh Regional Blood Center is proud to honor Julia Davis for 50 years of service. An open house was held at the Marsh Julia Davis Collection center in Kingsport on Sept. 12, and included a ceremony of recognition. Julia has been working with Marsh Blood Center since 1966.
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Fall 2016
Where The Sinclairs meet the
Virginia Highlands.
every family has a story. what will yours say? Set deep within the Virginia Highlands, The Virginian is a private, residential community with a deep heritage. Now, your family can be a part of this history. Experience the best of quiet, country living with a Tom Fazio-designed course, fly fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, tennis and more. To learn about life here, visit TheVirginian.com. Homes from $450k.
276.645.6950 | 22512 CLUBHOUSE RIDGE, BRISTOL, VA 24202